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Starting Early: Skincare Tips to Teach Your Children

Humphrey Cosmetic Dermatology, Dr. Katie Beleznay, Skincare Tips For Kids

By Dr. Katie Beleznay

Every now and then, I’ll overhear one of my boys reminding the other of a skincare tip that I’ve been preaching. More often than not it’s my eldest, Jacob, reminding his younger brother, Henry, to put sunscreen on in the morning.

Eavesdropping on their skincare conversations makes me feel proud of the lessons they’re learning, but it also makes me realize just how much our kids absorb from us — the good and the bad.

Whether you’re a long-time skincare advocate wanting to pass on your priorities and preferences, or you’re just starting to learn some best practices yourself and want to set your family off on the right foot, here are three things to prioritize as you talk skincare with your kids.

Sun protection is the most important step

I would be proud of my boys no matter what skincare tips they were sharing with each other, provided of course it wasn’t a bad DIY skin hack from TikTok, but the fact that sunscreen and sun protection has become so second-nature to them makes me proud as a mom (and a dermatologist)!

It’s not easy to win kids over with sun protection. Traditionally, sunscreens have been greasy or thick, which can feel uncomfortable on their skin. Plus, it can be hard to convince kids to stand still while you lather them up. Hopefully these tips can help:

Try different products to find the right match. You want your kids to get in the habit of applying sunscreen every day of the year — so you need to find a formula that suits them. Sometimes you can get samples of products to try, but in general it may take some trial and error.

When selecting a sunscreen ensure it is SPF 30 or higher and offers broad spectrum (UVA / UVB) protection. Many people also favour mineral sunscreens for smaller children. If you’re putting something on your kids’ skin every day, you want to make sure it’s good for their skin and unlikely to cause irritation. The Canadian Dermatology Association publishes a list of recommended products (though the list may not be all inclusive).

Re-apply, re-apply, re-apply. If you find that good skincare habits are nearly impossible to form, there is some good news: it’s actually way easier for your kids. Much like learning a new language or mastering an instrument, kids’ minds are malleable to building new habits. It’s also good to remember that sunscreen is just part of overall sun protection. You can get your kids in the habit of applying (and re-applying) sunscreen every day as well as wearing hats and sun protective clothing when out in the sun. Before you know it, they’ll be reminding you!

“Normal” or “healthy” skin doesn’t mean “perfect” skin

Chances are you already celebrate your child’s individuality. Well, the skincare conversation is another opportunity to do exactly that.

You can help your kids to appreciate that everyone has skincare concerns at different points in their life. This can help them to be less likely to feel alienated or embarrassed if they develop any skin issues, such as acne or rosacea, as they get older. It’s also important to let them know that everyone’s skin is different and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to skincare.

By teaching them from a young age that their skin — and its maintenance — is unique, you’re empowering them with the tools to develop and keep a successful regimen their whole lives.

Seek professional advice

Last, but not least, is the opportunity to make sure they know where to turn for help with their skin issues. The next generation will seek even more advice from social media and with all of the myths and bad information out there, it is important that they know to identify where to turn for good advice and seek out a board-certified dermatologist if needed who can help navigate any skin issues and help them form great habits from the get go.

Introducing your kids to skincare doesn’t have to be an intensive immersion or a serious conversation. By role modelling good behaviours, providing gentle, regular reminders, and helping to build their skin confidence from the start, your kids will benefit from healthier skin — and a healthier relationship to skincare — their whole lives.

Do you need help finding the right sunscreen for your little ones? Chat with our team.

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