Parents of Preschoolers  Discussion Forum

Hi,
My daughter 3yrs has very fair complexion and chubby till 1 1/2 years old and later she became thin and reduced her complexion. She gets dry skin in winter but not too bad on legs,thighs. From last summer she is going to daycare. They take her out in hot summer and so her stomach,back turned very dark and her face lost her complexion even after applying sunscreen 45spf. In this winter she didn't get back her complexion. So, her skin is uneven. I don't give her oil bath daily just use Johnson's moisturiser and aquaphor on her dry skin. I tried besan powder but it dries out her face too much so I stopped. Any tips to get back her complexion?
We both are fair. Samika replied. Hi Todd girl mom

My little girl is 2 yrs old and I have experienced a somwewhat similar situation. She was fair and glowing too until about 18-19 months and then as I started taking her outdoors more, her skin tone has tanned considerably. Although she does not go to day care, exposure to the environment does cause the skin to tan. But we cannot keep them inside always. They need to play outside - in parks, playgroups, etc for their learning and development.

I'm not sure that sunscreen can actually prevent darkening of the skin. Try mixing besan with cold milk and haldi (kasturi haldi is a special type of haldi used in Southern India to lighten skin and also prevent hirsutism (hairy arms, legs etc) and applying this pack before a bath and then wash it off. It is also a good idea to apply moisturing lotion straight after as besan can dry the skin. Once a week is probably enough. At this young age, it is probably best not to use too many products on their gentle skins.

As parents, we should focus on keeping them healthy, active and happy and not worry too much about the colour of their skin. I know as Indians we are overly conscious of fairness. Since living in Sydney. Australia for over ten years, the past eleven years, I have learnt to be less concerned about this factor. Outside India and mainly in the West, we are all perceived as dark anyway and it is such a relative term. I really believe that a good complexion (that is clear and healthy skin) is more important)than being fair. I have also read that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits and plenty of water is beneficial for the skin.

Hope this helps. Good luck and best wishes, Samika