The winter air influences all our skin – dry hands, chapped lips and tight, itchy skin. The impact is even harsher on a baby’s skin as it is thinner and more delicate than an adult’s, causing it to become flaky, red or irritated as the temperature drops.
soft, healthy skin all winter
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 baby’s skin can stay soft, healthy and comfortable all season long.
“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.”
why the winter air is tougher on your baby’s skin and how to avoid it
Since the winter air is drier, it means there is less moisture in the air, especially indoors where heaters are being used. Moisture is then pulled from your baby’s skin, which has not yet developed the strong protective barrier that adult skin has, resulting in dryness and discomfort.
How 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.
- When bathing your baby, make soaking time shorter and use lukewarm water. Too much water exposure, especially in too-warm water can rob baby’s skin of moisture. A quick sponge bath will ensure baby is clean and fresh.
- A humidifier is the perfect way to put moisture back into the dry indoor air while keeping your baby’s skin hydrated throughout the night. If your baby is feeling a little congested, a humidifier with a few drops of Karvol can help them breathe easier. Karvol’s aromatic blend of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, thymol and lavender oil, promotes relief.
During winter, we frequently move between the cold outdoors and warm indoors, which can cause the skin to expand and contract quickly. This can lead to chapping, redness and irritation, especially on exposed areas like the cheeks, hands, and lips.
How to counter this:
- 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. 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.
How to counter this:
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.
Make sure to cover their hands with mittens and their head with a hat.
