THE SPECTRUM OF IDEAS on what counts as ‘good skincare’ for your family is vast. Just post an innocent question on social media – like How often should I bathe my baby? or What’s the best acne treatment for teens? – and see how quickly all the armchair-experts declare that THIS is How You Should Be Doing Things …
But the many replies will offer such different advice that you don’t come away any the wiser!
So, it’s Grapevine to the rescue – we’ve got your back (and your face, and the rest of you!)! We’ve gathered expert advice that you can corroborate with your own trusted sources, consider within the context of your own whanau and whare, and take-
or-leave as you wish …
1. Getting Sudsy
There’s no universal standard for how often humans should bathe – and that decision’s influenced by a wide range of personal, cultural, and practical factors. Health guidelines recommend cleaning off products (sunblock, makeup, etc.) and washing to remove sweat, allergens, and bacteria regularly – while keeping showers shorter and using mild cleansers to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils.
A few things to consider at each stage:
Babies:
Besides careful cleaning of the nappy area with neutral (unscented) wash or wipes during changes, a quick daily wipe/rinse and dry of face, hands, and roly-poly folds will help keep young babies’ skin fresh and healthy. Once solids and crawling are in the mix, a little swish in the bath every few days will get rid of grubbiness – and it doubles as playtime!*
Toddlers and preschoolers:
Sunscreen, outdoor play, and the odd while-your-back’s-turned experiment
with felt-pen tattoos or Mum’s makeup mean that kids at this age require a bath or shower a few times a week. Bubbles can make it more fun – just aim for gentle products! If they’re fussed by splashes, keep the bath shallow and pop a folded dry facecloth over their eyes for rinsing hair.
Primary school and beyond:
As kids get into more active play and sports, and especially as they head towards puberty, give them more ownership over the cleansing process. Coach kids on the ‘whys and wherefores’ of personal hygiene practices; emphasise smelling nice (or neutral!) for the sake of those around us, and talk about how washing helps keep our bodies healthy. Offer work-arounds (such as wipes, dry- or rinse-less shampoos, and detangling hairsprays) for those with sensory issues, or incentives (like coloured/scented body washes) to make showers a treat for reluctant bathers.
2. Passing the Sniff Test
Babies and toddlers:
Products designed for delicate young skin are best for our smallest family members; choose baby wash and creams without harsh scents or other irritants. Even strongly scented laundry soaps can cause allergic reactions.
Primary school and beyond:
For kids approaching adolescence, deodorant use can be introduced as part of an open (and ongoing) discussion on ‘body science’ in homes and classrooms, covering basics of hygiene, grooming, and changing bodies … Talk about how anti-perspirant can help prevent excess armpit sweat, and how deodorants are designed to help us smell fresh. Don’t be shy about broaching the subject and offering your child options early on; there are plenty of natural products that are safe for daily use.
3. A Close Shave
As kids are entering puberty earlier, the question of shaving is coming up sooner than some parents expect! Beyond cultural and religious expectations particular to each family, decisions about body- and facial-hair removal will be influenced by school rules and peer input. Some kids feel really self-conscious about their fuzzy moustaches or hairy legs, especially if the hair’s more noticeable (or they’ve sprouted it earlier than their peers). While we want to encourage our children to be confident in themselves and develop a positive body image, teaching them how to shave (if they’re determined) is safer than just trying to convince them that they don’t need to do so!
4. Sore Spots!
Babies and children:
For nappy rash, keep the area as clean and dry as possible. Talcum powder is no longer recommended (as it can cause respiratory and other health problems), but zinc or other barrier creams can provide soothing relief. For eczema, GPs can prescribe aqueous cream – and the family doctor’s a good go-to for any other skin concerns, too. Stock your home First Aid kit with antiseptic wash and cream for treating scratches, scrapes, and insect bites, and have various-sized bandages on hand to keep wounds clean and covered while they heal.
Older kids and teens:
For many teens, acne’s a common complaint – but it can still be a big deal. Even the odd pimple or breakout can feel like the end of the world for a young person; but when it comes to aggravated acne, outside help is often required. Clean eating, staying hydrated, and using gentle pimple-clearing products can all help – but if acne’s persistent, creating scarring, or damaging a teen’s mental health, a trip to the GP and/or dermatologist is in order.
5. Are You Blushing?
The ‘how’, ‘when’, and ‘how much’ makeup can be worn (and even ‘whether’ it can be used) is influenced by cultural, social, and personal expectations. Some kids and teens enjoy experimenting with different colours and ‘looks’ as a form of creative play and expression … children involved in dance, drama, or other performance arts may be introduced to stage makeup from an early age … and still others use makeup as a subtle way to enhance or conceal different features to show up more confidently in the world.
Discussions around makeup use can include questions about the purpose of its use to different people … what the various products contain (and what safer/healthier formulations or more ethical brands exist) … how makeup has been used historically and is still used in different cultures … and what boundaries we might have within our own schools, communities, or families in how we adorn and present ourselves.
A final piece of advice that’s agreed upon by aestheticians, dermatologists, and anyone else with expertise in skin care: WASH YOUR FACE! Clean your face before bed each night (and apply sunscreen every morning!).
*To prevent drowning, babies and young children should always be supervised in the bath.
