Why We Don’t Face Paint Children Under 3 Years Old

Face painting is a cherished activity at parties and events, but it’s essential to prioritize safety, especially for young children. Here are several reasons why face painting is not advisable for children under the age of three:

1. Sensitive Skin

Infants and toddlers have particularly delicate and sensitive skin. Many face paints contain chemicals, preservatives, and dyes that can cause allergic reactions or irritate young skin. Their skin barrier is still developing, making them more susceptible to rashes and infections.

2. Ingesting Paint

Children under three are prone to touching their faces and putting their hands in their mouths. If they accidentally ingest face paint, it could lead to gastrointestinal issues or poisoning, especially if the products are not specifically formulated for children.

3. Eye Sensitivity

The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than other areas of the face. Young children are less able to communicate discomfort or irritation, and painting near the eye area can pose a risk of stinging or serious eye irritation.

4. Hyperactivity and Sensory Overload

For some children, the experience of face painting can be overwhelming. The sensation of being painted on, combined with unfamiliar scents and sounds at events, can cause distress. Young toddlers may not understand what is happening and can react unpredictably.

5. Difficulty in Maintaining Hygiene

Young children may not understand the importance of hygiene, particularly when it comes to having their faces touched or painted. This can lead to cross-contamination, posing further risks of skin infections or the spread of germs.

6. Lack of Awareness

Children under three often lack the cognitive ability to understand potential allergies or reactions. Parents may not be aware of all the ingredients in face paint, making it difficult to ensure the products used are safe.

7. Liability

Every artist at Expressions carries their own personal liability insurance. In our policies, specific to our industry, face painting under the age of 3 is discouraged due to a high risk of allergic or other reactions. The paint we use IS INDUSTRY STANDARD and is SAFE, however even with this industry safe paint, they all have labels saying this is not tested or encouraged for use for faces under the age of 3. 

Conclusion

While face painting can be a fun and creative activity, it’s important to prioritize the safety and well-being of young children. For those under the age of three, it may be best to explore alternative activities that are safer and better suited to their developmental stage. If face painting is desired under the age of three, Expressions’ artists will suggest an alternative such as painting the hand or arm to start them off with a positive experience.