Following news that Harper Seven – the 10-year-old daughter of Victoria and David Beckham – is being sent high-end skincare products from brands that are worth almost £200 each; Nada Ward, the founder of solid body bar brand Beauty Kin, explains why she agrees that the introduction of a basic skincare knowledge from a young age is a positive move to reinforce healthy habits as children grow older:
“While I wouldn’t for one-second advocate the use of a skincare product worth hundreds of pounds being used by a 10-year-old child, I do believe that by introducing her young daughter to the benefits and rewarding nature that comes with the basic understanding of a good skincare routine is a smart move from Victoria Beckham for a multitude of reasons.
“As parents and carers, so much of our time is spent dedicated to helping children develop skills and knowledge that will help equip them for a happy and successful life, and I don’t think that a solid understanding of basic skincare practices should be exempt from this, especially when so many issues relating to self-confidence and appearance in the pre-teen and teenage years are focused around such topics as acne, spots, and oily or dry skin.
“Taking the below guidance on board and establishing a simple yet effective morning and evening routine regarding skincare from a young age is something that children will carry with them later on in life.”
- Always wear sun protection & avoid direct sunlight exposure
It should go without saying, but the earlier children are exposed to the importance of protecting their skin from the harmful effect of sun exposure, the better.
With the warm summer months and long school holidays just around the corner, children will be spending more time outdoors than at any other time of the year. It’s therefore vital to ensure they are wearing sun protection (ideally factor 50 on sensitive, young skin) and that it’s being reapplied at least every 2 hours. If children are swimming at the local pool or beach, sun cream should be reapplied more frequently.
The sun is at its strongest – and therefore at its most harmful – between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm, so during these peak hours children should aim to find shady spots in which to play in order to lessen their chance of sunburn or heat stroke.
- Encourage the use of products with gentle ingredients
It’s never too early for children to learn about the importance of investing in quality skin care products that are free of any unnecessary ingredients, dyes, fragrances, or chemicals in order to avoid irritations or unpleasant side effects so often associated with ‘cheap’ products that are often marketed towards children and pre-teens.
Here at Beauty Kin, our solid body bars can be safely used by all members of the family, and provide solutions to an array of different skin problems, including dry skin, blocked pores, acne, and blemishes. All ingredients included in the bars (as well as the specific reasons they’ve been included) are listed for total transparency, so you know exactly what you’re using on your skin each day, and why.
- Wash the face daily with lukewarm water
While those with elder pre-teen children might be inclined to suggest a cold water face wash each morning is the best way to wake up ahead of a long day at school, using lukewarm water (a similar temperature to your bath water) is actually key. This is because if water is too hot it could potentially irritate or dry out the skin, while cold water may not properly remove all the dirt clogged in your child’s pores.