Skincare tips: Teach your child basics of hygiene for healthy, happy skin

As children grow, they face various pressures, from changes in their bodies to external influences like social media, peer pressure, and ever changing beauty standards. These pressures can often make them feel self-conscious about their appearance, which is why it's vital to help them develop a sense of self-worth rooted in healthy habits.

By teaching your children a simple, effective skincare routine, you can help them maintain a healthy skin and also empower them to embrace and celebrate their unique qualities, says Vidya Madhavan, Founder and CEO, Y Play Z. “A skincare routine that focuses on nourishment, self-care, and confidence-building allows children to take ownership of their well-being and feel comfortable in their own skin, no matter what external pressures they face,” she says.

Also read | Oral hygiene tips for infants, children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens

Here are some personal hygiene and grooming tips, suggested by Madhavan:

• Daily cleansing routine: The first sign of irritation or discomfort often comes from the skin feeling tight, dry, or oily. Teach children to cleanse their face and body at least twice a day, morning and night, to remove dirt and prevent breakouts, keeping their skin fresh. For a very dry skin, it's okay to cleanse just once a day.

• Moisturise regularly: Dry patches, rough textures, or red spots may signal that the skin needs moisture. Help them develop the habit of moisturizing after cleansing. Choose gentle, hydrating formulas that will lock in moisture without irritating their skin.

• Sun protection: Sunburns, dark spots, and premature wrinkles can happen when sunscreen is skipped. Teach children that SPF is just as essential as brushing their teeth. Sunscreen protects from harmful UV rays, and it’s an everyday essential—even when it’s cloudy.

• Minimalistic routine for tweens and teens: Salad days can be challenging for the tweens and teens. Overwhelming skincare routines with too many products can cause confusion and breakouts. It is important for children in this age bracket to stick  to a simple regimen; cleanse, moisturise, and SPF.

• Avoid picking at the skin: Picking, popping, or scratching pimples can leave marks or cause infections. Gently explain that handling skin issues with care helps prevent irritation and scarring.

• Healthy diet, happy skin: Skin problems often appear when a child’s diet lacks nutrients. Help them understand that a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, nurtures their skin and keeps it clear.

• Beauty sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to dull, tired-looking skin. Encourage children to sleep well, as the body repairs and restores itself during rest, including rejuvenating the skin.

• Stress management: Stress can show up on the skin as breakouts or flare-ups. Teach children to manage stress through enjoyable activities like sports or creative hobbies, helping to prevent stress-induced skin issues.

• Social media reality check: Explain that not everything seen online is realistic or healthy for their skin. Encourage discussions about new trends with trusted adults, and help them make informed decisions about skincare choices.

• Self-care: Skincare is about self-love, not perfection. Teach kids that skincare routines should help them feel good and care for their skin, not aim for flawless skin. This encourages healthy self-esteem and encourages a positive relationship with their appearance.