How to Keep Your Baby's Skin Moisturized and Soft
posted 2018 Jul by
Skin care is important at every age! Here are some sage pieces of advice on how you can keep baby's skin moisturized and soft.
Did you know that your baby's skin is three to five times thinner than an adults? This means it's more vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and sun damage. But with a little extra knowledge and the right products, you can keep baby's skin moisturized and soft. Read on to learn more about your baby's skin and how to keep it feeling soft and healthy.Healthy Skin Functions
Human skin performs many crucial functions for our health and well-being. It provides a barrier to harmful microbes, chemicals, and UV damage. It regulates body temperature and hydration levels by absorbing and shedding excess water. What's more, human skin provides sensory perception through touch. It synthesizes vitamin D. It even aids hormone synthesis. But your baby's delicate skin can't yet perform all of these functions. As a result, infant skin proves more vulnerable to damage until it fully develops. So, how do you protect your little one's skin and keep it well moisturized when it's at its most vulnerable?
Choose Wisely
When it comes to baby skin care, keep in mind the special needs of your baby to guide your decision towards the right products. After all, your baby's skin is more permeable than adult skin. It absorbs substances more easily, and so this means greater susceptibility to bacteria, irritants, and allergens. When finding the right moisturizer, watch out for ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and dyes. These chemicals and additives can irritate your little one's skin and dry it out. You also want to prevent your baby's skin from absorbing substances that could be harmful. Your baby's skin has a pH that's close to neutral at birth. The acidity of their skin will increase over time. So, protect your baby's natural pH by choosing mild soaps and skin care products. Watch out for bubble baths and soaps with an alkaline pH. These can disrupt the natural pH of your baby's skin. Also, avoid products containing alcohol and antibacterial soaps.
What Your Baby Needs
Newborn babies have the most specific skin care needs. Their skin tends to be rough and dry after birth. Although you'll notice remarkable differences in the levels of moisture and hydration over the first few weeks of life, it's crucial that your baby stays well hydrated. Even older babies with better developed skin see moisture level fluctuations. So, talk to your pediatrician about ensuring your baby remains well-hydrated. You'll also want to use a quality moisturizer (without unnecessary chemicals) immediately following each bath for optimal moisturizing.
Sun & Temperature Changes
The darkening pigment melanin protects our skin from UV light. But your baby's skin contains less of this pigment, which makes it extra susceptible to sun damage. Avoid sun exposure during midday when the sun's at its strongest. Because of the permeability of your little one's skin, avoid the use of any sunblocks until your baby's at least six months old. Rely on protective clothing instead. Once your baby reaches the age of six months old and can start wearing sunscreen, use a product with titanium oxide or zinc oxide as the main ingredient. Because their skin is not fully developed, babies have a harder time regulating their body temperature. That means staying proactive when it comes to helping them manage temperature changes. Dress your baby in layers of clothing that are breathable and can be easily removed as temperatures change. Make sure their bodies stay cool and well-ventilated. That way, your little one won't overheat or develop a rash triggered by heat.
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