Healthy Skin Guide: 9 Things Parents Can Do To Protect Their Children

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The skin is the body’s largest organ – and plays a vital role in protecting our bodies against harmful germs. The skin also helps regulate our body temperature. As a parent, you may wonder what you can do to protect your children and help them maintain healthy skin. You may be wary of them suffering from skin conditions like psoriasis in the future. However, with the proper care and guidance, you can seek peace of mind that your child has the healthy skin they deserve.

Prioritize Sun Protection

Sun protection cannot be stressed enough. The sun can cause a lot of damage to your child’s skin. Sunburn can be particularly painful and unpleasant, increasing your child’s risk of severe health issues further down the line. So, what can parents do to help? Make sure your children wear protective clothing in the sun. Avoid letting them play in harsh sunlight and regularly apply sunscreen to any exposed areas. When it comes to sunscreen, the higher the factor, the better. You find some of the best children’s sunscreens by reading some online reviews. Ideally, you are looking for ones with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen before your children go outside to play. Once they are out, you should top it up regularly.

Avoid Using Products With Harsh Ingredients

There are plenty of skincare products out there that claim they are kind to children’s skin. Although it can be tempting to buy these products, you must remember that less is more. Unfortunately, many skincare products contain harsh ingredients that will dry out your child’s skin. Unlike us adults, our children’s skin is a lot thinner. So, they will absorb products a lot more than we do. Ideally, you should opt for fragrance-free products. If you are unsure which products to use, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or chemist. Even the products that claim they are “all-natural” can sometimes have harsh chemicals that would irritate your child’s skin. So, always read the label.

Clean Wounds Correctly

Children love to run around and play with their friends. So, it is no surprise that they often fall victim to the odd bump and scrape. Although these wounds are usually nothing to worry about, you must clean them correctly to help them maintain healthy skin. If your child has an injury, you must start by cleaning it. Use soap and water only and try and remove all debris. This will help minimize their risk of infection. Then you must ensure the wound stays moist. This will speed up the healing process and prevent any scars. Use an ointment like petroleum jelly on top of the wound. If you think the wound looks infected, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Attend Regular Doctors Appointments

You must attend regular doctors’ appointments, especially if you have concerns about your child’s skin. Unfortunately, some children can develop skin conditions like psoriasis. This is a common skin condition that causes inflammation of the skin. Although there is no cure for skin conditions like psoriasis, doctors can give you medical guidance to help your children get their symptoms under control. You can learn more about what psoriasis is by referring to some online medical leaflets. Attending regular doctor’s appointments can give you peace of mind that your child is healthy. It is also a good opportunity to ask for medical advice to ensure you are doing everything possible to support your child’s health.

Check For Moles

All parents should regularly check their children for moles. They can develop gradually. If you start to notice more than one mole appearing, you must seek medical advice from a dermatologist. They will regularly access the moles and may run some tests to check that the moles are not linked to a severe health condition. Often, they are nothing to worry about. However, you should always be vigilant. The quicker a dermatologist can spot a problem mole, the sooner they can remove it to ensure your child maintains healthy skin. A mole looks like a small growth on the skin. They are usually pink or brown in color.

Ensure They Drink Lots Of Water

Making sure your child stays hydrated is essential for their skin. Not only does it brighten and hydrate the skin, but it also ensures their temperature is regulated. Understandably, it can be difficult to get children interested in drinking water. After all, they would probably prefer a sweet fruit juice. However, there are some things you can do to encourage them to drink more water. You can infuse the water with fruit to help give it a sweeter taste. A drinking reward chart can also be a good idea. Download a rewards template online. Give your child a sticker on the chart every time they have drunk enough water daily. It is a great way to get children excited about the prospect of staying hydrated.

Regularly Moisturize Their Skin

Keeping the skin moisturized will allow it to remain supple and healthy. The key here is to not go light with the moisturizer, which is something most of us parents can easily do. You want to ensure you are putting a generous amount on the skin. Their skin should look shiny when you are done. Don’t worry about putting too much on, as the moisturizer should absorb into the skin within a few minutes. As for which moisturizer you should use, it is recommended that you read some online reviews. Avoid choosing a moisturizer that is packed full of harsh chemicals. You want to choose a product that is ideal for sensitive skin. If your child is hesitant to put on moisturizer, turn it into a game. Ask them which areas of their body they would like you to moisturize first and make it a race to finish in a specific time frame.

Create A Consistent Bath Time Routine

Some parents struggle to create a consistent bath time routine. Some parents may choose to bathe their children every night. However, doing this could be causing more harm to their skin than good. For example, excessive bathing increases the amount of water lost from the skin. This can worsen dryness, which is particularly challenging for children suffering from skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Ideally, you should try and bathe your children less. When it is time for a bath, avoid making the water too hot as this can dry the skin out, and avoid using soap if possible. This can irritate the skin further. You can look at some example bath time routines online for inspiration if you are struggling to know where to start.

Wash Clothes With Fragrance-Free Detergent

Pay close attention to the laundry detergent that you use. You will tend to find fragranced laundry detergent can irritate your child’s skin. If they have put on freshly washed clothes, and you notice they have broken out into a rash, this could signify that you need to change your laundry detergent. The same also goes for your child’s bed linen and blankets. Using the wrong detergent can make them break out. Luckily, there are plenty of child-friendly detergents on the market. So, you shouldn’t struggle to find them. If you want to find the best ones to use, read some online reviews before you start spending your money on the wrong products. Avoid anything fragranced – and anything packed full of harsh chemicals.