Skincare
Questions and Simple Tips
Young children seem to inexplicably get dirty, plus they are crawling on the ground, soil their diapers, get food and other debris all over themselves — you get the picture. Ensuring that their skin is clean and protected is important for their overall health.
Is water alone sufficient for bathing?
Washing the skin with water alone is not enough to remove all impurities, such as fecal matter, urine, dirt, etc. Choose the right types of soaps, detergents, cleansers, etc., particularly, those with a non-alkaline pH, minimal dyes and fragrances that do not irritate or dry the skin.
Is daily bathing necessary?
Depends on the child’s’ age, the weather, and what they are exposed to. For young infants, bathing every 2–3 days may be adequate, as long as spot cleansing of vital areas (diaper, face, hands, body folds) are performed as needed. Older children need more frequent bathing, especially, if they have been playing outside, have been out in public, or just active in general. Note that long baths, i.e. tub soaking and bubble baths, may increase the chances of skin dryness/irritation.
Is tanning okay?
No. A tan is actually a sign of skin damage. When the skin is exposed to UV light, the UV rays affect the DNA of skin cells, which activates a protective response that leads to the production of new melanin, hence the tan. Children (<2) are even more susceptible to this DNA-damaging effect.
Do children need sun protection?
Absolutely. Sun protection isn’t just about wrinkles and aging. Children of all skin types can get sunburned. Remember, the skin plays an important role in the body’s immune response, so it is imperative that we keep it healthy!
Recommendations for sun protection include*:
- Sun avoidance: keep babies away from direct sun exposure. For older infants and young children, avoid periods of peak sun exposure. Use lightweight, but tightly woven clothing and hats to cover skin. Extra caution should also be used around reflective surfaces, such as water, snow and sand that can reflect UV light.
- Sunscreen: use sunscreens that have the lowest possibility for irritation and allergies. For children younger than six months, sun avoidance is key, but sunscreen may be applied to small areas of skin, not covered by clothing and hats.
*For more information – see our informational posts about sun safety.