The dry baby skin: 15 questions answered + 25 tips
- 7 min reading time
Winter is coming again, and that means extra dry skin. In this blog, we explain how you can prepare your little one to be winterproof for the cold months ahead. We've researched everything you need to know about dry baby skin in detail, and here you'll find all the information to protect your baby's skin!
What exactly does dry baby skin mean?
It’s very common for babies to have dry skin more easily. You don’t need to feel guilty if your baby has dry skin or diaper rash. Many factors cause dryness to develop. For one, baby skin is naturally more sensitive. This is because baby skin isn't fully developed yet, and external factors like cold winter weather can quickly cause dryness. Baby skin functions and reacts differently than adult skin. This leads to flaky or rough/red patches that feel coarse. It can also cause eczema or diaper rash. The skin is fully developed around age four to six, but even then it still needs proper care.
What causes dry baby skin?
Baby skin has the same 'layers' as adult skin but each layer is about five times thinner. The cells aren't as tightly packed as adult skin. Especially the stratum corneum (part of the outer layer of skin) is not thick enough. Also, the oil glands don’t produce the usual amount of sebum yet, which keeps skin oily. These factors mean babies retain moisture and important substances less well.
Every baby’s skin is not fully developed, so dryness occurs or can occur. But many other factors also play a role in drying out baby skin. Here are some causes:
- Bathing or showering too often or too long
- Chlorine in swimming pools
- Inherited dry skin
- Allergies
- Cold winter weather
- Humidity levels
- Certain ingredients in products
- Heating indoors
What are the effects of dry baby skin?
Is dry skin harmful for babies? No, nine times out of ten dry baby skin is harmless! But it can cause irritations that make babies itch and scratch. If a baby scratches and breaks the skin, infections can develop (like impetigo). Also, the skin simply doesn’t feel nice. It can become rough and red from dryness, and eczema and diaper rash can occur, which are itchy and irritating for the baby.
What about diaper rash and dry skin?
Babies often get diaper rash. It forms because the diaper area is usually warm and moist. Urine and stool can also irritate the skin. Causes of diaper rash include:
- Not changing diapers often enough
- Antibiotics
- Teething
- Fabric of clothing (some fabrics retain more heat/moisture)
- Eczema
Diaper rash appears as red, rough bottoms, sometimes with blisters or even broken skin. It’s mostly visible on the inside of the thighs. Diaper rash can be very painful and itchy. Often babies become more sensitive and fussy and may lose appetite. Dry skin can increase the risk of diaper rash.
What should I watch for if my baby has dry skin?
To prevent baby skin from becoming drier and limit consequences, there are some things to keep in mind. Washing your baby plays a big role. First: limit washing—bathing too often or too long in warm water removes the skin’s protective oil layer. Use lukewarm water and pat dry (don’t rub) after bathing or showering. Also, use the right products during and after washing—many contain ingredients that can dry out skin. Here are more tips when your baby has dry skin:
- Trim nails regularly to prevent your baby from scratching open the itchy skin.
- Keep the skin well ventilated but avoid using air conditioning too much.
- Diarree is common in babies, but if it lasts long and your baby has dry skin, a check-up is recommended.
Do seasons affect skin dryness?
Seasons definitely affect skin dryness. Dry skin can appear in both summer and winter due to different reasons. In summer, dryness is caused by prolonged sun exposure, which evaporates moisture from the skin. So always apply a hydrating Cream to your baby after swimming or bathing. This prevents moisture loss and adds a protective layer. Air conditioning used in summer also dries skin.
In winter, dry skin often happens due to heating or dry air. Cold, wind, and dry air all dry out skin. Many natural skin fats dry out. That’s why choosing the best products for your baby is so important to prevent dryness.
Can I prevent my baby’s dry skin?
Completely preventing dry skin in babies is almost impossible. But you can do a lot to reduce and care for it. Here are some tips:
Tip 1 - Bathe your baby no more than three times a week to protect the natural oil layer, which is not fully developed yet.
Tip 2 - Limit soap use or choose soap with gentle ingredients. Soap strips the natural oils from skin, accelerating dryness.
Tip 3 - Keep bath time short; longer baths weaken delicate skin. Aim for no more than ten minutes.
Tip 4 - Use lukewarm water—too hot water dries baby skin faster.
Tip 5 - Add a few drops of baby oil to the bath. Oil keeps skin supple and soft.
Tip 6 - Pat your baby dry with a muslin cloth to avoid damaging delicate skin.
Tip 7 - Moisturise with baby ointment to form a protective layer on baby’s skin.
Tip 8 - Limit dry air from heaters or air conditioning near your baby to lower skin dryness risk.
Tip 9 - Use sunscreen. Baby skin is very sensitive to strong sun and UV rays. Always use factor 50 sunscreen.
Tip 10 - Bundle up your baby properly when outside in cold weather to avoid chapped skin.
Tip 11 - Rinse off chlorine or saltwater after swimming as both dry out the skin.
Tip 12 - Trim nails to prevent scratching open dry, itchy skin.
Tip 13 - Use scratch mittens if your baby cannot stop scratching.
Tip 14 - Avoid excessive heater or air conditioner use and ventilate the nursery well.
Tip 15 - Avoid rough fibres like wool, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Tip 16 - Protect your baby from UV rays with sunscreen and a sun hat when outdoors.
Tip 17 - Don’t overdress your baby or place near heat sources as they can’t regulate temperature well yet.
Tip 18 - Avoid fabric softeners with irritating ingredients when washing baby clothes (special baby softeners exist).
Tip 19 - Iron clothes at high temperature to kill bacteria.
Tip 20 - Change diapers extra often to prevent diaper rash.
Tip 21 - Clean baby’s bottom thoroughly after diaper changes with non-irritating wipes.
Tip 22 - Let baby go without a nappy for a few minutes to allow skin to dry well.
Tip 23 - Apply a moisturising ointment to the bottom after changes.
Tip 24 - If diaper rash doesn’t clear, visit a doctor for medicated products.
Tip 25 - Use muslin cloths instead of towels for drying; they absorb moisture better and help prevent irritation.
