If you are a parent living in Southeast Asia, there are some important things to consider for how you can best take care of the skin of your children. The sensitivity of any young person’s skin makes it important for you to protect them from environmental and hygienic factors.
Looking for some advice on how to develop or upgrade your skincare routine for your child? You’re in the right place!
Why is it important to have a skincare routine for your children?
Establishing a skincare routine for children is important for several reasons:
Protection from Harmful Sun Exposure
Sun exposure presents many responsible parents with three worries for their children – sunburn, premature aging, and the increased risk of skin cancer. When you teach your child the healthy habits of using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, you’re helping them to help themselves and they’re less likely to be affected by the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Prevention of Skin Infections
In hot and humid countries, bacteria and fungi are more likely to thrive. Unfortunately, this means an increased risk of skin infections for your child. Dirt, sweat, and pollutants contribute to common young people’s skin problems such as acne inflammations, rashes, and irritated skin. That’s why regular cleansing is so important.
Hydration and Moisture Balance
Your child’s skin may react in different ways to the heat and humidity of Southeast Asia. Some people’s skin becomes dry, others produce too much oil. Drinking enough water is an important step in managing the balance of moisture and increasing the skin’s natural protective barrier against air pollution.
Mosquito-Related Disease Prevention
One aspect of living in Southeast Asia that is too often ignored by locals is the danger of mosquito-related diseases. Dengue fever, malaria, and the Zika virus infection are serious threats to the safety of your child. While at a sensitive age, this could even be life-threatening. Let’s reduce the risk for your child.
Addressing Allergies and Sensitivities
We now live in a world of more allergies than ever before. This means you may need to take extra special care when selecting the best skin and food products for your child and to identify and avoid any other triggers that may cause skin reactions.
Skincare For Parents Looking Out For Their Children
Now, let’s look at some easy-to-follow steps for your child’s new skincare routine!
What is the best way to protect my child from the sun?
Tip 1: choose high-quality sunscreen that is SPF 30 or above. Avoid cheap brands because they are usually greasy which usually means you will have an excuse to not use them as often. On days when you are outside for long periods of time, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Tip 2: choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for your children that can cover their arms and legs that allow them to run freely but still keep them protected from sun exposure. Also, consider hats and sunglasses to shield the face, neck, and eye area.
Tip 3: choose to stay in the shade or walk on the shaded side of the street whenever possible – especially during the peak hours of 12pm to 4pm.
What is the best way to cleanse my child’s sensitive skin?
Tip 1: Use hypoallergenic mild cleansers that are specifically for children. These have ingredients that are more kind to sensitive skin. Avoid heavy fragrances.
Tip 2: Clean your child’s face using mild cleansers once or twice per day with warm water. If they’ve had an especially messy and or sweaty day, wash after activities or before bed.
What is the best way to moisturize my child’s skin?
Tip 1: Always choose oil-free, non-comedogenic, lightweight moisturizers that focus on hydration. Heavy moisturizers may clog their pores and cause inflammation so it could be a risk to use your own products on the child if they are intended for an adult’s skin.
Tip 2: Always moisturize immediately after washing, showering, or bathing. When your child’s skin is still a little bit damp, that is the perfect time to lock in the moisturizer.
Tip 3: Keep water with you throughout the day and encourage your child to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is a huge benefit to overall health, so it’s not to be missed.
What is the best way to protect my child from mosquitoes?
Tip 1: Most people born in Southeast Asia look at mosquito repellents as unnecessary but it makes sense to consider this for your children while they are at a sensitive stage in their lives. You can find child-friendly insect repellents that contain pleasant ingredients such as lemon eucalyptus oil and there are organic products on the market with a much less intense smell than the typical options.
Tip 2: As you probably know, sunset and sunrise are the times of day when mosquitoes are most active. These are the times to be vigilant. Dress your child in long-sleeved clothing, and optionally protect his or her sleeping area with a mosquito net.
What should I do if my child has skin allergies?
Some children may have sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Here’s what you can do:
#1: Patch Testing: If your child has a history of allergies or sensitivity, perform a patch test on a small area of their skin before introducing any new skincare products.
#2: Consult a Dermatologist: If your child experiences persistent skin issues or severe allergic reactions, consult a dermatologist immediately for professional guidance. The Era Clinic is always here to help – every day of the week!
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading! At The Era Clinic, our qualified doctors specialize in every type of dermatological issue you can imagine. Of course, that includes pediatric dermatology. Contact us today to book a consultation for your child. We’d love to help! Message us at https://facebook.com/eraclinickh or call us at 092 414000.
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