How to take care of your child's skin

It is always the best to begin early because your kid’s skincare routine is not very different from your own, at least as far as the basics are concerned. The basis of all skincare routines include cleansing, toning, moisturizing. For kids, however, toning isn’t really required because their skin is in a prime stage in childhood.

When it comes to your kids skin care routine you must pay special attention. Read below a few ways that can help you do so:

Protection from Sun

For children aged six months or more, apply sunscreen daily, one that is designed especially for kids (which contains a sun blocker such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide). For older children, use a broad UV spectrum Sunscreen – one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and with an SPF of 15 or higher. The sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes prior to exposure, and re-applied every two hours. One such natural sunscreen is Cocomo Sunscreen

If your child still gets sun-tanned, there are a few home-remedies that you can try!

1. Lemon?

Slice the lemon and rub it gently on the tanned region. Leave it on for a few minutes before shower. You can also add honey to the lemon juice for natural moisturizing.?

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2. Cucumber juice?

Shred a cucumber, and squeeze to get the juice out. Using a cotton ball, apply the juice all over the sun-burnt skin.?

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3. Potato slices?

Apply potato slices over your child's skin for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off.?

4. Tomato Juice?

Tomato juice is rich in antioxidants that helps in brightening tanned skin.?

5. Papaya & Honey?

Take 4-5 cubes of ripe papaya and add 1 teaspoon of honey to it and mash it. Apply this paste over the skin for about 20 minutes.

Bath Products and Other Toiletries

The best possible products to use for children are natural ones - for instance coconut oil, which is extremely light and easily absorbed by the delicate skin of a baby. Some children are sensitive or allergic to fragrances, dyes, detergents and synthetic fibres, causing rashes and other skin problems. To protect against possible problems, it’s best to use perfume free products (including laundry detergent) and 100% cotton clothing. One of my favourite bath-time product is Cocomo Face & Body wash

Bug Protection

If you are planning to take your child (over 6 months) outdoors, for an extended period of time, it’s always best to apply insect repellent with a child approved dose of DEET (Diethyl-meta-toluamide). For protection against mosquitoes, long sleeved tops, full length lowers, a hat and sunglasses are good options.

Diet and Water

A healthy, nutritious and balanced diet is essential for a child’s growth and general health. So is an adequate amount of water. The importance of water for the body cannot be over emphasized. Water keeps the skin hydrated, and thereby healthy. Needless to say that healthy skin will be a natural result of good general health. A variety of food- from all the food groups, adequate amounts of fibre, a good night’s sleep and plenty of water will ensure a lifetime of good skin for your child.

Fill your child's diets with fruits that are best for their skin:

1. Watermelon?
2. Tomatoes?
3. Cucumber?
4. Coconut Water?
5. Pineapple?
6. Lime Juice (Neembu Paani)?
7. Bananas?
8. Mangoes?
9. Yogurt/ Buttermilk?
10. Orange

Ritu Shah, a mother of two beautiful kids.