The right age for kids to start using adult skin and hair care products is…

"They need not have a very elaborate routine -- it should be very simple: cleaning, moisturising and sun protection. All products should be oil free, water based and non comedogenic," said Dr Vandana Punjabi, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital

The ideal age to introduce adult skincare and haircare for kids is 12 to 13 years. (Pic source: Pexels)

Have you ever wondered about the right age for your child to start using skin and hair care products meant for adults? Worry not, you are probably not the only parent looking for that answer. This is probably why, Dr (Major) Gurveen Waraich, a dermatologist, took to Instagram to answer that question for you.

“12-13 years is the transitional age from childhood to adulthood. The major change seen during this age is the increase in sebum and sweat production because of hormonal changes. Children’s skin and hair care products are not designed to take care of all these concerns,” she captioned her post.

SKIN AND SCALP PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF INCREASED SWEAT AND SEBUM PRODUCTION INCLUDE:

1. Acne
2. Dandruff
3. Fungal infections
4. Folliculitis
5. Bromhidrosis (smelly armpits)

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A post shared by Dr Garekars l Dermatologist (@garekarsmddermatologyclinic)

Dr Waraich also advised introducing your child to preventive skin and hair care habits. They are:

1. Face wash twice a day: Use a salicylic-based wash twice a week for oily, acne prone skin. “Be cautious during winters as it may be too drying,” she advised.

2. Shampooing minimum 3 times a week: Use an anti dandruff or antifungal shampoo once a week in case of dandruff (leave it on scalp for 2-3 minutes and then rinse it off).

3. Daily bath: Use an antibacterial soap or benzoyl peroxide based wash or soap if the child has excessive sweating or smelly underarms.

4. Sunscreen: By 12-13 years of age kids can start sharing your sunscreen. Apply daily.

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5. Moisturiser: Inculcate the habit to moisturise after washing the face. It important for both oily and dry skin.

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However, according to Dr Vandana Punjabi, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, basic skin and haircare products should be introduced right from infancy. “Initially, we use products like body wash, body lotion, and shampoo especially formulated for babies. As they start going outdoors for sports or swimming, kid friendly sunblock is recommended at the age of 5-6 years,” she told indianexpress.com.

She continued, “As children enter pre teens, around 10-11 years of age, their body starts changing and oil glands start getting activated due to hormonal changes. At this time, facewash for oily to combination skin and anti dandruff shampoos can be introduced but these should be gentle as their skin is still sensitive”.

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Agreeing with Dr Waraich, Dr Punjabi added, “But, as they enter puberty, they can switch to adult skin and hair care products as by then they are going through a roller coaster of hormonal changes. But, they need not have a very elaborate routine — it should be very simple: cleaning, moisturising and sun protection. All products should be oil free, water based and non comedogenic”.

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“However, at any point, if the acne or dandruff increases and cannot be controlled but OTC products, it’s better to consult a dermatologist instead of trial and error,” she concluded.

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