Parents often wonder when, and how, to begin skincare routines for their children. As a pharmacist, I believe that the right time and method depends on your child’s age, skin needs, and comfort level. Here’s how to introduce cleansing and care without overwhelming their delicate skin.
Skincare is Self-Care: Teaching Kids the Basics Early
Curating a skincare routine for your child will build lifelong healthy habits early. This will allow your child a sense of responsibility and will boost their self-confidence and body awareness. It will also help manage common skin conditions in children like dryness, eczema, and oiliness.
Age-Based Tips for Introducing Gentle Skincare
For kids aged 3-6: Gentle Beginnings
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Keep it Simple: At this age, skin is typically healthy and low-maintenance.
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Water is Enough: A soft washcloth and lukewarm water during baths usually suffice.
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When Needed: Only add a fragrance-free, mild cleanser if skin is visibly dirty. Our brand new Marshmallow Magic Gentle Cleanser is perfect!
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Tip: Avoid antibacterial soaps, which can disrupt young skin’s natural barrier!
For kids aged 7-10: Awareness Grows
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Introduce Mild Daily Cleansers: Consider a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser during bath time once daily, especially for children with oily skin, sports activities, or early signs of sensitivity. We recommend Marshmallow Magic Gentle Cleanser.
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Demonstrate Proper Technique: Show how to use fingertips (not sponges) to wash the face… No scrubbing!
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Reinforce Moisturizing: If skin is dry, follow cleansing with a light, fragrance-free moisturizer.
For kids aged 11-13: Transition Years and Early Puberty
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Address Oil and Sweat: As hormones shift, sweat and oil production can increase. A gentle cleanser will do the trick when used morning and night. If they are not showing signs of acne, we recommend Marshmallow Magic Gentle Cleanser. If they have active acne, we recommend Refresh Gel Cleanser.
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Spot-clean After Activities: Encourage washing the face after sports or sweating to minimize breakouts.
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Avoid Over-Cleansing: Too much washing strips the skin; once or twice a day is enough.
Ingredients to Avoid in Kid’s Skincare
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Retinoids and Retinol
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Why avoid: Can cause redness, irritation, dryness and may disrupt developing skin barriers. Only use if medically indicated and recommended by a healthcare professional.
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Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHAs/BHAs)
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Why avoid: These exfoliating acids are too harsh for young skin and can lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity.
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Parabens
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Why avoid: Preservatives linked to potential hormone disruption and allergies.
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Alcohol (Denatured)
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Why avoid: Highly drying and irritating, especially to sensitive skin
Pharmacist’s Things to Lookout for
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Patch Test New Products: Always try new skincare on a small skin area first for children.
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Choose Fragrance-Free: Fragrances and dyes are common irritants for young skin.
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Educate, Don’t Overwhelm: Involve kids in the process in a supportive, non-critical way.
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Consult with Experts: If your child is struggling with persistent redness, rashes, or acne, consult with your pediatrician before starting new products.
Why Gentle Matters: Choosing a Cleanser for Your Child
Selecting the right cleanser for your child’s delicate skin is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing irritation. Here’s why gentle cleansers are the best choice:
pH Balance: Protecting the Skin’s Natural Barrier
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Children have a different pH on their skin than that of adults. Using cleansers that are too alkaline or too acidic can disrupt this balance, leading to dryness, irritation and increased sensitivity.
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Our Marshmallow Magic Gentle Cleanser contains Oat and Apple Amino Acids which are derived from natural amino acids and tend to maintain a kid-friendly pH.
Barrier Protection: Supporting Your Child’s Skin Defense
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The skin barrier acts like a shield, locking in moisture and keeping out harmful irritants or allergens.
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Marshmallow Magic ingredients that support barrier health:
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Glycerin: A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, keeping skin hydrated
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Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects skin cells from environmental damage.
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With that all being said… choose Marshmallow Magic Gentle Cleanser to be a part of your child’s skincare routine!
