Skin is the barrier between our bodies and the environment. Taking care of it feels good, and can keep you healthy. If adults skip their skincare, their skin will show signs of distress. However, children have skin that is more resilient so we don’t think of skincare as a back-to-school essential, but it’s still a good idea to learn good skincare habits for later life. What should children be doing for the skin and at what age?
Age 2-5
Every child is different, but by now, most kids are walking on their own, developing their language, and learning how to dress themselves, brush their teeth, and wash their bodies.
This is a good time to start teaching your child why it’s important to wash their hands and faces. Some young children don’t like water on their faces, so a soft washcloth is a good place to start.
Make a game of it. Ask your child to copy you when you wash your face or use the washcloth to play hide and seek as you wash their face.
Use a gentle wash, followed by a gentle, lightweight lotion. You can use the same gentle products all over.
Age 6 – 9
Now your child is in school and is becoming more independent. You are no longer their only influence, and they will be starting to work out that they can make decisions for themselves.
This age is the perfect time to start reinforcing those early skincare habits. If they can internalize some good habits at this age, they are much more likely to take them into adulthood. Consistency is key to helping them choose skincare as a lifelong habit.
At this age, you can start introducing facial skincare routines. Look at sites like CLn Skin Care to choose a simple, gentle facial cleanser for simple face-washing. Follow this with a gentle toner to balance their skin pH. You can then follow this with a light lotion. Get in the habit of talking to them about what you’re using on their skin and why.
Age 10 – 13
This is a fun, but challenging, age for both kids and parents. By now, your children are a lot more independent and will also be starting to feel the effects of peer pressure. They will be learning that there are both good and bad consequences of the choices that they make. They are trying out more activities and developing very quickly.
At this age, they will also be beginning to reach puberty. As their bodies change, so does their skin. A good diet and good skincare at this age, before puberty really hits, will help them to keep their skin healthy during their teenage years when it can be a real challenge.
Teaching your children good skincare habits now will help them into their teenagehood and beyond. Everyone wants lovely skin, and starting to learn about skincare early on will give your kids the best chance to have beautiful skin for life.
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