Children today are exposed to a lot, especially online and/or at school, and each of stage of their growth comes with a certain level of curiosity and interests. As parents, it’s important to respect and support these interests, even if they sometimes test the limits of what we are comfortable with.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME?
While there is no right or wrong age for your children to wear makeup, the need to wear makeup may be more popular in children who participate in competitions, modelling or TV adverts. Kids’ interest in makeup generally begins at a young age and peaks in high school.
It’s also natural for little kids to look up to their mothers and want to be just like them. From wearing their wigs and heels to experimenting with makeup – the first casualty often being lipstick.
Parents may not know when their children are old enough to wear cosmetics. Truth is, there is no right or wrong time. As a responsible parent, only you can make that call. However, there are some things you may want to keep in mind.
• Although children’s skin, up to the age of six, has the same layers as adult’s skin, it is much thinner and less tolerable to external aggressors.
• Their skin barrier is also much weaker, making it permeable and susceptible to anything that may be applied on it.
• Children’s skin is prone to dehydration and anything that does not add nourishment will exacerbate dryness.
• Inappropriate use of products may trigger atopic dermatitis, a condition where skin becomes very dry, irritable, and flaky. This is because the skin’s barrier is already compromised.
While there is no right or wrong age for your children to wear makeup, the need to wear makeup may be more popular in children who participate in competitions, modelling or TV adverts. Kids’ interest in makeup generally begins at a young age and peaks in high school.
It’s also natural for little kids to look up to their mothers and want to be just like them. From wearing their wigs and heels to experimenting with makeup – the first casualty often being lipstick.
Parents may not know when their children are old enough to wear cosmetics. Truth is, there is no right or wrong time. As a responsible parent, only you can make that call. However, there are some things you may want to keep in mind.
• Although children’s skin, up to the age of six, has the same layers as adult’s skin, it is much thinner and less tolerable to external aggressors.
• Their skin barrier is also much weaker, making it permeable and susceptible to anything that may be applied on it.
• Children’s skin is prone to dehydration and anything that does not add nourishment will exacerbate dryness.
• Inappropriate use of products may trigger atopic dermatitis, a condition where skin becomes very dry, irritable, and flaky. This is because the skin’s barrier is already compromised.
Related article: What are growing pains in kids, and how can you help?
According to paediatrician, Eva Kubiczek-Love, MD at clevelandclinic.org, “The first rule of thumb is to have an open discussion about makeup as soon as your child expresses interest,” she says. “With any new activity as your kids grow, parents need to establish expectations, set limits and understand the psychological and health impact of these permissions on them.”
According to paediatrician, Eva Kubiczek-Love, MD at clevelandclinic.org, “The first rule of thumb is to have an open discussion about makeup as soon as your child expresses interest,” she says. “With any new activity as your kids grow, parents need to establish expectations, set limits and understand the psychological and health impact of these permissions on them.”
Through talking to them you can establish boundaries and what is and isn’t allowed. Below are some guidelines on how you can safely introduce your child to makeup:
• Avoid allowing your child to wear foundation unless absolutely necessary, like if they are participating in a pageant. If they must wear a base, consider an organic one that will strictly be worn on occasion.
• Less is the best way to go. Your child can start their makeup life with children’s lip glosses and nail polishes that are child-friendly and are formulated to be gentle.
• Avoid items such as extension lashes, eyeliners and lipsticks as these can be irritating to their sensitive skin.
• Maintain a healthy skin regimen for your child and nourish it as much as possible.
• Limit makeup to special occasions and only to a few items.
Related article: My teen started dating, now what?
“It’s always a good idea to ask your kids why they’re interested in makeup, encourage them to have fun, and expect that you may need to tell them when you think too much is too much,” Dr. Kubiczek-Love advises.
Most importantly, speak positively and openly to your child and remind them that they are beautiful as they are and that they don’t need makeup to look beautiful.
Extra sources: Eucerin.com, dailyparent.com
• Avoid allowing your child to wear foundation unless absolutely necessary, like if they are participating in a pageant. If they must wear a base, consider an organic one that will strictly be worn on occasion.
• Less is the best way to go. Your child can start their makeup life with children’s lip glosses and nail polishes that are child-friendly and are formulated to be gentle.
• Avoid items such as extension lashes, eyeliners and lipsticks as these can be irritating to their sensitive skin.
• Maintain a healthy skin regimen for your child and nourish it as much as possible.
• Limit makeup to special occasions and only to a few items.
Related article: My teen started dating, now what?
“It’s always a good idea to ask your kids why they’re interested in makeup, encourage them to have fun, and expect that you may need to tell them when you think too much is too much,” Dr. Kubiczek-Love advises.
Most importantly, speak positively and openly to your child and remind them that they are beautiful as they are and that they don’t need makeup to look beautiful.
Extra sources: Eucerin.com, dailyparent.com
HOW TO INTRODUCE YOUR CURIOUS CHILD TO MAKEUP
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
May 06, 2022
Rating:
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
May 06, 2022
Rating:
