Keeping Skin Clean
Skin has thousands of oil glands just under the surface, which help keep the skin soft and smooth. But it also has sweat glands (to keep the body cool) and the combination of sweat and oil means that skin can get dirty and smelly. It needs to be washed regularly.
There’s no hard and fast rule about how often kids should take a bath or shower. The answer is "it depends."
Young kids should:
- Bathe at least once or twice a week.
- Wash after playing a sport or running around outside.
- See a dermatologist if they have very dry skin. These kids shouldn’t bathe too often. A dermatologist can look at the dry skin, make a diagnosis and offer treatment.
Kids in puberty typically need to:
- Bathe every other day, sometimes more depending on their activity level. Let your nose and eyes be your guide.
- Wash their faces every day. If your child has pimples, there are some extra steps to take. Be sure he or she:
- Washes the face twice a day
- Uses warm water and a mild cleanser (not soap)
To learn more about caring for pimple-prone skin,
visit Acne.
Hand washing is another thing entirely. Be sure you talk to your child about the importance of washing hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after nose blowing and after touching pets. Here’s the right way to wash hands:
- Use clean, warm water and soap.
- Rub the hands together to make a lather that goes all over the hands and in between the fingers.
- Continue rubbing for about 20 seconds. Rather than counting, you might suggest your child sing "Happy Birthday to You" twice, which is the equivalent of 20 seconds.
- Rinse with running water.
- Dry the clean hands on a clean towel.
Next: Protecting Skin from the Sun
