When you think of celebrating Halloween, you probably don’t think of children and skin irritations.
These holidays can create some skin problems, however, depending on the products you use and how sensitive your child’s skin is.
Below, we look at the various causes of Halloween skin irritations and give you some tips on how to avoid them. You can keep your skin healthy and problem-free this Halloween and all season long!
Children’s and Halloween costumes: Prevent skin irritations
Suits can be made from a variety of materials. If your child has sensitive skin or allergies, some of these can lead to skin irritation.
Synthetic materials can trap heat and moisture, leading to redness, itching and sometimes rashes, especially when worn for long periods of time. Be careful with polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, rayon and vinyl.
Some costumes can cause allergic reactions, especially those involving latex gloves or masks. Wigs can cause irritation and itchiness on the scalp, while hats can aggravate existing conditions. Masks can also cause vision problems, headaches, acne or skin infection, especially if they don’t fit properly. Labels and seams that rub against the skin can also cause some discomfort.
Borrowed suits or suits from thrift stores may still have bacteria residue on them. These can also be a source of irritation, itching or even infections.
What to do
Choose the costumes carefully. Look for natural fibers like cotton that are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Be aware of your child’s allergies and avoid materials that cause flare-ups. You can also remove irritating tags or seams and add comfortable underwear to avoid chafing and redness.
If you are using a borrowed or used uniform, wash it thoroughly before use. Have your child try on a mask for a few minutes before buying it to make sure it fits well and doesn’t rub against the skin. Always have your kids wash their faces after Halloween is over.
If your child experiences an allergic reaction, rash, redness or irritation from a costume, spritz Rescue + Relief Spray for immediate relief from itchy, rashy skin. Then apply Calming Moisture or Body Repair Lotion to soothe the skin.
Children’s costumes and Halloween costumes: Makeup, Face Paint and Tattoos
Halloween makeup, face paint and tattoos can create fun or scary looks, but they can also cause skin problems.
Many contain allergens such as fragrances, preservatives or certain dyes that can cause allergic reactions. Heavy makeup can clog pores leading to breakouts and irritation, especially for children with sensitive skin.
Some colors are also difficult to remove, which can lead to prolonged exposure to potentially irritating and toxic ingredients. Even temporary tattoos can contain allergens that can irritate the skin, especially if applied to sensitive areas.
What to do
Be careful. Choose hypoallergenic and hypoallergenic makeup options designed for sensitive skin. Avoid those imported from other countries as they do not have the same strict safety standards as in the US
Research the brands you buy and look for those that market their products as safe for children with sensitive skin. Choose brands that are labeled as non-toxic. Read the reviews to see what others have to say about them. Avoid long-lasting tattoos and choose options that are easily removed.
Before applying any of these, do a patch test on a small area of your child’s skin. Wait 24 hours to see if irritation occurs.
Choosing skin-friendly Halloween makeup will help reduce the risk, but this may not always be possible. We recommend properly prepping your skin to protect pores from clogging and absorbing toxins contained in heavy makeup, while helping to prevent further irritation and breakouts.
Protect the skin with a layer of Restorative Skin Balm, which will create a protective barrier. You can also apply the non-comedogenic Calming Moisture, which can act as a primer to keep toxic ingredients out.
When Halloween is over, it’s important to remove all makeup thoroughly to avoid clogged pores, pimples, and irritation. Use gentle makeup removers and follow with a soothing moisturizer like our Calming Moisture to prevent irritation, tame any potential inflammation, restore moisture and soothe skin. It contains moisturizing and healing ingredients such as glycerin, aloe vera and antioxidants that will help restore the health and radiance of the skin.
Children and Halloween: Food
Halloween is notorious for its sweet treats, but certain candies can increase the risk of skin irritations – such as inflammation, rosacea, eczema and other rashes.
If your child has allergies, check all treats for triggers before allowing them to be eaten. Many contain common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and gluten.
Many candies also have artificial colors and preservatives that can cause reactions in some people. Yellow 5 or Red 40, for example, are known to cause hives in susceptible children.
What to do
Always read labels for allergens, especially if your child has known food allergies. Look for allergy-friendly treatments when possible. It’s also best to help your children moderate their intake, as this alone can help reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
If your child has severe allergies, consider making homemade treats so you know exactly what ingredients are used.
As your children get older, teach them about allergies and help them understand the importance of avoiding certain foods or products. Educating them about specific triggers can help them make safer choices.
It is also helpful to skip the symptoms of an allergic reaction so that your child can notify you immediately if they occur.
Try and moderate your sugar intake to prevent breakouts and inflammation. Balance with drinking water to flush out sugar and toxins and encourage antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. If your child develops a skin flare-up, we recommend our Calming Moisture and Body Repair Lotion to reduce inflammation and keep skin clear and healthy.
Kids and Halloween Costumes: The Weather
Cold weather, wind and dry air can cause skin dryness and irritation, while outdoor treatment can also expose sensitive children to pollen and mold. If it rains and your child’s clothes get wet, this can cause friction and irritation. Even in autumn, UV rays from the sun can also cause skin damage.
What to do
Apply a rich moisturizer to your child’s skin before going outside. We recommend the Soothing Moisturizing and Body Repair Lotion. It will help the skin to be more resistant to weather-related irritations. Don’t forget the lips! They can easily burst. Use our Restorative Skin Balm. It will help prevent chapped lips during the season.
Then apply sunscreen to all exposed skin areas. Have your child dress appropriately, using moisture-wicking fabrics under the suit to keep the skin dry.
Children and Skin Irritations at Halloween: After-Care
After Halloween is over, read your child’s treats carefully to make sure they’re all safe, then moderate their intake. Have them take off everything and wash well—a shower or bath is best. Help them apply moisturizer afterwards to help their skin recover. Wash the suits and put them away, then monitor your child’s skin for any signs of redness or irritation.
If you see any, first use Rescue + Relief Spray to immediately reduce inflammation and itching, then apply Restorative Skin Balm to repair and soothe, replenish moisture and keep skin healthy. Also apply a bandage or gauze if needed.
Here’s to avoiding skin scares this Halloween and all season long!
Do your kids struggle with skin irritations on Halloween?
Featured image by Kevin Bidwell via Pexels.
