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Just like adults, babies can also suffer from dry skin issues. Dry skin issues can arise from spending too much time in the water or long, hot baths. It can also happen if the environment is dry, for example, cool and windy, with low humidity. If your baby suffers from dry skin, it is advisable to use a rich moisture baby wash and moisturizing lotion. The Baby Dove hair-to-toe Baby Wash is specially formulated with 1/4th moisturizing cream and is made with 100% skin-natural nutrients, which helps replenish the essential nutrients and moisture lost through bathing. It is also important to choose the right moisturizer for post-bath moisturizing. One of the best baby moisturizers for dry skin in India is the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Baby Lotion, which helps to keep the baby’s skin moisturized, nourished and smooth for up to 24 Hrs. To know more about how to combat dry skin in babies, read on.
Reasons For Dry Skin In Babies
Some common factors contributing to dry skin in babies are exposure to cold temperatures and dry air, spending too much time in hot water baths, and using alcohol-based lotions. Let us know more about these in detail:
1. Exposure To Cold Temperature And Dry Air:
Cold temperature and dry air indoors and outdoors can quickly rob your baby’s delicate skin of its moisture, leading to dryness or peeling of the skin. Although a humidifier might help, it is always helpful to first check with the pediatrician whether it is okay to use one or not. Also, using a moisturizer for baby’s dry skin at least twice a day will help keep the skin soft, supple, and nourished for hours.
2. Giving Your Baby Prolonged Hot Water Baths:
Although it can be fun bathing your little one or seeing him splashing in the water, prolonged exposure to water, especially to hot water, can lead to excessive dryness. This is because it tends to wash away some of the skin’s naturally present oils. Limiting the baby’s bath time and going for lukewarm water instead of hot water would be the best thing to do. Patting the baby dry after giving a bath and using a baby lotion immediately after bathing are some other steps you can take to seal the moisture in.
3. Use Of Alcohol-Based Lotions:
Alcohol-based lotions are too harsh for your baby’s delicate skin and can dry out the skin’s outer surface. It is always advisable to read labels when shopping for baby skin care products and to go in for products that are pH neutral, safe for newborns, and hypoallergenic.
How Can You Ensure A Moisturized And Healthy Skin For Your Baby
Now that you know the common factors that can make your little one’s skin dry, let us see how you can help keep your baby’s skin soft, supple, and hydrated.
Use A Moisture-Lock Baby Moisturizer:
Your baby’s skin is delicate. Using products that consist of harmful chemicals such as dyes, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates can be harmful to the baby’s delicate skin. Going for a pediatric-recommended pH-neutral moisturizer with moisture lock-in formula will ensure your baby’s skin remains hydrated and soft for hours. Also, if your baby’s skin is dry, a cream or lotion formulated for dry skin can be helpful. The best baby lotion for dry skin in India can help your baby’s skin lock in moisture and stay smooth and nourished for up to 24 Hrs.
Avoid Harsh And Heavily Scented Creams:
Babies are at an increased risk of reacting to strong fragrances. If your baby’s soap or lotion is strongly scented, it might irritate your baby’s skin and respiratory system. The chemicals can lead to rashes, dryness, and irritation as well. That is why parents need to choose a moisturizer for baby’s skin that has a mild fragrance and is suitable for the baby’s delicate skin.
Choose Appropriate Clothing:
Since a baby’s skin is sensitive, your choice of material while selecting clothes for the little one also plays an essential role in helping them maintain healthy skin. Synthetic or harsh materials can rub against the skin, causing irritation and rashes. It can also block out air, leading to dryness and peeling of the baby’s skin. On the other hand, soft cotton materials help the skin to breathe, thereby preventing skin irritation. Also, loose-fitting clothes, compared to tight-fitting clothes, allow for more airflow, thereby preventing the skin from drying out.
Take Precaution During Harsh Weathers:
A dry and cold climate can adversely affect your baby’s skin. It can suck out moisture, leaving the skin dry and patchy. In such a case, going for a rich moisture baby lotion for dry skin can help. This is because, compared to ordinary lotions, these are formulated to provide extra moisturization, nourishment and protection for your baby’s delicate skin, even in dry and colder climates.
Use A Moisturizer That Is pH-balanced to baby skin:
Baby skin is extra sensitive. That is why it is essential to use baby care products that are pH neutral or pH-balanced to baby skin because it is mild & gentle on baby’s skin. On the other hand, using a lotion that is not pH neutral can cause the baby’s skin to dry out excessively, leading to rashes and discomfort.
It is up to parents to make the right decision for their babies. Going for a rich moisturizer specially formulated for a baby’s dry skin is one of the first steps parents can take towards ensuring healthy, soft, and nourished skin for their little ones. If you have any doubts, it is always advisable to consult your pediatrician.
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