When Should Your Child Start Skincare? A Parent’s Guide

Think skincare is just for teens and adults? Think again. Find out why kids need skincare too—and how early routines help build confidence, independence, and lifelong healthy habits.

"Skincare? For Kids??" Yes, Really.

Let’s just address the sticky, strawberry-scented elephant in the room:
Why on earth would a kid need skincare? They’ve got baby-soft cheeks, bounce-back skin, and not a wrinkle in sight.

But here’s the thing: skincare for kids isn’t about anti-ageing serums or 10-step routines.
It’s not about making them “look good” or prepping them for a future of mirror selfies.
It’s about helping them feel good—and teaching them how to care for their amazing little bodies.

This blog is for every parent who’s asked:

• “When should my kid start washing their face?”

• “Do kids even need body lotion?”

• “Am I overdoing it if I buy them their own face wash?”

Spoiler: you’re not overdoing it. You’re actually helping your child build healthy habits, independence, and the kind of self-confidence that starts from the skin in.

Skincare ≠ Vanity. Let’s Rethink It.

Somewhere along the way, “skincare” got lumped in with makeup, filters, and glow-up culture. But real skincare? Especially for kids?

It’s more about:
Washing off the day’s dirt, sweat, and snack crumbs
Calming dry, itchy skin
Preventing clogged pores and breakouts (yes, even at age 9)
Teaching kids how to tune into their bodies

Kids are learning everything for the first time. They’re discovering how to tie their shoes, pack their bags, eat their broccoli, and—yes—take care of their skin.

So the next time someone rolls their eyes at your 7-year-old applying lotion after their bath, just smile and say, “We're not raising kids who glow. We're raising kids who grow.”

What Changes in Kids' Skin—and Why It Needs Care

Sure, kids have great skin. But great skin still needs looking after. Here's why:

Active = Sweaty = Clogged

Kids are busy. Playgrounds, sports, PE class, daily dirt-rolling—they’re collecting more grime than you realise. Without a simple skincare routine, that dirt stays put.

Sensitive Much?

Children's skin is thinner and more prone to irritation. Soaps made for adults? Too harsh. Skin that’s not moisturised? Easily itchy, red, and uncomfortable.

The Pre-Puberty Shift

Even before full-blown adolescence, hormones start sneaking in. You may spot oily patches, tiny bumps, or the beginnings of BO. It’s all normal—and totally manageable with the right routine.

Healthy Habits Start Small (and Early)

We don’t wait till they’re 18 to teach them to brush their teeth, right? Skincare should be the same.

Building a skincare habit early does a few magical things:

• It becomes second nature—no battles, no bribery

• It teaches responsibility ("I take care of me!")

• It makes hygiene feel normal—not like a punishment or a lecture

Quick wins that work:

Face wash after outdoor play
Body wash during bath time
Lotion after drying off
Sunscreen before stepping out

You’re not creating a beauty routine. You’re building body literacy and life skills.

Confidence Grows When Skin Feels Good

Itchy skin, dry patches, that one red bump that’s ruining their whole day? These things feel bigger than they are when you’re 8.

And yes, even kids can feel self-conscious. Whether it’s flaky arms in winter or a nose pimple in the fourth grade—when they feel it, they feel it.

Skincare helps your child understand:

• “This is my body.”

• “I can take care of it.”

• “When I do, I feel better.”

That’s confidence. No filters required.

Independence in the Bathroom = Wins Beyond the Mirror

Sure, the lotion ends up on the mirror. The shampoo cap is always missing. But those moments of chaos? They’re signs your child is learning to manage their own routines.

Teaching skincare isn't about grooming perfection—it's about handing them the tools to care for themselves. Literally and emotionally.

They don’t just feel clean.
They feel capable.

So What Does a Kid-Friendly Skincare Routine Even Look Like?

Great question. Here’s what we recommend (aka: The Tikitoro Tried-and-True Routine):

1. Gentle Face Wash

• Use once a day (preferably after school or playtime)

• Removes sweat, grime, and snack debris

• Try: Tikitoro Kids Refreshing Face Wash – foam-tastic and made for young skin

2. Body Wash That’s Actually Fun

• Make bath time something they look forward to

• Try: Tikitoro Kids Body Wash – gentle on skin, big on bubbles

3. Lotion, Not Negotiable

• After baths, during dry weather, or anytime their skin feels “scratchy”

• Try: Tikitoro Kids Soothing Body Lotion – absorbs fast, no sticky drama

4. Sunscreen for the Win

• Make it a habit like brushing teeth

Try: Tikitoro Kids Mineral Sunscreen – lightweight, non-greasy, and school-day safe

What NOT to Do: Skincare Pitfalls to Avoid

Just to keep it real—some common mistakes we all make:

Using adult products ("It’s mild," they said... until the rash appeared)
Making skincare feel like a chore or punishment
Shaming them for not washing properly or skipping steps
Going overboard with complicated routines

Keep it simple. Keep it kind. Keep it Tikitoro.

What If They’re Not Into It Yet?

That’s okay. You’re not building a routine for now—you’re building one for life.

Try these:

• Make it part of something they already love (storytime, music, post-play snack)

• Let them “do yours” while you do theirs

• Celebrate every step: “You remembered face wash today! Superstar.”

• Introduce products gradually, not all at once

Skincare can feel like their thing. Not something you “make them do.”

More Than Just Clean Skin

At Tikitoro, we believe personal care is personal power.

When you teach your child how to care for their skin, you're doing way more than cleaning up snack smudges. You’re teaching them:

• How to build habits

• How to be consistent

• How to notice and respond to their body’s needs

• And most importantly, how to feel proud of taking care of themselves

Whether they’re still in Crocs, PJs, or mismatched socks—they’re ready to glow. All they need is a little encouragement... and the right face wash.

"Skincare isn’t vanity—it’s a life skill. Just like tying your shoes, but with bubbles."