Babies and Kids Skincare

Baby skin is just one-fifth of the thickness of adult skin and it reacts more sensitively to external aggressors. The self-protection mechanisms have less development. Therefore, babies and kids skincare must have special characteristics to keep their skin healthy.

Taking good care of your child´s skin is not difficult, although it requires attention.

Here are the 5 basic tips:

Choose child-friendly products that are free of toxic chemicals

Read the product label on laundry detergent and personal care products (cleanser, shampoo, lotion…) and choose those specially designed for sensitive skin, and dermatologist tested.

Avoid these ingredients: Parabens, sulfates, gluten, propylene or butylene glycols, petroleum, polyethylene glycol (PEG), Ethanolamine compounds (TEA, DEA, MEA), phthalates, genetically modified organisms (GMO), silicones, pesticides, artificial dyes or fragrances.

Scented skin care products are not for the baby´s benefit, and aren’t worth the risk. Products must be hypo-allergenic and designed to be used on babies or children.

Of course, as far as I´m concerned, products must also be biodegradable and cruelty free. I´m sure you also want to choose products responsibly, on your child´s behalf.

Bug protection

If you are taking your child (over 6 months) outdoors, it’s always best to apply natural based insect repellent that is approved to use on children. For protection against mosquitoes, long pants, long-sleeved tops, and a hat are good options. If your child is very young, you can consider applying the natural repellent on clothes, such as sleeves, hat and socks instead of directly to the skin.

Skin care regimen

The chosen cleanser must be gentle and soap-less so the delicate skin of your baby or child doesn’t dry out.

Choose a special moisturizer for children´s face and dermatologist tested, and apply it to your child’s body and face right after every bath or shower to seal in the moisture.

Incorporating a simple but effective skin care routine when they reach the tween age, will help keep acne at bay.

Good habits: healthy eating, water and sleep

A nutritious and balanced diet is essential for a child’s growth and health. So is an adequate hydration.

A variety of food, a good night’s sleep and plenty of water will ensure a healthy skin for your child.

Protection from sun 

This is the most important one when you are at a beach resort such as Cancun,  Puerto Vallarta, or Los Cabos. This is true especially if you live here full time. Here we go. Keep the newborns out of the direct sunlight, as their natural protection mechanisms have not yet formed. Sensitivity to UV is further enhanced by low pigmentation in baby skin. Melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) are present, but less active. Melanin serves as protection against UV radiation.

Sunscreen is not suitable for babies under 6 months of age. Instead, they should be covered up and shaded from the sun.

For children aged six months or more, apply a specially designed for kids sunscreen on a daily basis, 30 minutes before going outside. Then reapply every 2 hours or sooner in case child has been swimming.

When in the sun, children should wear protective clothing and an appropriate sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Also apply a sunscreen lip balm to your child’s lips.

Limit sun exposure. Children should avoid the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM, when its rays are strongest.

Avoid sunscreens that contain PABA, parabens, benzophenones, oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone and those tinted or scented.

Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen which protect against UVA & UVB rays.

Taking good care of your child´s skin will have a lifetime impact on your little one´s health.