A newborn baby’s skin is usually silky smooth, supple and soft, but it is also very sensitive and easily affected by external factors. It can easily become red, develop a rash or even eczema. This might be painful, itchy and associated with a tingling sensation.
You should know that a baby’s skin loses moisture five times faster than an adult’s skin, which makes it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. So, what is the best way to care for your baby’s skin? To give you the best advice, we’ve reached out to the specialist in dermatology Dr. Rania Al Mahrous, who explains the following rules:
1- Predisposition to eczema
All newborn babies have sensitive skin which requires special care. However, some babies have a genetic predisposition to eczema due to a parent’s or grandparent’s history of allergies. In this case, it’s crucial to take extra special care of your baby’s skin. So, if eczema runs in the family, it is necessary to pay close attention to the baby and provide the necessary health care when any of the symptoms appear.
2- Relying on cotton
Whether your baby is prone to eczema or not, it is important that you rely on cotton material for everything your baby comes in contact with such as clothes, blankets, bedding… Because cotton is a natural fiber which means that it does not contain any material that may irritate your newborn’s skin.
3- Oil-based cleanser
To protect your baby’s skin, always go for a soap-free cleanser as it is an essential rule for caring for dry, sensitive skin. It is also preferable to go for an oil-based cleanser which ensures long lasting hydration.
4- Avoiding fragrances and softeners
Dr. Rania Al Mahrous recommends avoiding the use of antiseptics, fragrances and softeners on babies or when washing their clothes as they can cause irritation and allergies. She also draws attention to limiting the use of wet wipes as much as possible, especially the ones that have fragrance.
5- Moisturizing the skin constantly
Moisturizers should be an integral part of a child’s daily routine, just as changing diapers or washing the face. They should be carefully chosen in order to restore the skin’s protective barrier and retain water. This is key to keep skin moisturized and prevent dryness and irritation.
6- Avoiding kissing
Adults can transmit many diseases to a newborn through kissing. It can also trigger many skin conditions such as the appearance of pimples and rashes. It gets even worse when the baby is kissed by someone wearing cosmetic products such as makeup or moisturizing creams that transfer onto your baby’s skin.
7- Protection from external factors
Try your best to avoid exposing your baby to external factors that might negatively affect its skin such as cold or hot weather, wind and peak sun hours… If you need to go out urgently, take all the necessary precautions, whether it’s wrapping up your baby or applying sunscreen made specifically for babies.
8- Treating eczema and allergy symptoms
If the symptoms of eczema and allergies appear on your baby’s skin, do not neglect them as they can cause severe discomfort due to itching, scratching and open sores. The good thing is, there are medical products specifically designed to treat eczema and manage the symptoms.
Follow these rules to keep your little one comfortable and healthy. Remember, moisturized and soothed skin is a secret to happy babies!
Finally, we recommend you try the following two products from Klorane, specifically designed for baby’s sensitive skin:
– Gentle Cleansing Gel: A cleansing gel for the baby’s body and hair, especially formulated to match your baby’s skin type, moisturize skin, and reduce dryness. It is both tear-free and soap-free.
– Moisturizing Cream: A moisturizing and nourishing cream for baby’s skin, based on natural ingredients such as calendula and plant oils. It helps soften the skin and soothe irritation.
Last Updated on February 16, 2024
