Yes, but children don’t need complicated skincare routines. What they need is simple care that protects their skin barrier.
Children’s skin is different from adult skin. It is thinner, loses moisture more easily, and the protective barrier is still developing.[1] This means children are more prone to dryness, irritation, and conditions like eczema, especially in hot and humid climates.[2] Supporting the skin barrier helps keep skin comfortable and resilient.
For most children, a simple routine is enough:
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Gentle cleanser – mild, sulfate-free, non-soap cleansers that don’t strip the skin
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Moisturiser – fragrance-free creams that support the skin barrier (ingredients like ceramides can help)
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Sun protection – especially for children who spend a lot of time outdoors
What children don’t need are complicated skincare routines or strong active ingredients designed for adult skin, such as retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acids.[3] These can easily irritate younger skin.
In short, children do benefit from skincare, but the goal isn’t “more products.” It’s keeping the skin barrier healthy so their skin can do what it’s meant to do: protect them.
References
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Stamatas GN, Roux PF, Boireau-Adamezyk E, Lboukili I, Oddos T. Skin maturation from birth to 10 years of age: structure, function, composition and microbiome. Experimental Dermatology. 2023;32(9):1420–1429. doi:10.1111/exd.14843
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Choi EH. Skin barrier function in neonates and infants. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research. 2025;17(1):32–46. doi:10.4168/aair.2025.17.1.32
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Bolen R, Szymanski T, Nichols J, Pulsipher KJ. Dermatological safety of cosmetic products marketed to children: insights on the “Sephora Kids” phenomenon. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2025;24(9):949–951. doi:10.36849/jdd.8800