![](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/radioislam.org.za\/a\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/skincare.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nRabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za<\/p>\n
06 November 2024<\/p>\n
5-minute read<\/p>\n
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Your skin is the largest organ in the body and your first barrier to everything outside, but according to Saadiqah Bariche, a biomedical scientist specialising in skin care formulation, \u201cyour skin can only serve you as long as you take care of it\u201d.<\/p>\n
Skin routines for young children is a growing trend. Kids skin is more robust and has natural protection against dirt and germs, but it is important to remember that skin needs to breathe, and the only time it can do this is after a shower or a bath at night where all the grime from the day is washed off.<\/p>\n
Parents \u201cshape what a child\u2019s skincare routine looks like\u201d and choosing skincare when children are younger is \u201cvery subjective\u2019\u2019. Developing a healthy skin routine for your child starts from birth and should be kept simple until the pre-teen years. Developing routines for sun protection from babyhood is non-negotiable. A basic cleanser that agrees with the child\u2019s skin, a moisturiser, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen are all essentials for children who don\u2019t have problem skins and are not prone to skin illnesses like eczema. \u00a0Another factor when it comes to skin care is whether you are getting value for money.<\/p>\n
When it comes to sunscreens, a broad spectrum, high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) stands sunscreens apart from regular moisturisers. Even if you have a moisturiser with a built-in SPF, it does not equate a sunscreen. People of colour have higher melanin in their skins which makes them more resistant to the sun and less susceptible to sun damage, but that does not mean they should compromise on the SPF. A higher SPF of 50 is always more effective than a lower SPF of 30. Sunscreens should also offer both UVA and UVB protection. Many sunscreens nowadays offer protection from unnatural light like the blue light coming off cell phones and computer screens. Sunscreens should be used daily, as the last step in your skincare routine in the morning, and at least 30 minutes before coming into contact with water. It should also be reapplied regularly, especially if you are exposed to water.<\/p>\n
Saadiqah does not recommend serums for young skin, saying that \u201cthese are mainly for mature skin\u201d and can cause harm when used on young skin. Such high concentrations of chemicals can disrupt a child\u2019s natural skin barrier which in turn causes sensitivity, dryness and irritation. Moving into adulthood, this \u201ccan cause more harm than good\u201d. However, Saadiqah says there are oil-based serums that are just a combination of healthy oils that don\u2019t harm children\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n
It is not necessary to see a skin specialist unless your child suffers from a specific skin problem like eczema. Eczema is a complex condition that can be managed by:<\/p>\n
Up until the age of puberty, all types of acids, retinoids, alcohol, fragrances, dyes and colourants formulated in skincare products are \u201cmajor red flags when it comes to younger skin\u201d and should be avoided. A basic skincare routine for younger kids includes cleansing, moisturising and applying sunscreen. As skin changes with puberty, an active ingredient can be added to target specific skin types. Cleansers target at your child\u2019s skincare concerns; serums are for oily, acne-prone skin to balance the oil levels; and ceramides can be used for dry skin.<\/p>\n
Experimentation with make-up varies across different ages and cultures. Girls should be taught to use make-up for fun but not to hide flaws. Make-up can worsen conditions like acne. It is essential to remove make-up at the end of the day with an oil-based cleanser to firstly bind to all of that make-up, and then a regular water-based one to wash it all away. It is important to take care of the skin under the make-up so as not to develop permanent damage like aggravated acne or early aging.<\/p>\n
When children swim, one of the effects of chlorine on skin is that it is very drying. However, Saadiqah states that \u201cwater is a breeding ground for bacteria, so chlorine is essential\u201d. Enough SPF should be applied on a child\u2019s skin before they swim, giving it enough time to absorb before getting into the pool. Once kids are out of the pool, wash and rinse them off properly with soap to \u201ccleanse the day away\u201d. Use aloe-vera gel for burning and possible sun damage.<\/p>\n
Natural and organic products may not always be as natural as they claim to be and can be unsafe to use for young children. Parents should be aware of the harms of natural ingredients that may not agree with young children by checking the list of ingredients in the product. Avoid products with alcohol, essential oils, fragrances and colourants. Clever marketing skills target younger children through social media, and brands will do anything to sell products. There are a lot of healthy, natural preservatives that increase the shelf life of a product and make it safe. Look for products that treat multiple concerns.<\/p>\n
Saadiqah has developed her own skin care range called Bare Skin, and places emphasis on gentle, natural products.<\/p>\n
Listen to the full interview on New Horizons with Faaiza Munshi.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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