Children’s skin is delicate, and sensitivities are common. Early recognition and gentle care are essential for healthy, comfortable skin.
Pharmacist Signs to Watch For
Be alert for these common signs of skin sensitivity in children:
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Dry patches: Rough, flaky, or scaly areas, especially on cheeks, arms, or legs can signal eczema or irritation.
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Redness: Persistent or patchy redness often indicates inflammation or a reaction to products or environmental triggers.
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Reaction triggers: Watch for flare-ups after exposure to new soaps, detergents, wipes, fragrances, or certain fabrics. Jewelry, preservatives, and even some toys are frequent culprits.
How to Do a Patch Test (Especially with New Botanicals- Kiddos do not need active ingredients!)
Patch testing is a simple, effective way to check for potential reactions before using a new product – especially important with active botanicals or essential oils.
Here’s how to patch test at home:
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Apply a small amount of the product to a quarter-sized area on the inside of your child’s arm or the bend of their elbow.
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Use the same amount and thickness as normal application.
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Leave it on as long as the product would typically stay (for wash-off products, leave for 5 minutes or as directed).
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Repeat this process twice daily for 5-7 days, watching for redness, itching, or swelling.
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If any reaction occurs, wash off immediately and discontinue use. Soothe with a cool compress or The Healer Balm if needed.
Choosing Minimalist and Fragrance-Free Routines
For kids, a minimalist routine approach is important as it reduces the risk of irritation and allows your child’s skin to heal and thrive.
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Gentle cleanser: Use our new Marshmallow Magic Gentle Cleanser (coming in August) that’s safe and designed for kids.
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Moisturizer: Opt for a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer with ceramides, shea butter, or glycerin to lock in hydration and prevent dryness. Our Healer Balm is a great choice for a moisturizer, because it not only moisturizes the skin, but helps heal eczema, irritation and inflammation commonly found in kids.
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Sun protection: Choose a mineral-based sunscreen without added fragrance or harsh chemicals. The Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Tinted Sunscreen is our recommendation for a daily kid's sunscreen.
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Avoidance: Steer clear of unnecessary additives, artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives that often trigger sensitivity.
How Marshmallow Magic Supports Children’s Skin Concerns
Our Marshmallow Magic Gentle Cleanser (coming in August) contains several ingredients that support inflammatory skin concerns in children by soothing irritation, reinforcing the skin barrier, and providing antioxidant protection:
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Oat and apple amino acids: These are gentle, non-stripping surfactants derived from natural sources. Oat amino acids are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making them ideal for sensitive or inflamed skin.
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Glycerin: A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to prevent dryness and maintain a healthy barrier - crucial for reducing inflammation and irritation.
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Grape seed oil: Rich in antioxidants and linoleic acid, this oil helps calm redness and supports skin repair, while its light texture avoids clogging pores.
This blend is minimalist and fragrance-free, reducing the risk of irritation from unnecessary additives. Its combination of gentle surfactants, barrier-supporting oils, antioxidants, and microbiome-friendly ingredients makes it well-suited to calm, protect, and restore your child’s sensitive skin.
