With winter making a speedy comeback this year, it’s important we not only prepare ourselves, but also our little ones, especially with the harsher months settling in, babies and toddlers skin is extra susceptible to the harsh, dry climate[1].
Paediatric Dermatologist, Dr Jess Felton highlights: “winter in the UK is a challenging time for skin. Exposure to cold wind can be drying and irritating for delicate cheeks. When the heating goes on the dry heat can be irritating for eczema and many people find their eczema flares around season changes”.
Understanding how winter can affect a little ones skin is a good place to start, so Dr Jess Felton has shared five tips on how to help protect your little ones skin this winter.
1. Winter skincare for kids – Don’t dry out your little ones skin in the bath
Many of us love a warm, bubble bath, especially when it is cold and miserable outside, but it’s important to note, a short bath of 5 minutes or less is more than enough to cleanse the skin and have fun. Remember prolonged exposure to water can actually be drying to the skin. Using a bathing product designed for dry and eczema prone skin is important to protect the skin barrier while bathing. For children with eczema emollient applied directly to the skin before bathing can also be used.
2. Winter skincare for kids – Moisturise and protect
Active daily treatment of dry skin is essential. It protects the important barrier function of the skin, locks moisture in, and reduces itch and eczema flares. Therefore it is something that must be done every day. It should be fun and a bonding experience so choosing an emollient that is comfortable for your child is really important. Incorporating massage with the emollient as a wind-down routine before bed can be soothing, too.
3. Winter skincare for kids – Avoid perfumes
Strong perfumes are best avoided, for example in a bubble bath or soap product, as they may irritate the child’s skin further. Some products aimed at children also contain things like glitter and colouring, which again, can be irritating. I also advise parents to avoid food and nut products in leave-on creams, as there is a theoretical risk of allergy developing.
4. Winter skincare for kids – Don’t overheat the house
With the colder months approaching it can be easy to find ourselves cranking up the heating but, it’s important to keep an eye on this, as it can effect little ones skin. It’s important to bear in mind, children with eczema often feel itchier when hot, so having a cooler bedroom (as long as their body temperature feels fine) can often help. Having a window open and increasing humidity can improve their sleep when the heating is on. Teaching older children to apply emollient when they feel itchy and gently patting the area instead of scratching can help symptoms.
5. Winter skincare for kids – Be fabric-savvy
Winter gives us the perfect chance to wrap our little ones up in snuggly clothing however, it’s important to note, clothing can irritate the skin; soft cotton clothing is best, and remember seams and buttons in the wrong place can rub and irritate. Clothes washing is best done with a non-biological washing product without a perfumed fabric conditioner.
Winter skincare for kids – Product recommendations:
Available from Boots stores nationwide and online at Boots.com
Oilatum Daily Junior Head to Toe Wash, RRP £4.99 for 300ml
Oilatum Daily Junior Head to Toe Wash has been specially developed with dermatologists for use on babies and children with dry skin, and is also suitable for those prone to eczema.
The gentle formulation offers everyday protection for healthy skin and helps to reduce the occurrence of dry skin. The product contains ultra-gentle, effective cleansers for dry skin and respects the natural moisture barrier in young skin.
Oilatum Daily Junior Head to Toe is kind to eyes and soap free.
To use at bath time, simply pour onto your hand or a flannel and work into a lather before applying to wet skin and wet hair. Rinse thoroughly.
Oilatum Daily Junior Bath Foam, RRP £4.99 for 300ml
Oilatum Daily Junior Bath Foam has been specially developed with dermatologists for use on babies and children with dry skin, and is also suitable for those prone to eczema.
The gentle formulation offers everyday protection for healthy skin and helps to reduce the occurrence of dry skin. The product contains ultra-gentle, effective cleansers for dry skin and respects the natural moisture barrier in young skin.
Add a small amount of junior bath foam to running water and swirl by hand.
Oilatum Soap Bar, RRP £6.50 for 100g
Oilatum Soap Bar is a simple and gentle emollient cleanser suitable for everyday use, specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin.
To use, add a little warm water to the soap bar, and gently massage the soap bar into the skin. Rinse off and pat dry.