Are you wondering when your 9-year-old should start using skincare? 9-year-olds don't have to worry about acne scars and wrinkle prevention quite yet but developing a skincare routine at a young age is helpful. Starting a routine before the need arises can help prevent skincare issues down the line.

Younger kids who already have a skincare routine will be more prepared when puberty starts to affect their skin, rather than having a full-blown meltdown at the sight of their first breakout. Kid skincare can help kids understand and develop a sense of self-care. Getting into a skincare routine teaches them how important it is to set aside time to care for themselves and their bodies. Taking those few minutes to show their skin some TLC can make them feel better about themselves.

Additionally, teaching your child about caring for their skin at a young age can help them form healthy habits later on.

The benefits of a 9-year-old skincare routine are: 

• Kids become responsible for their skin and hygiene.
• They learn how to follow a routine independently.
• It helps prevent skin issues from an early age.

 

Cleanser for Kids

A 9-year-old skincare routine should start with a cleanser. The cleanser removes any excess dirt or oils that have built up on the skin throughout the day. Kids have more sensitive skin than adults, so it is best to start with a sensitive skin cleanser. Kids' skin has more intense reactions to the harsh chemicals we often see in skincare products. It reacts more intensely because many cleansers can contain chemicals targeted at treating specific skin issues like acne, aging, dark spots, etc. Your child can start to explore these products when they get older, but it's best to keep it simple at nine years old. Kid skincare routines can develop more once they get further into their tween years.

Moisturizer for Kids

Moisturizer is an essential step in skincare routines for people of all ages, including kid skincare. Kids absorb and lose more water and moisture than adults, so moisturizing is a crucial step for 9-year-old skincare.

Though we recommend a gentle cleanser for 9-year-old skincare, it can strip some of the natural oils that the skin creates. Moisturizer brings those back into the skin. Just like cleansers, some moisturizers can have chemicals that are too harsh for kids. Using a sensitive skin moisturizer will help prevent an adverse reaction.

Sunscreen for Kid's Skin

9-year-old skincare routines need to include sunscreen. Everyone, regardless of age, should be applying SPF daily to protect themselves from the sun. Even on the coldest and cloudiest days, UV rays can still be dangerous. Kids spend lots of time playing outside, so they should be wearing SPF at all times. Using sunscreen as a child also helps prevent skin cancer and damage later in life. It's best to use sunscreen for sensitive skin when starting a kid skincare routine.

 

Things to Avoid for your Skin

There are some things to steer clear of when creating a 9-year-old skincare routine. Products that include fragrance can be harmful to the skin at any age, but especially for kids. Fragrance can cause irritation and inflammation. A lot of trendy products, like face masks, toners, etc., have added fragrance. While it's fun to do glitter face masks and lather our skin with yummy smelling products, we shouldn't use those types of things for kid skincare.

Your 9-year-old's skincare routine will evolve as they grow and get to know their skin better. They can switch up the products they are using to help their skin when they learn more about their skin type. For now, use a basic routine to teach your kids the importance of caring for your skin.