Skin is a unique organ. Not only is it the largest organ of the human body, it is the only organ you can actually see, touch and smell. It is probably the least looked after and least thought about organ of the entire human body and, without a doubt, the most neglected.

Yet skin is very important, because the appearance of our skin is intricately connected to our psychological well -being and self-esteem, playing an important role in our ability to socially interact. In reality, without skin there can be no life and with badly damaged or diseases skin there is a reduction in the quality of life.

Baby skin is the best skin we will ever see – it is perfect: supple, flawless, well hydrated, free of blemishes, smooth and untouched by the sun. We don’t think of wrinkles, skin cancer and premature aging when we look at our children’s skin. And more importantly, it has to last a lifetime!

Did you know that children will have received most of their lifetime sun exposure by the time they reach 18? Even though it may be years before the effects of sun exposure become visible, sun damage is cumulative – and irreversible. It is never too early to begin looking after our children’s skin and to teach them about how to look after their skin themselves.

What makes great skin?

This is what we all strive for and the older we get, the more we go in search to try and achieve great skin. The condition of our children’s skin in the future is dependent on several factors:

• The key factor is sun avoidance
• Another is good genes; if parents have good skin, then the odds are that the kids will also have good skin
• Other contributing factors are skin care measures, good nutrition, general health and wellbeing, and exercise.

Keep the skin clean

• Wash the body daily (unless dry skin is a problem) – it helps get rid of dirt and excess oil, and removes the dead skin cells sitting on the surface of the skin, thus making way for new cells to develop.
• Skin has an acid mantle that is slightly acidic (pH of 4 to 6) in order to provide the protection we need. When the pH is altered, skin becomes more susceptible to skin infections and disease. Soaps and detergents (which are usually alkaline pH 9–10), will disrupt the pH of the skin. Soap-free washes with a pH of about 5.5 are recommended. Babies are born with a pH level of about 7, which is slightly higher than an adult’s, as initially babies’ skin does not have the protective capabilities of adult skin.
• Use a moisturiser on dry skin as often as necessary. With conditions such as eczema, moisturiser may be required four to five times a day. One of the best times to apply moisturiser is immediately after a shower or bath, whilst skin is still slightly damp.
• Teach children hygiene. Always ensure hands are clean and wash them well – especially before eating and after going to the toilet – as they are a way of spreading germs, bacteria and viruses.
• With older children and teenagers, their skin becomes oilier and acne prone. They should wash their face morning and night with warm water and a soap-free cleanser and then rinse their skin with warm water. However, overwash can cause irritation, and has a tendency to over dry it – once or twice daily is enough.

Sun avoidance

• Make sun protection part of children’s everyday routine and teach them how to be sun safe: always apply 30+ SPF sunscreen to exposed skin, dress in appropriate clothing, wear a broad-brimmed hat, protect eyes and stay out of the midday sun.
• Encourage teenagers to play it safe at the beach.
• Never take young babies out in direct sun – especially during the middle of the day.
• Do not organise outdoor activities between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm (summer) (without ensuring there is adequate shade and shelter from the sun)
• Don’t forget that skin can also burn on a cloudy day.

Nutrition and exercise

• Make sure your child has a healthy diet and eats lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Eating foods that are rich in zinc will help improve skin and keep it healthy. Foods that contain zinc include meat, fish, whole grains, eggs and soya beans.
• Get kids into the habit of drinking lots of water (avoid fizzy drinks).
• Exercise regularly.

If you teach your children to follow the simple steps outlined above, they will be grateful to you and the reward will be evident in the years to come.

ourkids.com.au: Caring for your child’s skin

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