Common ways parents could be damaging their kid's skin without realising

Could you be inadvertently harming your child's skin? Take our quiz to discover if your bathing habits or product choices might be causing harm. Recent research indicates that many parents may be unknowingly inflicting damage on their children's skin through common mistakes like excessive sun exposure or the use of scented products.

A survey of 700 parents with kids up to four years old revealed that 21% are regularly engaging in activities that could harm their child's skin, either every few days or even daily. Shockingly, over a third (35%) of these parents were unaware that their actions could be detrimental.

Pharmacist and health expert Nyrah Saleem, collaborating with WaterWipes who initiated the study, commented: "Becoming a new parent is overwhelming but small tweaks can help improve your child's skin health. Nappy rash is an issue for two-fifths of parents."

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Saleem advises: "Each added ingredient in skin products increases the chance of a skin reaction, so check labels and use products with minimal ingredients to reduce the risk."

The research also highlighted that a staggering 73% of parents have sought medical advice for their children's skin irritations, with 24% discovering that too much sun was to blame. For another 23%, harsh laundry detergents were the culprit, while 22% simply needed to switch nappies more frequently.

A survey has revealed that 18% of parents noticed skin reactions in their children due to using adult-targeted creams and moisturisers, while 15% saw irritations from products with extensive ingredient lists. The OnePoll.com research found that 12% of parents rarely, if ever, scrutinise the ingredients list on products for their offspring.

Additionally, over a quarter (27%) admitted their lack of awareness regarding the number of ingredients in children's products. Shockingly, 21% of those surveyed were unaware of the connection between skincare products and their child’s skin issues.

Yet, when purchasing staples for their youngsters' skincare, 55% of parents stick to familiar brands. Nevertheless, only a mere 20% prioritise choosing products with fewer components for their kids’ delicate skin.

WaterWipes expert Dr Emer Gilligan, representing a brand known for its formula containing 99.9% water and a dash of fruit extract, commented: "As parents, we all want the very best for our children, and that starts with the products we use on their skin."

She warned, "A baby's skin is thinner and more delicate than an adult's and any additive has the potential to cause irritation."

To combat this risk, she advises "Choosing skincare formulations with fewer ingredients can help to minimise the risk of a skin reaction, so be sure to check labels and choose products with minimal ingredients."

Top skincare tips from pharmacist and health and wellness educator Nyrah Saleem.

LESS IS MORE: Opt for products with minimal ingredients to lower the risk of irritation.

STEER CLEAR OF PERFUMES: Fragrant items may smell pleasant but could be a prime reason for allergic reactions on babies' skin.

RECONSIDER YOUR WIPES: Alcohol or essential oils in some wipes can remove moisture from sensitive skin.

READ THE FINE PRINT: Even products labelled "natural" might include irritants - always check the ingredients list.

BE ALERT FOR ANY SKIN CHANGES: Redness or dry patches can indicate damage to the skin's barrier, so switch to fragrance-free and pH-balanced alternatives right away.

BALANCE BATHING ROUTINES: Excessive bathing can lead to dry out skin; keep baths short and tepid, and skip the bubbles.

MOISTURISE PROMPTLY AFTER BATHS: To retain moisture, apply a mild, unscented emollient to damp skin within five minutes post-bath.