Important Tips for Taking Care of Your Child’s Skin
One of the great joys of parenthood is the marvel of a baby’s soft, smooth skin. To protect it, you were ready with the diaper rash ointment and the baby shampoo when your baby was an infant. However, taking care of your child’s skin is a task that extends into the toddler, preschool, and elementary school years and beyond. Here are important tips for taking care of your child’s skin.
Prioritize Sun Protection
Childhood sunburns can lead to long-term skin issues, such as premature aging and skin cancer. Make sure your child wears protective clothing when outdoors, and use children’s sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply the sunscreen at least 15 minutes before your child goes outside, and reapply it every two hours or more frequently if your child has been swimming or sweating.
Don’t Forget the Sun Bonnet!
Your preschooler or elementary school child may resist wearing that cute sun bonnet, but protecting your child’s skin from harmful UV rays is of the utmost importance. Find a hat they’ll want to wear to protect their scalp and face from the sun.
Get Moisturizers for Kids
Dry skin can be uncomfortable and itchy, leading to rashes or other skin irritations. Therefore, moisturizing your child’s skin is crucial. Use mild, fragrance-free moisturizers that can help lock moisture in the skin, especially after bathing or swimming.
Use Child-Safe Products
Look for products that are specifically formulated for children’s skin; knowing how to choose skincare products for sensitive skin can help with this.
Avoid Scented or Dyed Products
Children Don’t Need Perfume!
Using scented or dyed products for soap, laundry detergents, and other household products can cause skin irritation and allergies. Therefore, try to avoid these products. Instead, use mild, fragrance-free products. You can also choose specialized baby products that are gentle on the skin.
Watch Your Kid’s Hands
Infants and toddlers naturally explore their environments, and this often involves putting their hands in their mouths. If your child habitually sucks their thumb, they may develop cracked or calloused skin or even blisters.
Know How To Treat Cracks, Callouses, and Blisters
You can treat callouses and cracked skin with nontoxic moisturizers, and there are special steps to treat blisters from finger sucking. For example, never pop a blister; try to keep it clean and dry until it heals. And don’t use bandages, as they pose a choking hazard.
Don’t Scrub
Be Gentle When Washing
Scrubbing can cause skin irritation or damage, especially for children with sensitive skin. Avoid using harsh scrubs or brushes on your child’s skin. Instead, use gentle cleansers that are formulated to be kind to the skin.
These important tips for taking care of your child’s skin will help your child stay safe and comfortable while maintaining great skincare. Use these methods to start excellent skincare for your child today.
Photo – Yan Krukau
