The adage “you reap what you sow” applies not only to life but also to taking care of your child’s delicate skin. Despite their best intentions, carers can feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of skincare choices available. However, some research and planning can help your child well into adulthood.
Priyanka K Rao, a Mysuru-based medical data reviewer with daughters aged five years and fifteen months, talks about a similar experience. She says, “Choosing the right product from massage oil to a nappy rash cream, was extremely important to me.” According to her, choosing good quality dermatologist-approved products for her girls has gone a long way in helping her keep their skin healthy and free of skin problems.
Bathing basics
Echoing Rao’s sentiment, Divyashree Raj, a Tumakuru mother of a two-and-a-half-year-old, emphasises the importance of early skin care. She has cared for her child’s skin since day one and has seen the benefits firsthand.
The path to healthy skin starts early. Nailing the bathing routine from infancy sets the foundation for lifelong well-being. It is more than just keeping your baby clean; it is crucial to supporting their overall health.
Dr Nithin S U, consultant dermatologist and paediatric dermatologist at Indira Skin Care Clinic, Bengaluru, recommends giving babies their first few baths without using cleansers or soaps. This is because, like the rest of the body’s immunity, the skin has its immune system and microbiota.
According to researchers, frequent or lengthy bathing routines may disrupt the microbiome’s balance. Bathing should be a short occasion lasting at most five minutes. The water should be lukewarm and tolerable, explains Dr Lakshmi C, consultant dermatologist, assistant professor, Department of Dermatology at Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research, Bengaluru. It is not necessary to give the baby a daily bath; bathing them on alternate days up to the age of two is enough, she adds.
Moisturising
Because babies’ skin layers are thinner and more delicate, they lose moisture more quickly than adults. According to Dr Nithin, regular moisturising is essential to prevent dehydration. He recommends using high-quality products from reputable brands to maximise the benefits of moisturing. He also recommends applying a moisturiser right after bath time while the skin is still damp to trap moisture.
Additionally, it is important to reapply moisturiser after feeding and cleansing the face, says Dr Lakshmi.
Ingredients to look for and avoid
While many mothers choose to heed the counsel of their mothers and friends, some set aside time specifically for this task. Rao advises pregnant women to choose skincare products only after studying on the baby’s skin type.
Doctors Nithin and Lakshmi say that ceramides, oats and milk extracts in baby products are thought to be good for the sensitive skin of newborns. However, they advise staying away from products with fragrances, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea and phthalate as preservatives, and skincare products with alcohol, such as baby wipes.
Sun protection
A baby’s skin is more sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays due to lower melanin production and a thinner epidermis. Experts suggest using sunscreen mandatorily, especially for babies over two.
Raj noticed a tan on her baby’s complexion when she began playing outside at approximately two years old. After checking with a dermatologist, she began using sunscreen and saw an improvement in a few weeks.
When asked about choosing a good sunscreen, Dr Nithin suggests using a physical sunscreen (referring to sunscreens containing minerals). However, it should not be used directly on the skin without a moisturiser. According to Dr Lakshmi, reapplying every three to four hours is also helpful when exposed to direct sunlight, particularly while holidaying or during the summer. She further says, “If children are exposed to water, reapplying every 45 minutes to an hour is necessary.”
One can also use an umbrella or cover babies with fabric to protect them from the sun.
Many mothers have found that including moisturiser and sunscreen into their baby’s skincare routine, particularly after they start spending more time outdoors, is hugely beneficial.
Diaper area care
Diaper use poses various risks, including poor skin barrier function, which may give rise to an infection known as diaper dermatitis. Dr Lakshmi suggests adequate care and hygiene for this region, such as frequent diaper changes, cleaning the nappy area, and keeping it dry with talcum powder, if required.
However, talcum powders are harmful to infants for various reasons, including the possibility of respiratory problems from unintentional inhalation. These powders can also dry up the skin’s natural moisture, increasing the risk of allergic reactions.
Dr Lakshmi recommends starch-based infant powders, like tapioca or arrowroot, as gentler alternatives to traditional talc.
Clothing and fabric care
In their study, experts from Turkey’s University Buldan Vocational School and Ege University’s Textile Engineering Department determined that various fabrics affected infants’ bodies differently.
Wearing loose-fitting, soft, breathable cotton clothing is usually recommended by experts. Using rough, harsh fabrics might irritate the baby’s tender skin. Using tighter or occluded clothes can cause sweat retention, which disrupts the normal skin flora, suggests Dr Nithin.
Say no to scrubs
While some mothers are fond of trying natural or home remedies for scrubbing, opinions on their benefits differ. According to Rao, using a mix of turmeric and gram flour did not produce the desired results.
However, Raj had a different experience. “I started using gram flour with milk, which helped. It left the skin soft and smooth.”
Dr Laksmi strongly advises against using exfoliators or scrubs on the infant’s sensitive skin. Scrubbing dries up the skin, producing significant moisture loss and making it more susceptible to skin problems.
These inconsistencies in experiences show that what works for one infant may not work for another.
Choosing massage oils
Despite ongoing debate regarding infant massages, there is evidence suggesting the benefit of this practice. It has been proven to improve skin health, body weight, and endurance, helping infants sleep better. Additionally, it fosters the bonds of affection with caregivers/ parents.
In contrast, an improper massage technique might cause skin bruising and other problems for the newborn. Dr Lakshmi advises using any vegetable oil that is not too thick, such as coconut oil or any other commercially available oil. Using a heavier oil may clog the sweat glands, posing severe skin issues as the baby ages.
Choosing the right product
- When selecting products, consider the skin’s PH level (around 5.5). The skincare products should have a similar PH
- Go for syndet bars or mild cleansers.
- Massage oil should be thin.
- Avoid products with strong fragrances and harsh chemicals.
- Avoid unnecessary experimentation.
- Avoid using the same items as used by parents, especially for the first several years.
- Avoid using talcum powder on the face.
- Limit skincare products to moisturiser and sunscreen for babies under two.
- Avoid exfoliating the baby’s skin to improve its tone.
- Be gentle and consistent.
Conclusion
While every baby’s skin is unique and requires individual attention, two key principles remain constant: hygiene and expert guidance. Dr Nithin emphasises that proper hygiene is the cornerstone of healthy skin. This includes regular cleaning to prevent irritation and infection, especially during diaper changes. Dr Lakshmi advises caregivers and parents to never hesitate to seek professional advice for any skin concerns, big or small. Dermatologists can diagnose and treat conditions like eczema or cradle cap, ensuring your baby receives the best care.
