When most parents think about summer health products for kids, their mind automatically goes to sunblocks and sunscreens. No doubt, sun protection is important, but there are many other elements of children's health that must be addressed during the summer . By investing in a few quality hygiene products, parents can prevent some potential health problems.
Children Need Skin Moisturizers
Dirt and grime, sand and sweat, salt water and chlorine will all drain children's skin of nutrients that promote healthy skin. It is important to replenish the skin with moisturizers daily. Moisturizers are best used after a bath or shower. Look for moisturizers that contain glycerin, dimethicone, and hyauloronic acid. Great moisturizers that will not break the bank:
- Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30
- Dove Essentials Day Lotion
Antibiotic Creams and Hydrocortizone Ointments Treat Skin Irritations
Dry skin protects the body much better than damp skin. Because of that, kids often suffer from fungal infections and skin viruses (think warts, ringworm, and athlete's feet) more so during hot months. Additionally, bare feet will often suffer from scrapes, abrasions, and toe cracks.
Antibiotic creams should be on hand for cracks and abrasions, and a hydrocortizone ointment may combat nasty viral and fungal infections. Any store brand will serve the purpose just as well as name brand products.
Mild Soaps and Body Washes Gentler on Skin
Kids play hard in the summertime and that ring around the bathtub is proof of it. Because kids spend a great more time in the bathtub washing during the summer than the winter, parents should switch to gentler, milder soaps. Avoid antibacterial soaps as they can dry skin and strip the body of "good" bacteria. Consider:
- Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar Soap
- Burt's Bees Milk and Shea Body Bar
Shampoos and Conditions Nourish Hair
Kids also need their hair shampooed more often in the summertime. Sweat, salt water, and chlorine can cause considerable damage to hair. Without a decent shampoo and nourishing conditioner, children's hair can go from soft and shiny to brittle and dry faster than you can say "Marco Polo." Kids who spend a great deal of time in chlorinated water also may need special swimmers shampoos to help strip out the unwanted chemicals. Best bets:
- UltraSwim Shampoo and Conditioner
- Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three and Paul Mitchell The Conditioner
Summertime health and hygiene care is not just about protecting children from sunburn. Parents need to consider other skin and hair problems that creep up during hot weather. Many children's products can help combat the effects of hard play and the hot sun.
For further reading on appropriate sunscreen and sunblocks for kids refer to:
Best Sunscreens and Sunblocks for Kids
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