4 Skin Problems Babies Risk Facing in Winter – and The One Solution That Tackles Them All

Sunlit afternoons, hot chocolate and comfy bedding – there is so much magic that winter brings along. If you are a mother, you can’t stop gushing over how rosy-red your baby’s cheeks are and how adorable he looks in his winter-wear. However, for your little one, winter can also lead to something that’s not at all pleasant: skin problems! The likelihood of skin-related problems increases during winter and our sensitive babies are often the most common target.

In the winter season, the natural moisture content of the air is very low. This means that the air is drier than usual. While adults can handle this change fairly well, our babies have extremely delicate skin. In fact, a baby’s skin loses moisture up to five times faster than an adult’s skin So when the surrounding air is dry, their likelihood of moisture-loss also increases substantially. This is especially so during and after bath-time, when they are particularly vulnerable to losing essential moisture and nutrients and thereby facing dryness in skin

Here are the four most common skin problems babies face in winter, and why

1. Overall dryness

That feeling we get of skin being easily scratched and stretched to touch – imagine what it can do to our babies! When our skin gets exposed to the merciless winter air, it tends to lose its natural moisture and starts drying out. This results in a feeling of overall dryness that’s more pronounced in the facial region, knees and feet. It can even lead to rashes in babies.

2. Chapping – of the cheeks and lips

This problem doesn’t spare anyone – indeed, many of us end up licking our lips to stop them from feeling dry in the winter. Chapping occurs when the skin is intensely dried out, so much that it starts peeling. This usually occurs in the cheeks and lips and can become really painful if not treated. Chapped skin can even start oozing blood.

3. Eczema

This is a condition that looks like an itchy rash and can lead to dry, red and inflamed skin. While eczema often runs in the family, it can flare up during the winter months. Sometimes, if your baby has been unwell or been exposed to a sudden change in temperature, this too can bring on an attack of eczema. Goes without saying, this is very uncomfortable and even painful for your child.

4. Flakiness in the scalp

It’s not just adults who struggle with a flaky and crusty scalp in the winter months; babies can have it worse! The dryness can also aggravate cradle cap, in case your baby is already suffering from it. This condition leads to a greasy scalp and flakes. While this is not harmful to your baby and usually goes away on its own, the winter air can delay things.

The one solution for your baby’s skin problems in winter

When trying to figure out how to protect our baby from these problems, it is important that we look at the main cause: the lack of moisture. How many times have you observed your baby’s skin after a bath, or before bed-time, and found it dry? It must have made you question the necessity of baths in the first place, and long for something that could return all the lost hydration. The good news is that herein lies the solution to all winter skin-problems: moisturisation. You simply need to moisturise with a nourishing cream more often, and at the right time, to keep these problems away!

That said, it is important to choose suitable skincare products that can deliver this extra care. The natural hydration levels of your baby’s skin are low now, and depleting every moment, so you need something that can keep it locked through the day. Baby Dove is a good option to consider for this, with its range of gentle and moisturising products for little ones. Dermatologist and paediatrician tested, the products have been formulated to replenish essential nutrients and moisture lost during bathing. All Baby Dove products are also hypoallergenic and pH neutral to suit all baby skin types. This means you can look after your baby in the best way possible – just the way you want.

Keep in mind the following guidelines for your baby’s winter-care routine

• Use a nourishing soap for your baby’s bath. Try the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Bar which is infused with 1/4^th moisturising cream that leaves delicate baby skin soft, and nourished. It is a good bet for maintaining the pH balance of the skin. If your baby has ultra-sensitive skin or suffers from eczema, you should opt for the Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture Bar that has been specially developed for babies with sensitive skin.The bar is hypoallergenic so as to minimise allergy risks. This takes extra care to ensure that the bath is cleansing(bath is cleansing ?), without being at all harsh. Both these bars come with a mild and caring fragrance developed specifically for delicate baby skin
• Follow up the bath by dabbing on lotion generously but gently. Use the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Nourishing Baby Lotion that gently moisturises baby’s skin for 24 hours leaving it supple throughout the day. The lotion soothes dry skin from the first use itself and also has a very delicate scent.
• Try and maintain a comfortable level of humidity as well as temperature indoors. You can get a humidifier for your baby’s room to make sure that the air is not excessively dry
• Keep your baby well-covered especially when venturing out in order to limit his exposure to the dry winds. However, make sure you don’t overheat him by piling on too many layers
• To prevent the occurrence of diaper rash, keep the area clean and fresh by changing diapers often. This is critical even if your baby doesn’t pee much in the winter. Follow this up with the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Diaper Rash Cream to avoid any redness or itching. The cream neutralises skin’s pH level in seconds, provides instant comfort from the first use and immediately protects from diaper rash. I have also noticed that the diaper rash cream by Baby Dove is easier to clean and spread compared to the others I’ve used
• Extend the extra nourishment to your baby’s scalp too, by massaging it with oil more frequently, and keeping it clean using a baby shampoo. This will reduce instances of flakiness

Come winter, and you instinctively become more cautious with everything related to your baby. You dress up your bundle of joy in warm and colourful winter clothes. You feed him foods to boost his immunity and keep a close track of his growth. You feel his soft cheeks and mentally pledge to not let anything – not even the winter winds – bring him any harm. Your instincts are spot on, mom. Little ones do require extra care in the winter months, and it is up to you to deliver this. As a mother, you have always wanted the gentlest care for your baby. This year, aside from gentleness, also give your baby added nourishment and help him have a beautiful, problem-free winter!