Skin is the human body’s largest organ. It forms a barrier of protection between our bodies and the world around us. Taking good care of it is important for overall health, and it feels good, too! As an adult, you’re probably all too aware of the consequences of neglecting your skin, such as acne, sun damage, and premature aging. But when it comes to children’s skin care, what do they really need?
Babies and children are starting out with perfect skin, and it’s never to early to start forming good skincare habits. Of course, every child is different, and their needs will change as they age. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best face wash and skin care routines for kids of all ages.
The Best Skincare Routine for Babies and Toddlers
Establishing a skincare routine for your baby or toddler may not have occurred to you, but it’s actually the norm in Korea. It’s not uncommon for Korean moms to take their little ones to get facials. In fact, many K-beauty brands offer entire skin care lines just for babies! Even for adults, a Korean skin care/K-beauty routine revolves around gentle, safe, natural products that have minimal ingredients.
A Korean skincare routine for babies starts in the morning with a gentle face wash made from natural and organic ingredients. Look for a formula that is hypo-allergenic and free of chemicals or fragrances. Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer to prevent dry spots. Coconut oil-based lotions are ideal for babies and young children because they soften and hydrate the skin without causing any irritation.
Finish off with a baby-safe sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent sun damage on your baby’s delicate skin. In the evening, face wash followed by a slightly thicker cream moisturizer will be perfect for most little ones.
The Best Skincare Routine for Children from Two to Five Years Old
While every child develops at their own pace, many children are beginning to walk, talk, dress themselves, brush their teeth, and wash themselves by this time. That makes it the ideal age to develop good face and handwashing habits. If your child hates splashing water on their face, try a soft washcloth instead.
The routine will be basically the same as the one for babies and toddlers above. However, you might want to choose a gentle wash that your child can use for the face, hair, and body, just to keep things super simple. Show them how to follow up their washing routine with a gentle lotion and help them apply SPF if they’ll be spending any time in the sun.
Skincare for Children Ages Six to Nine
Once your child reaches school age, chances are good he or she will want to be more independent. It’s a great age to really reinforce proper skincare because habits formed at this age will generally carry over into their teen and adult years. Consistency and patience will be the key to turning good skincare into a lifelong habit.
At this age, you can begin to introduce more specialized skincare products, such as facial cleansing milk for dry skin or gentle clarifying cleanser for oilier skin. It’s also a good time to add a balancing, alcohol-free toner into their routine. Continue to follow up with a lightweight lotion or cream and SPF as needed.
The Best Skincare Routine for Tweens
If your child isn’t already following a skincare routine, the tween years (from 10 to 13) are a great time to start. The tweens can be challenging for kids and parents, as kids are becoming even more independent and peer pressure becomes an issue.
Not only that, but their bodies and skin are beginning to show the dramatic changes that come with puberty. Encouraging your child to eat a healthy diet and follow a good skincare routine will go a long way toward avoiding skin issues in the teen years. And, kids love trying new things at this age, so that makes your job a little easier!
Now would be a good time to introduce a double cleansing routine in the evening to ensure that their skin is free of oil, dirt, and sunscreen before bed. An acne spot treatment can also be added into the routine as needed. Remember to keep all products gentle and natural. Alcohol-based toners that strip the skin will do more harm than good.
Helping Your Teenager Establish a Skincare Routine
Teenagers have chaotic skin, thanks to all those raging hormones. Being consistent with their skincare routine and eating a healthy diet is crucial for reducing breakouts. At this age, a complete morning and evening skincare routine is crucial.
Teens should double cleanse morning and evening to keep skin clear of pore-clogging dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup. A gentle, alcohol-free Korean toner should be used morning and evening. Choose lightweight, oil-free lotions to provide hydration without clogging pores. SPF should also be used daily to prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
Now is a great time to introduce gentle exfoliants to your child. Exfoliating one or two nights a week will remove dead skin and deep-down dirt and oil, which is key for preventing breakouts. Your teen may also enjoy using masks a couple of times a week, and Korean skincare brands offer a variety of masks that are fantastic for acne-prone skin.
Final Thoughts
Learning good skincare habits starting at a young age will continue to benefit your child later in life. Everyone wants to have nice skin and learning what works and what doesn’t will give your child the best opportunity to have clear skin for life. Every child should also be taught the importance of wearing SPF every time they’re out in the sun. Even if your young child doesn’t thank you now, they’re sure to appreciate the value of a good skincare routine in their teen and adult years!