Summer Skincare Tips for Kids (And Adults) | How to Avoid Common Issues
Do your kids love to be outside but battle skin irritation all season long? Skin problems tend to flare up in the hot and humid summer months, and children's sensitive skin is especially at risk for skin-related issues. Common summer skincare troubles include:
-Sunburn
-Eczema flares due to heat/humidity
-Insect bites
-Airborne & pollen allergens that cause itching
-Fungal skin/scalp infections from sweat & heat
-Heat rash
-Diaper rash
However, when you know some key tips to help prevent these skin flares from happening, your summer can be stress-free and fun!
11 Helpful Summer Skincare Tips for Kids Who Love to Be Outside
Use a non-toxic bug spray
A non-toxic bug spray will keep those pesky mosquitos and other irritating bugs from biting your little one. Several brands are safer for your child than others. Two of my favorite brands are Hello Bello and Badger because they use essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint to naturally and safely keep bugs away. Simply apply the bug spray on your arms and legs right when you step outside, and then you can be worry-free while enjoying the fresh air!
If you do get any cuts, scrapes, or bug bites, apply Mumu Bath’s Wonder Balm. It is formulated with all-natural botanical ingredients. Tea tree and lavender essential oils calm irritations and promote healing as a part of minor wound care. Tea tree is known to be an effective natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal, and it may help deter biting bugs, too. This miracle salve is also great at soothing eczema.
Apply (gentle) sunscreen daily
Sunscreens promise UV protection, but how many do that with safe ingredients? Some sunscreens on the market contain harsh ingredients that could cause health problems or worsen skin irritation. Instead, try a gentler natural mineral sunscreen. You still get excellent protection from UV rays without irritation or potentially harmful ingredients.
Some of our favorite sunscreen brands for kids include Thinkbaby, Thinksport, and Badger. Mineral sunscreens can be a bit thicker in texture, so they may require extra time to absorb into the skin. Be sure to wait 15 minutes after application before getting into the water, and don’t forget to reapply every couple of hours for maximum protection!
Stay hydrated
Our skin is an organ (the largest!) that needs constant love and care. It is critical to keep it hydrated by drinking plenty of water, electrolytes, and low-sugar drinks. One of our favorite summer drinks is organic coconut water by Harmless Harvest. It is full of electrolytes and tastes great too! I also love that there are no added sugar or other ingredients. It is simply coconut water that is so refreshing on hot days! Be sure to drink lots of fluids throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and feeling great! Add fruit pieces to your water or coconut water for extra flavor.
Eat lots of fruits and veggies
We all know that fruits and vegetables are good for you, but did you know that they also help your skin? Nutrients like omega-3s can help lower inflammation in your body. Vitamin C can fight against wrinkles and brighten your skin. Vitamin E can help to guard against damage in cells. Antioxidants fight against free radicals. Eating healthy foods daily gives your body and skin the vitamins they need to stay healthy and strong.
Alternate outdoor and indoor play
Sunlight (vitamin D!) and fresh air are great for our health, but too much of a good thing can also cause problems. When you alternate indoor and outdoor play, you can give your skin a break from the heat, UV rays, humidity, bug bites, and allergies. (Plus, heat exhaustion is no fun!) Some indoor time just gives your body time to rest and prepare for the next fun day outside.
Rinse off after swimming or sweaty outdoor play
Playing outside in the heat and humidity can lead to eczema flare-ups on the skin. To help fight against skin irritation, be sure to rinse off after a day outside to remove any sweat, dirt, or chlorine from the pool that could lead to eczema and skin irritation. Clean water will also cool down the skin after a day in the heat!
Use mild cleansers and shampoo
Harsh chemicals found in most skincare products can cause skin irritation and redness. Instead, try using products that are gentle and clean. At Mumu Bath, all of our products are safe for everyone! Our All-in-One Body & Shampoo Bar nourishes your hair, scalp, and body with skin-loving ingredients like jojoba oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera, and Vitamin E oil. We also have several fabulous-smelling soaps! Some of our customer favorites include:
-Morning Dew Eczema Bar
-Lavender Oasis
-Kiss Me Sunshine
-Signature Hydrating Facial
All these bars are made with non-toxic ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin.
Apply a light moisturizer
Water sometimes dries our skin out because it rinses away natural oils. So, after cleansing your skin of dirt and sweat, you’ll want to apply a light moisturizer. At Mumu Bath, we have five lightweight moisturizers to choose from!
-Pink Grapefruit Lightweight Body Butter
-Coconut Lime Lightweight Body Butter
-Bliss Lightweight Body Butter
-Unscented Lightweight Body Butter
-Rose Garden Lightweight Body Butter
All of these moisturizers will hydrate your skin without being too heavy. They are perfect for use during these hot and humid summer months!
Dress in light, non-irritating fabrics
Heat and sweat can lead to skin irritation, so it is important to dress appropriately when playing outside. Be sure to wear light, non-irritating fabrics that are breathable. You may also want to wear looser clothing to avoid sweating and trapping moisture. Clothing can protect your skin against environmental factors, so wear a hat for extra protection.
Sleep in a cool room
We unknowingly sweat in our sleep with layers of pajamas and blankets, so keeping our bedrooms cool with the fan on can help. Staying cool will keep your skin from overheating and flaring up with eczema, redness, or irritation. Wear light fabrics that will keep you comfortable.
Avoid baby powder
While baby powder is often thought to dry out diaper rash and reduce friction, recent studies have shown that it is actually harmful to your baby’s health. Baby powder is made from talc, which can cause cancer when applied regularly to the skin or inhaled. Instead, use a natural alternative such as Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm.
Get Ready for Summer with Mumu Bath Nourishing Skincare
While summer can cause many skin issues, we can rest easy with these simple skincare tips. Get ready for an exciting and fun summer! Browse the Mumu Bath Shop for safe and nourishing skincare to supplement your skincare routine and keep you feeling radiant and healthy all summer long.