A baby’s skin is as sensitive as it is soft – make sure you have a care regime in place for summer
AS ADULTS, our skin can really suffer in summer, whether it’s with everyday dryness or a nasty patch of sunburn, so it’s even more important to make sure delicate baby skin is protected when the weather hots up.
Here, Dr Stefanie Williams, dermatologist and baby skincare expert for Aveeno. shares some tips on how to care for baby skin during summer.
KEEP SKIN COOL: “Babies can be prone to overheating through the summer as their sweat glands are still developing, and are therefore very sensitive. Bathing them in a short (five to 10 minutes), lukewarm bath can help keep them cool and clean.”
MOISTURISE MILDLY: “After bathing, immediately apply a moisturiser to damp skin, to ensure baby’s skin is kept hydrated.
“Use a slightly lighter emollient in the Summer, such as Aveeno Baby Daily Care Moisturising Lotion (£2.99 Boots) as part of baby’s daily skincare routine.
AVOID THE SUN: “Babies under two should not be exposed to direct sun for long, even with sunscreen.
“Covering your baby with breathable, natural material layers such as cotton (not wool), will help keep baby cool and protect them from the sun.”
AVOID IRRITANTS: “If you notice dry patches on their skin, use products created for sensitive skin. Look for those that are fragrance free.”
LOOK OUT FOR CRADLE CAP: “Does your little one have a dry, flaky
scalp? This could be cradle cap, a common skin condition that may begin in the first few weeks of life and can last weeks or months.
“To remove flakes of cradle cap, gently massage with a moisturising lotion. Wait a few minutes and then comb gently to remove the flakes. Follow with a gentle wash, rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry.
“Remember to be extra gentle when massaging or washing around the fontanels, or soft spots, and seek advice from your doctor if the skin becomes inflamed.”
MINIMISE ECZEMA FLARE-UPS: “Does your family suffer from eczema?
Eczema belongs to a group of conditions called ‘atopic’, so, if there are any atopic diseases in the family, eczema is more likely to come through to offspring.
“You’ll be glad to hear that most children outgrow eczema before they start school. The best thing to do is to manage it and reduce flare-ups as much as possible, which can be done through following a good skincare routine using products created with sensitive, eczema-prone skin in mind. Certain lifestyle and environmental factors, such as detergent contact and air conditioning, may aggravate the condition or trigger flare-ups.”