Apart from special cases, the use of deodorant for children is usually recommended from the beginning of puberty or when adolescence begins. When children are young, it is enough to bathe them with water and the right soap so that they are clean and smell good, but you may wonder if maybe how you use baby cologne to perfume your son or daughter once they have bathed, too you should use an age-appropriate deodorant. We are now talking about deodorants for children, at what age it is better to start using them, and which ones are the most recommended.
Deodorant for children: From what age and what type?
The body odor is something that occurs after performing some physical activity such as sport, and although children often do not emit an odor too strong when compared to an adult, you might be wondering at what point is better to start getting the child used to using deodorant.
The truth is that there is no fixed rule for the use of deodorant in childhood, but the idea is to wait as long as possible because even the products indicated for children contain chemical components that can irritate the skin.
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Children with premature adrenarche
However, there is an exception to what we have just mentioned since it may be the case that a hormonal alteration occurs, due to early maturation of a part of the adrenal gland, which begins to produce hormones called adrenal androgens, which increases body odor and that in certain cases it is recommended, in addition to the use of soap and water, an alcohol-free deodorant.
This alteration can appear between 3 and 8 years of age and, although it does not require specific treatment, it is advisable to inform the pediatrician since, it is recommended to make periodic reviews, since children who suffer from it may have more tendency to suffer in addition to obesity, alterations of the rule and hirsutism or excessive hairiness.
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When to start using deodorant on children?
Regardless of the aforementioned alteration, the age at which children can begin to use deodorant can be set at 12 years, which is when adolescence begins. Some children have armpit odor before this age (between 8 and 10 years) and in this case, they can use deodorants to reduce discomfort. Besides, the appearance of hair in the armpits is usually associated with the beginning of the bad smell.
How to choose a children’s deodorant
When choosing a deodorant for children, it is better to opt for one that is cream or roll-on and, as we have mentioned, is formulated without alcohol.
Those that are antiperspirants are not usually recommended since they act to inhibit the production of sweat, something that is only advisable for adults. Besides, it will not be good to give children a spray deodorant since they usually always have alcohol and it is also not good for them to get used to the use of aerosols out of environmental awareness.
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How to use deodorant in childhood
Although from the indicated age it is already advisable to use deodorant in children, pediatricians usually advise that the later or less it is used the better since it can cause allergies and skin irritations.
In this way, whenever possible, reserve the use of deodorant for the hottest days or for those in which the child is going to practice some physical activity.