What skincare for kids should mean

Cosmeticorexiahas been used to describe kids’ obsession with “flawless skin, strong actives, and mega skincare regimens. Here’s what kids’ skincare should actually be.

About Children’s Skin

The skin of children is softer, thinner, and less protected than that of adults. Kids are smaller so the surface area required to reach toxicity is less. Their skin is more sensitive and its barrier is immature. Strong actives, allergens, or even just many, many ingredients increase the risk of irritation, barrier damage, sensitive skin conditions, inflammation, acne, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Less Is Best

That means less allergens (fragrances, dyes, preservatives), fewer ingredients in general, fewer products overall, and no highly irritating actives. In addition to hypoallergenic shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (and antiperspirant when odor starts up), a good basic cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen should do it.

Babies …

… need almost nothing! Bathe baby in allergen-free Coo & Clean or Clark Wash. For baby’s face, use only clean water and soft cotton.

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) like Oil’s Well or Know-It-Oil is a great multi-tasker: for cleaning, diaper rash, daily moisturizing, adn to soothe rashes or eczema (where Boo-Boo Balm can be very helpful).

Toddlers and Young Kids

All that nonstop exploration comes with dirt and grime which, for the most part, is actually good! Add a non-drying monolaurin hand sanitizer like Kid Gloves for toilet visits, pre-meal hand cleaning, and play dates. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer later in life. Tip: ouchless VCO and Boo-Boo Balm work for owies and gum in hair, too 🙂

Tweens

Hormonal changes can mean odor (Essence Stay Fresh-ener Whole Body Deo or Antiperspirant is a fave) and acne (SuperSkin Care can be started at age 9). Superskin toners have mandelic acid (among the gentlest of actives and with a large molecular size that significantly reduces the risk of irritation) and monolaurin (safe for everyone and great for bumps). Add an Armada Sunscreen for daily protection.

Teens

Continue SuperSkin Care (cleanser or scrub, toner, moisturizer) and Armada Sunscreen. If needed for acne, add Id Monolaurin Gel (also excellent for sweat “acne”) or Red Better Spot Corrector. Don’t forget non-comedogenic prevention such as with Essence hair care. Hypoallergenic facials can help clear pores. Cystic acne needs a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and management.

Talk About Health …

… not “beauty.” “Flawless” isn’t a term scientists and doctors tend to use. Skincare is health care. Talk to kids about hygiene, sleep, nutrition, activity, sunscreen, gentle cleaning, balanced bug care, and how skin is our body’s first defense against infection (among many other incredible things!) Share how skin comes in all colors (sometimes at the same time, like in vitiligo) and textures, and how it changes (a lot!) over time … which is part of what makes skin so amazing.