What to choose?
What do they really need?
What to avoid?
Start caring...
WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING
Though it's unlikely teratogens (ingredients that can affect fetal development) or AHAs/BHAs can get to the uterus, avoid them and steroids (which do penetrate the dermis). Instead, opt for monolaurin (for acne), Oil's Well or Know-It-Oil virgin coconut oil (for itching, rashes, aging and more), and Armada Baby mineral sunscreen (for dark splotches).
Less is more for...
NEWBORNS & BABIES
Bathe baby in allergen-free Clark Wash (newborn faces need only water and soft cotton). Either Oil's Well or Know-It-Oil virgin coconut oil is a great multi-tasker for baby: for diaper rash, as a moisturizer, and to soothe rashes or eczema (where Boo-Boo Balm can be a lifesaver, too). Add Armada Baby mineral sunscreen, and that's it!
Your little bug & other bugs...
TODDLERS & KIDS
All that nonstop exploration comes with dirt, snot, scrapes...which, for the most part, is good! Add a non-drying, allergen-free hand sanitizer like Kid Gloves (it comes in a small, travel size, too) for toilet visits and play dates. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer later in life. Tip: ouchless coconut oil and Boo-Boo Balm (now staples) work for gum in hair, too :)
Your child can use any Armada Sunscreen from age 2 and up, and you may prefer a higher protection sunscreen like Armada Sport for very active kids. REMEMBER: No matter how excellent the sunscreen, reapply every 1 to 2 hours when outdoors, after sweating and toweling off, and after water immersion.
Found your little one obsessed with makeup play? Fear not with our allergen-free, phthalate-free, paraben- and preservative-free skin-safe makeup (lots of dye-free options available, too).
Prevention is always better...
TWEENS
SuperSkin Care regimens can be started at age 9. The cleansing scrub* is gentle but more thorough. The toner is excellent prophylactic care for acne and more. The moisturizer begins barrier protection plus — combined with your/your child's choice of an Armada Sunscreen daily — will mean stronger, healthier skin for the rest of their lives. If needed, Essence Skin-Saving Antiperspirant can be started already, too.
*SuperSkin Care products mentioned above are from the SuperSkin Care Hydra Balance regimen for combination skin, as this is a good starting point for your tween. Regimens for dry skin and oily skin types are also available.
When to...
SEE A DERMATOLOGIST?
Most skin problems will be, um, par for the course. But there are conditions best managed with a dermatologist. These include:
- Cystic acne: very large, inflamed, infected lesions that feel "deeper" in the skin. Cystic acne is almost always internally caused and may need prescription medication, sleep and stress management, a healthier diet, or blood work to rule out other hormonal conditions. See Acne: What To Know for more on the different types of acne.
- Eczema, Contact Dermatitis or other dermatoses: From diagnosing to patch tests, identifying triggers and trial and error, successful management starts at a young age. There's lots more on eczema and children in this series with EczemaBlues on Skintelligencenter.com.
- Psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions: Many of these skin issues require biopsies and other tests for an accurate diagnosis...that can save you and your child years of painful and frustrating trial and error.
In all of these cases, our preventive care products can help and are frequently recommended. Still, even if it's only to rule out a suspicion, it's best to see a dermatologist for skin conditions that do not seem to improve even with proper prevention and care.
Prevention...and now more therapy
TEENS
Continue SuperSkin Care. If needed for acne, add Red Better Spot Corrector plus more active therapy if needed (such as with Id Beta-Hydroxy Acid + Monoglyceride face and body acne system) and facials (give us a call at 212-217-2762).
Essence hair care and Id Monolaurin Gel (for sweat acne) are important allies against acne all over. Cystic acne needs a dermatologist.
If you haven't yet made it a habit from childhood, make daily sunscreen a must. And discourage them from tanning. Whether outside or in tanning beds, tanning increases the risk of skin cancer. If your teen is feeling invincible, point out that it causes dark spots from acne and other skin issues, too. Use celebrities who promote sunscreen and discourage tanning as examples. Be an example yourself and glam-up without the sun. Whatever works, keep at it as, with skin cancer being the second most common cancer among young people , this is a potentially life-saving gift to give your child.
Skin-safe makeup, from concealer to foundations, eyeshadows, blush, lip color and more, can prevent a whole host of problems and our coconut oil- and antioxidant-rich blush, bronzing powder is a FAR healthier alternative to tanning!
