Dolphin Organics Blog — Skin Care Facts for Kids

1. Baby skin is extremely thin from birth to about 1 year. Notice how quickly your baby turns pink when they cry? This thin skin is delicate and needs proper protection and care. The upside to this thin skin? They are extremely sensitive to kisses and touch. So give them lots of physical love and contact and their Oxytocin levels will rise! The very best way to bond. Their skin will go from 1mm thick at birth to 2-3 mm by adulthood.
   
   
2. Babies and Children’s skin are far more sensitive and prone to irritation than adult skin. Excema, skin rashes and other mild irritations while common, can be minimized and and in some cases, prevented based upon their skincare routine.
   
   
3. Young children and infants produce a very limited amount of melanin. This is why it is so critical to prevent sun burns and excessive sun exposure.  Children should wear sunscreen daily.
   
   
4. According to the American Society for Photo Biology, Americans acquire 23% of their sun damage by the age of 18 and on average 10% more each decade. * Another reason that prevention and sunscreen for young children is so critical.
   
   
5. Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in teens and young adults who are 15-29 years old.**
   
   
6. Younger skin heals much faster than adult skin. All those bumps and bruises from a day the park?  They disappear quickly because their skin contains far more fibroblasts that aid healing than is found in adult skin.
   
   
7. Moisture is critical for babies and children alike. The right after bath moisturizer will create a barrier that soothes and protects their skin.
   
   
8. Diet matters, even for baby and young skin. By mid-teens nearly 40% of children have acne that needs to be treated by a dermatologist. While genetics certainly play a role, and good skin care helps dramatically, what we feed our children will affect their skin and future skincare concerns. Diets high in Vitamin A, D, C and E, will ensure that your children have the antioxidants they need to provide sun protection, and help prevent and reverse any sun damage.
   
   
9. Your climate will affect your baby or child’s skin. As seasons and weather changes occur, you need to consider their skin requirements as they will change too. Cooler winter months will require more moisturizing and more prevention. 
   
   
10. The skincare habits that you instill now will benefit your child for many years to come. If you make good skincare, sun protection and other good skin practices a part of your child’s daily life now, there is a good chance they will keep it up as they age.  Perhaps you will even get a thank you!

Sources:
 *American Society for Photo Biology
**American Academy of Dermatology