Do all children need to be using gentle bath products on their skin?

THREE KEY FACTS: New Zealand has a 14% prevalence rate of paediatric eczema (atopic dermatitis) in children aged 0-14. Symptoms include itchy, inflamed and scaly skin; eczema can appear due to genetic and environmental factors. Children’s skin is thinner and drier than adults’; some ingredients found in skincare and bodycare products can cause irritation.

NZ Herald columnist Lucy Slight is a mother of two and has worked in beauty and lifestyle journalism for 17 years. Ashleigh Scott also has two children and is a holistic facialist who trained in London; she established The Facialist in 2014 and co-founded Noody in 2023. OPINION If your child has sensitive skin, you’re probably already schooled up on the skincare ingredients to avoid, but should you be reaching for gentle products even if your little one’s skin seems pretty robust? With so many brands on the market aimed at children, we ask an expert how to choose the right products for your kids’ night-time bath.

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