Top 10 Tips To Improve Your Child's Skin Health

Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team

A child’s skin is softer and healthier than an adult’s. It is essential to take good care of your child’s skin health as it is vulnerable to damage. In addition, external factors such as harsh weather conditions and pollution may negatively impact their delicate skin.

Although you may be unable to control the external skin-damaging elements entirely, you could make certain lifestyle changes that promote healthier skin, such as maintaining hygiene, giving your child a healthy diet, and ensuring they have sufficient, uninterrupted sleep. Additionally, implementing some more strategies could help maintain smooth, well-nourished, and healthy skin in your child.

Want to know some more tips that could benefit your child’s skin? Then read on.

10 Tips To Keep Your Child’s Skin Nourished

Below are a few skin care tips that might help you keep your child’s skin nourished. Although these may not help improve your child’s natural complexion, they might help remove dead cells and retain the smooth texture—the goal is to support healthy skin rather than change its natural tone. Following a consistent skincare routine helps prevent skin problems and promotes overall wellness. However, before trying any of these, remember that some children may be allergic to a few ingredients; thus, a patch test is advised.

However, before trying any of these, remember that some children may be allergic to a few ingredients; thus, a patch test is advised.

1. Apply a mixture of milk and turmeric

A study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology suggests that turmeric is effective at reducing acne and improving complexion. The curcuminoids present in turmeric have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-lightening properties (1).

Mix turmeric and milk and apply the paste gently on your child’s face, hands, and rest of the body. Allow it to dry. Wipe the dried paste using a soft wet cloth. After removing the milk-turmeric paste, bathe them without using a cleanser or soap. Always consult a healthcare provider before using turmeric or milk on sensitive skin, especially if your child has allergies.

2. Apply a mixture of curd, tomato extract, and oatmeal

Mix curd, tomato extract, and oatmeal thoroughly, and apply the mixture to your child’s skin. This home made face pack for kids facilitates exfoliation, which helps minimize blemishes, leaving the skin nourished and smooth. In addition, oat powder mixed with curd has moisturizing, cleansing, and antioxidant properties, which might help retain the skin’s natural texture and improve your child’s skin health (2) (3). Avoid using curd in winter or if your child has a cold, cough, sinusitis, or other respiratory conditions.

3. Avoid chemicals and apply natural elements

Avoid applying any chemical products on your child’s skin, as their skin is more permeable when compared to that of adults (4). Using natural elements is an effective way of nourishing your child’s skin. You could apply pure aloe vera gel on your child’s entire body. Aloe vera helps retain the skin’s moisture. However, as per a study published in the International Research Journal of Pharmacy, aloe vera can cause itching, so ensure you do a patch test before applying it on the body or the face (5).

4. Massage your child’s skin with coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and skin hydration properties and might help keep your child’s skin nourished and moisturized (6). Massage your child’s body with coconut oil. It will not only improve your child’s skin texture but may also strengthen their muscles and bones. If you notice any irritation or allergic reactions, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Donna Marie, a mother, shares how coconut oil helped heal her son’s dry skin. She says, “Thankfully my sister-in-law got in touch with me and said I should use coconut oil. I started using coconut oil all over his skin. Within about six to eight months my son’s skin started to heal (i).”

5. Include fruits and cereals in your child’s diet

Add nutritious fruits and cereals to your child’s diet to provide optimum nourishment and promote your child’s skin health. You can feed them with either raw fruits or fruit juices. Antioxidants in fruits neutralize the free radicals and minimize skin damage to a great extent, thereby nourishing the skin (7). Consult a pediatrician before introducing new foods to your child’s diet to ensure they have no allergies or sensitivities.

6. Apply a mixture of turmeric and beetroot

This remedy is particularly helpful in addressing dry skin in children. Mix turmeric powder in beetroot juice, make a thick paste, and apply it to your child’s skin (8). Beetroot is known to have acne-reducing properties, and turmeric helps keep the skin nourished and smooth. Ensure your child isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients before use.

7. Apply chickpea flour on the skin

Chickpea flour helps reduce tanning and oiliness of the skin; hence, it can be used as a good anti-pimple agent. It also helps in cleaning and exfoliating the skin to remove dead cells (9).

Mix the chickpea flour or green gram flour in milk or water and apply the thick paste on your child’s skin gently. Scrub your child’s skin gently. Follow the procedure daily, and you will see their skin glow soon. Perform a patch test to ensure your child’s skin is not sensitive to chickpea flour.

8. Keep them hydrated

Drinking a lot of water helps your child stay hydrated. Sufficient water intake flushes out the toxins from the body and brings a glow to the skin. Ensure your child drinks at least eight glasses of water daily (10).

9. Use mint leaves

Take a handful of fresh mint leaves, grind them, and make a thick paste. Anecdotal evidence suggests that applying mint paste on your child’s face may help keep the skin nourished, healthy, and soft. Make sure your child is not allergic to mint before applying it.

10. Use a mixture of curd and dried orange peel

There is limited research on the benefits of curd on the skin. However, a recent study suggests that curd or other fermented skin products may provide healthy and smooth skin. Also, dried orange skin may help keep the skin moisturized and smooth (11) (12). Prepare a mixture of curd and dried orange peel and apply it to your child’s skin. Test it on a small area first to prevent allergic reactions.

Debunking Common Myths About Your Child’s Skin Health

There are many myths about children’s skin care. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions and focus on the essential facts for healthy, safe skin (13).

1. Myth: Bathing a child every day is necessary to keep them clean.
   Fact: Bathing every other day is typically enough. Frequent baths can remove the natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation.
2. Myth: Adult skincare products are safe for children.
   Fact: Adult skincare products may not be gentle enough for children. They may contain ingredients that can irritate or harm sensitive skin.
3. Myth: Organic products are always better for children’s skin.
   Fact: Not all organic products are suitable for children. Some natural ingredients, such as flower essences or nut oils, may cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially if the child has allergies.
4. Myth: Sunscreen isn’t needed in winter.
   Fact: Sunscreen is essential year-round, even in winter. Snow can reflect sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn.
5. Myth: Dark-skinned children don’t need sunscreen.
   Fact: Although darker skin has more melanin, it can still burn. Sunburn can affect any skin type, regardless of the tone.

Illustration: Tips To Improve Your Child’s Skin Health

Taking care of children’s skin is pretty simple. Watch this video as it gives easy tips and advice on taking care of children’s skin

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