Hey Skincare! Leave Them Kids Alone!

I often discuss the misguided trend of imposing strict skincare routines on children and teenagers. It's become a prevalent notion that every child needs a regimented approach to skincare, but this idea is fundamentally flawed. Children's skin is remarkably resilient and self-sustaining, requiring minimal intervention to thrive.

 

Parents, especially new ones, often feel pressured to use every available product to ensure their child's skin remains pristine. However, most of these efforts are unnecessary and can even be detrimental. Here’s a practical approach:

 

Bathe in Moderation: Lukewarm water suffices for bathing. Avoid extremes in temperature; there’s no need for harsh soaps or excessive scrubbing.

 

Soap Only Where Needed: Gentle soap should only be used where there's visible dirt or residue. Avoid antibacterial soaps, which can disrupt the skin’s microbiome and lead to other issues such as irritation and toxicity.

 

Shampoo Considerations: Shampooing children's hair daily isn't necessary and can exacerbate dryness. Less frequent washing might actually improve hair health.

 

Teenagers and Acne: Acne isn’t caused by poor hygiene. Over-cleansing can strip the skin’s protective barrier, making acne worse. Specific treatments are needed for acne, not excessive washing.

 

Avoid Unnecessary Products: Skip adult skincare trends like serums and toners for teenagers. Most of these products are unnecessary and may cause more harm than good.

 

By taking a more discerning and minimalist approach to skincare for children and teenagers, we allow their skin to function naturally. Let's prioritize skin health over unnecessary products and elaborate routines. More often than not, your child's skin knows how to do its job—let it.

Thanks for reading and God bless.

 

Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist