As a parent, one of the many jobs on your endless ‘to do’ list is to discover the best ways to protect and care for your little ones. You hear so much conflicting advice about what to do and what not to do it can sometimes feel like you’re trying to decode a complex maths equation. But when it comes to children’s skincare, your mission is simple – to keep their skin as soft, supple and hydrated as it was the day they were born.
There’s nothing quite like a newborn’s skin to make you go gaga. The touch, the smell, the look: it’s no wonder we want to try and maintain this perfect state for as long as possible. However, when babies are first born, their skin is very thin and susceptible to damage so it’s wise to take extra special care. Thankfully, as they get older, skin becomes stronger and develops its own natural barrier.
But even with this natural barrier in place it’s still vital to introduce a proper skin care routine from an early age. This means avoiding exposure to too much sun – although a healthy dose of vitamin D is essential for bone and teeth development – buying products that are suitable for your child’s skin type, and remembering to apply sun cream even during the winter months.
Bath time is the perfect prelude to bedtime, and a regular routine can help in your quest to get little ones tucked up before the witching hour kicks in. It’s also a good time to start establishing healthy skincare routines: encourage little ones to wash their hands, face and any other pongy areas if they’re not having a bath and always use a gentle cleansing product at bath time.
Whatever the age, it’s essential to take extra special care when your little ones are out in the sun. According to the NHS, sunburn that blisters before the age of 20 can double the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. So rule number one when it comes to sun care is to start your summer time rituals when your child is still young. This will avoid mini meltdowns and sun cream-induced tears and tantrums as they get older.
You don’t need to bury your head – or child! – in the sand, just read our handy tips below to ensure a burn-free beach trip:
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