What the changes are at each age and how you can best support your child’s skin

As we age, our skin undergoes anatomical and physiological changes which alter its structure and function.

Childs Farm’s recently appointed brand ambassador Dr Anita Sturnham explains in more detail below what the changes are at each age and how you can best support your child’s skin.

 

Under 1 year old – An infant’s skin barrier is still developing

• Firstly, it has low levels of free amino acids (FAA) in the stratum corneum (top skin layer).
• These amino acids hold on to moisture in the skin and the lack of them makes infant skin susceptible to water loss, resulting in dryness and irritation.
• Infants and young children have a neutral skin pH which results in depletion of the key enzymes necessary for a good functioning skin barrier.
• As infants do not make enough of their own moisturising lipids, the key to looking after their skin is to prevent further lipid loss and protect the developing skin barrier.

I recommend choosing body washes that are specifically designed for children’s skin.

For example, Childs Farm’s Oat Derma Baby Wash contains gentle surfactants and lots of skin conditioning and hydrating ingredients, which prevents the stripping of the skin’s natural oils that we often see with many body wash products.

 

Early Childhood (3-5 years old) –  In this age group the epidermal and dermal layers continue to thicken and lipid production increases in the skin

• The acid mantle has formed and the skin barrier is stronger and better able to retain moisture but it is still prone to dryness and sensitivity, especially in areas like the face, neck and hands.

At this age you should continue to use gentle skincare products designed for children’s skin to wash with.

You can support skin barrier function by using moisturising products with emollient, humectant and skin conditioning ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal to look after your child’s skin, especially if it has sensitivities.

I recommend the Baby Oat Derma Moisturiser Fragrance Free 

 

Late Childhood (6-12 years old) – The skin continues to mature and becomes more similar to adult skin

• The skin barrier is stronger and better at preventing moisture loss. Children in this age group are still prone to dryness and sensitivity, particularly during warmer weather and the colder winter months so it’s still important to ensure it’s hydrated and protected.

Choosing products designed for children to wash and to moisturise with daily can be helpful to reduce the risk of inflammation and dryness.

I suggest the Childs Farm Shower Smoothie, this provides clinically proven

12-hour hydration with a trio of hydrating ingredients, all the while bursting with a raspberry fragrance providing all the fruity fun that a child wants.

This is also a great product to use when beginning to introduce your child to autonomy of their body.

 

 

Understanding how children’s skin changes with age is crucial for providing the best care possible.

Each stage of development comes with unique needs and challenges, from the delicate skin of newborns to the more resilient yet still sensitive skin of teenagers.

By staying informed and choosing the right products, parents can ensure their children’s skin remains healthy, protected, and comfortable at every stage.

Remember, investing in good skincare practices early on lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy skin.

 

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