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The winter air influences all our skin – dry hands, chapped lips and tight, itchy skin. But for a baby, the dry, winter skin can be harsher as their skin is thinner and more delicate than an adult, causing it to become flaky, red, or irritated as the temperature drops.
“Your baby’s skin may seem soft and flawless, but it’s also vulnerable,” explains Catherine Oluwadare, brand manager for Purity Elizabeth Anne. “Winter can make looking after your little one’s skin challenging, but with the right care and attention, you can protect them from the worst of the season’s dryness and discomfort.”
So, why can the winter air be tougher on your baby’s skin, and how can you avoid it?:
- Since the winter air is dryer, this means that there is less moisture in the air. Moisture is then pulled from your baby’s skin especially indoors where heaters are being used. For babies, whose skin has not yet developed the strong protective barrier that adult skin has, this can lead to dryness and discomfort more quickly.
- To counter this, make sure to moisturise your baby’s skin at least twice a day (especially after bath time while the skin is slightly damp). In winter it is better to use a cream rather than a lotion, as it offers more hydration properties. Purity Elizabeth Anne’s Aqueous Cream can help provide the moisture and nourishment your baby’s skin needs during the winter months.
- A humidifier is the perfect way to put moisture back into the dry indoor air and at the same time keep your baby’s skin hydrated throughout the night. Also, if your baby is feeling a little congested, a humidifier with a few drops of Karvol can help them breathe easier.
- During winter, we frequently move between the cold outdoors and warm indoors which can cause the skin to expand and contract quickly, which can lead to chapping, redness, and irritation, especially on exposed areas like the cheeks, hands, and lips.
- Don’t forget to keep your baby’s cheeks and lips protected with a petroleum jelly to create a protective layer when heading out into the cold. Keep a small baby safe petroleum jelly in your nappy bag to give your baby’s skin relief when needed.
- Choose baby safe products that are suitable for winter. Also, as the skin can be more irritated during this time, look for products for sensitive baby skin.
- With babies, we also tend to layer dress to keep them warm. However, bundling up your baby in tight clothing or thick nappies for too long can lead to sweating and friction, which in turn can cause rashes, nappy rashes or dry patches. Cradle cap can flare up during this time due to over-drying of the scalp.
- Dress baby in soft, breathable layers such as cotton. These types of fabrics are gentle on the skin and allow it to breathe. Avoid materials that can irritate the skin and trap in the heat.
Winter may bring cuddly moments and cosy layers, but it also brings challenges for your baby’s delicate skin. Understanding how the cold, dry air affects their body is the first step in helping to protect them. With just a little extra care and the right baby-safe products, your little one’s skin can stay soft, healthy, and comfortable all season long.
To see more about Purity Elizabeth Anne https://www.instagram.com/purityelizabethannesbaby/