How many of us wished we had started our self-care routines earlier in our lives? I'm not talking about anti-wrinkle creams or anything like that! Just a simple regime to look after our skin and hair before we hit those awful puberty years. At 15 years old, I was lucky enough to have a mother that took me along to the Clinique counter and bought me the basics - a cleanser, toner and moisturiser. From that moment, every single day, I followed that routine both morning and night, and thankfully all these years later, I believe my skin is in great condition because of it. (Thanks Mum!)
Of course I got the odd mountain of a spot but generally, I managed to avoid the normal teenage skin issues. Over the years, I've added different products in, mainly due to the ageing process and my Psoriasis, but the regime that was instilled in me from that age, has and will stay with me forever. Unfortunately, with the next generation under more and more pressure from their peers in school and on social media, I decided to encourage my daughters to adopt a self-care routine from an early age, to educate them and make them feel empowered for all the changes they will go through, on their way to becoming adults.
Getting Kids into Skincare
This doesn't need to be complicated. All you need is a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and a muslin or microfibre face cloth.
Let's start with Cleansers...
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
Cerave is one of the most popular products for sensitive skin. It uses Hyaluronic Acid to strengthen & restore the skins natural barrier for longer lasting hydration.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Another trending cleanser, used by fans of both dry and sensitive skin. It is the perfect partner if you suffer with skin conditions & can be used all over the body.
Aveeno Calming Comfort Bath & Wash
If you have a baby & older child & don't wish to have separate products, there is no reason why you can't get the older one started with a gentle cleanser like this. It is tear-free & pH-balanced so a great all-rounder.
Let's talk Face Cloths...
Many children don't like the idea of water being splashed in their face so the idea of using a damp cloth is that it enables the child to wipe off all the cleanser themselves. It gets them involved in the routine and ensures you don't get water all over the bathroom! Simply wet the cloth with either warm or cool water (never hot), wring out and wipe the cleanser off. Rinse the cloth out and wipe again to ensure there is no residue left.
Ideally you should use a new muslin cloth for each occasion (I know all you parents are going to hate me for the extra washing but I promise you it's worth it!). Again, these don't need to be anything fancy. You may already have soft face flannels or old muslin cloths from when they were babies. Alternatively, if you're looking to invest in some, here are some options:
Soft Organic Cotton Muslin Cloths - Pack of 6
Ultra Soft Microfiber Face Cloths - Pack of 6
Organic Cloud Cloth Dual Sided Cotton Facial Cloths - Pack of 3
All that's left to do is Moisturise!
When I talk about moisturising, I'm also talking about the body as well as the face. Moisturising your child all over, after a bath, is important because younger skin both loses and retains moisture faster than adults. Here are a few more reasons why it needs to be included in your child's routine:
It helps protect the skin, creating a barrier, which is essential in the colder months
It can help avoid dry skin issues in their future years
It continues with a relaxing routine before bed, helping to calm and soothe
Moisturising regularly into adult years, can help with circulation and preventing stretch marks
Here are the ones I love!
Child's Farm Cocoa Shea Butter Moisturiser
This brand has gained a firm following recently, due to it being so good for sensitive skin. It is a light yet luxurious formula that is suitable from newborns to older children.
Palmers Cocoa Butter Lotion
If you're looking for something smells heavenly, you just can't go wrong with this iconic product! It contains Vitamin E & leaves skin 'buttery soft!'
Oilatum Emollient Cream
If your child has particularly dry skin or suffers with conditions such as eczema. It is rich, moisturising & helps with itching.
Let's not forget those little lips...
Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly
The one and only original lip balm. It is value for money and great for little hands that like to use plenty on their lips!
Burts Bee's Beeswax Lip Balm
If you're looking for a natural product, this is up your street. It also contains Vitamin E & Peppermint Oil for extra nourishment.
Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm
This natural multi-tasking lip balm holds 200% of its weight in moisture! If you or your child suffers with extremely dry lips, I would highly recommend this balm.
Haircare
If your little cherubs have long, knotty or flyaway hair like mine do, then read on to see what products help me deal with their Rapunzel hair!
Tangle Teezer Detangling Brush
You've probably seen these a million times, but it is the only thing that takes out all the knots without pulling lots of hair with it!
Cantu Care for Kids Leave in Conditioner
This conditioner is known for transforming curly hair. Apply to damp hair & comb through for smoother silky hair!
Palmers Olive Oil Leave in Conditioner
If your child has fine or flyaway hair, then this is a great product to keep hair neat & in place, when doing styles such as plaits, without products such as gels. Apply sparingly as a little goes a long way!
Revlon Professional Coconut Hair Treatment
This spray not only smells gorgeous but is perfect for hair that tangles easily. It doesn't leave a residue so can be used regularly between washes. It is also perfect for summer holidays as it protects the hair from UVA & UVB filters!
Absorbent Towel Hats
This hat is not only cute but is great for scooping up wet hair in, absorbing water after washing & keeping it out of the way whilst you moisturise from top to toe!
If you enjoy this blog or products featured in it, I would love to hear about it. Tag me @monicaproartist on either Facebook or Instagram!
Visit www.monicaproartist.com/blog for more articles on skincare, beauty, fine hair,
psoriasis and much more...
Monica is a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist based in Leicester, East Midlands. She is a mother to daughters & loves all things skin and makeup related! Whilst she helps everyone feel their best, she especially enjoys working with clients over the age of 40, suffering with skin issues such as Psoriasis or thinning hair as she suffers with all of these herself! Her goal is to create looks that show her client's natural beauty and not mask them. Services range from bridal makeup to event makeup and occasion hair styling. For more details, please contact her via the contact form by clicking on www.monicaproartist.com.