Caring for your skin — Wellbeing, 4–6 years
Learn why gentle washing and drying help your skin stay comfortable and ready to protect you.
Gentle skin care
Your skin is a covering that helps keep the inside of your body safe. Wash away sweat, dirt and sticky things with warm water and a little soap, then pat dry rather than rubbing hard. Clean skin should feel comfortable, not sore or burning.
Why wash and dry
Sweat and dirt can make skin itchy or sore, while damp skin can become irritated in folds and between toes. People learned to wash because cleaning removes things the skin does not need. Drying matters too: it leaves less dampness for irritation to start.
After muddy play
After playing in mud, Nuno sees brown marks on his knees and hands. He rinses the mud away, uses a little soap on his hands and knees, and rinses again. He pats each area dry, including between his toes, then puts on clean clothes.
Scrubbing is not better
A child may scrub hard because dirt looks as if it needs strong force to leave. But rough rubbing can make skin red, sore or cracked, even when it is already clean. Soap is helpful in a small amount; more soap and more force do not mean better care.
Skin in everyday life
This matters after messy play, swimming, sweating or getting food on your arms. It also helps when a grown-up shows you how to wash areas that are easy to miss, such as behind the ears or between the toes. Ask for help if a rash hurts, spreads or does not settle.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…