Why Good Skincare Habits for Children and Young Adults Are So Important
In our modern world, where exposure to pollutants and toxins are all too common, it’s important that we help our children adopt naturally beneficial skincare habits from an early age. Indeed, it’s no exaggeration to say that the skin they’ll grow into as adults will be the skin they map out for themselves as children. If we want them to grow up with healthy, glowing skin (and all the benefits to their confidence that this can bring) then we need to instil good habits from the very start.
With this in mind, perhaps the most important lesson we can offer our children is that good skincare is dependent on a holistic, inside/outside approach.
The Formative Years
When it comes to their skin, babies and young children can get off to a good start with appropriate food introduction and skin protection.
Eczema and other forms of dermatitis are unfortunately common these days and the root cause of these outbreaks generally comes from ‘within’, a result of a food intolerance, inadequate digestion and stomach flora, or inflammatory stress. Careful introduction of new foods for babies is therefore advisable (for more information, you can read our article on how to manage eczema here).
General bathing is also important and can take place once a day. It’s not only a great bonding exercise for parents and babies, it’s wonderfully de-stressing for children to relax in water. But be careful not to over-scrub young skin and always avoid non-natural soaps. A baby’s skin has a perfect pH level just as it is, acting as a protector against harmful bacteria and fungi.
SLS, common in most soaps as a foaming agent, is a detergent that alters the natural flora and pH of the skin. Used too often, it can increase the risk of infections, inflammation, dry skin, and itching. Remember, in most cases (and this includes adults) the only areas that really need constant cleaning are our hands, under the arms, the genital area, and muddy knees!
Like all of us, young children also need to avoid overexposure to the sun. A child’s skin is thinner, more fragile, and less oily than an adult’s. It also produces less melanin, the substance that helps ward off sunburn. And remember too, at any age, too much sun can degrade collagen levels, causing the formation of spots and moles, and the possibility of skin cancer in later life. In addition, overexposure has an aging effect on the skin, which will become evident as we enter our twenties, thirties, and beyond.
To help protect against the sun, we should not only invest in a carefully chosen sunblock but also cover up with lightweight cotton clothes and a hat when the sun is at its highest. There are some concerns – and a growing body of research - that suggest chemical sunscreens may actually increase the risk of cancer, and for this reason it’s wise to use a broad spectrum, natural (and non nano-particle), zinc-based, sunscreen.
What’s less commonly recognized is that under-exposure to the sun should also be avoided. We need some sun to help replenish our store of Vitamin D, which, among other things, helps to slow down the rate of cellular aging and build strong bones. Exposure to the sun for 10-15 minutes in the early afternoon or late morning is generally enough to maintain good Vitamin D levels and is also beneficial for stress levels.
The Teenage Years
As a child grows and enters their teenage years, there are additional steps we can take to help care for their skin.
We all know that increased hormone production brings with it a host of changes (both emotional and physical!) but when it comes to the skin, the most noticeable change will be a greater production of oil on the surface of the skin. This, in turn, can lead to breakouts and, in some cases, full-blown acne.
To help mitigate this, a teenager’s skin needs tender care, using products free from synthetic toxins and gentle enough to respect the beauty of youth. Introducing your teen to some simple skincare steps will help set them up for a lifetime of good skin.
One way they can reduce breakouts is by cleansing and gently exfoliating. The Organic Skin Co.’s ‘Clean Slate’, Fruit Acid Complex Cleanser is perfect for this; a great option to help remove excess oils and clean the top layer of skin, without damaging it.
If a teen is using makeup (we recommend quality organic makeup, as it will double as skincare and be free of synthetics) then they must get into the habit or removing it before they go to bed, so that their skin has a chance to breathe.
Finally, never forget the importance of exercise and a good diet as part of a healthy, holistic approach to skincare. Exercise helps to encourage blood circulation and eliminate toxins, whilst a well-balanced diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants will not only keep a child’s skin in great condition, it will also increase their resistance to sun-induced damage.
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Ultimately, great skin in our later years depends, at least in part, on how soon we form good habits and a healthy skincare regimen in our early years. If we look after our skin when we’re young, it will look after us as we age!
