Thanks to social media, kid skin care routines have become all the rage. While we love that these little self-care Queens and Kings are showing an interest in their skin, parents have to beware of the products they are using.
As a mom of a nine-year-old skin-care loving girl and an esthetician of 15 years, I am constantly turning down her requests for the newest, coolest, skin-care she sees and has to have. However, social media can be deceiving and convincing eight and nine year olds that they do not need these products can be a tough battle. Part of this skin care craze is a good thing because they’re educating themselves and developing self-care routines. We just need to be clear about ingredients and what is good for kids this young to use on their sweet little faces. Many of these products being blasted on social media contain active, powerful ingredients that can be harmful to young skin. Products with highly concentrated and active ingredients can cause kids to experience chemical burns and premature acne. Even though these powerful ingredients are not necessary at these young ages, taking care of your skin is very important. It IS the largest organ on your body after all!
Let’s break down what a skin care routine for any eight or nine year old should look like.
First, the foundation of any skin care routine is proper cleansing. A mild soap-free gentle cleanser is ideal for this age group. The only goal for cleansing at this age is to remove dirt and impurities without causing irritation.
Next, moisturizing is essential. Kids absorb and lose more water and moisture than adults, so moisturizing is a crucial step for a young skin care routine.
Finally, a daytime SPF for sensitive skin. Kids are outside a lot and that sun exposure along with fluorescent lighting at school can cause early sun damage.
Let’s talk about ingredients you want to avoid and ingredients that are safe in products that younger children may be using…
AVOID
Fragrance– This can cause irritation and inflammation. Even though those glittery face masks that smell like jolly ranchers look like fun, they can cause severe irritation. I’ve seen countless slumber parties go wrong with these masks. Trust me!
Parabens– They are synthetic preservatives in skincare and they can reduce the number of healthy bacteria on the skin, weakening the skin’s immune system.
Formaldehyde– Otherwise known as formalin, DMDM hydantoin, methylene glycolic, quaternion 15, and 3 dioxins. These are highly active molecules that can cause severe irritation and burns on the skin.
Synthetic dyes-These contain toxins that have been shown to clog pores and disrupt the skin’s natural oil balance, which can lead to acne.
Glycolic acid-While this ingredient isn’t as harmful as the others, glycolic acid is used to help exfoliate the skin, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, fade dark patches, etc. While this ingredient may not be totally harmful, it can easily be overused and is just not necessary at their age.
Acne products like:
–benzoyl peroxide
–salicylic acid
–retinol
*As a general rule, most acids are intended for those 13 years and older.
SAFE
Squalane-Deeply hydrates, reducing transepidermal water loss in the skin.
Niacinamide– This is a brightening agent that smooths texture and reduces the appearance of pores. It is anti-inflammatory and good for sensitive skin.
Hyaluronic acid– A natural compound produced by our own skin to keep it moisturized and hydrated. Don’t be scared off by the word “acid” in this ingredient.
Benefits to starting a skin care routine young:
- Kids become responsible for their skin and hygiene.
- They learn how to follow a routine independently.
- Younger kids who already have a skin care routine will be more prepared when puberty starts to affect their skin.
I don’t know about other parents, but teeth brushing is always a routine that likes to be overlooked by my kids. Just a quick tip to help if that is an issue, make sure they are brushing their teeth before they do their skin care. Brushing after they have washed and hydrated their skin can cause irritation from their saliva and any toothpaste hitting their skin. It is a win win when explained that way to them.
Make it fun! Since my daughter doesn’t have all the fun, colorful bottles that squirt serums out in the shape of a flower and smell like glazed donuts, I’ve tried to make other things more fun. For example, get them a cute skin care headband, wrist cuffs, a cute caboodle or case for their skin-care and a Jade roller! A jade roller is so much fun for them to use, they feel fancy, it helps the product to absorb, and it can help with any puffiness they may be experiencing.
Make your own “masks” and “exfoliating scrubs.” Ingredients such as oatmeal, brown sugar, egg whites and so much more can be turned into all natural fun skin care products. Check out Pinterest and you’ll find a vast array of recipes.
I couldn’t end this blog without giving you actual names of safe products to use. Before I do that let’s see what Dr.Norris would recommend…
“It’s important to get kids in a skin care routine using gentle, clean products. In our office we steer parents toward our PCA creamy cleanser, Rebalance moisturizer, and Elta MD UVClear Sunscreen.” -Dr. Nicole Norris
**Also watch out for those “dermatologist recommended” brands. These companies donate massive amounts of free products for dermatologists offices to hand out, therefore calling them “dermatologist recommended.” Read the ingredients and stay educated.
