Does your Baby Need a Moisturizer for Dry Skin?

As parents, you want nothing more than for your babies to be happy and healthy. However, their delicate skin may present unique challenges. Unlike adult skin, baby skin is still in its developmental phase and is more sensitive to irritants and germs.1 This also make babies more susceptible to skin conditions, including eczema.

Read on to learn more about how moisturization, and gentle products like Bepanthen, can help your baby.

Babies have thinner, more sensitive skin

In babies, the outermost layer of skin is approximately 30% thinner than in adults, making it less protected against certain elements. Additionally, this layer of their skin responsible for waterproofing and preventing allergens from entering is still developing.1

This lack of a complete protective barrier makes baby skin more vulnerable to irritants, germs, and dryness. Dryness weakens the skin barrier further, making it easier for irritants and allergens to trigger inflammation and flare-ups.

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Dry skin more associated with certain problems

One of the most concerning consequences of dry skin in babies is its association with eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches.2 Dryness can exacerbate eczema symptoms and contribute to flare-ups.

Here's how dry skin can contribute to eczema in babies:

  • Increased susceptibility to irritants: Dryness compromises the skin's ability to act as a barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritants. These irritants can trigger inflammation and worsen eczema symptoms.
  • Skin barrier damage: Dryness disrupts the skin's natural barrier function, leading to increased water loss and decreased protection against allergens. This creates a favorable environment for triggering eczema flare-ups.
  • Increased itching: Dryness can cause itching, which can lead to scratching and further skin barrier damage, starting an indefinite cycle of irritation and inflammation.                              
     

Beyond eczema, dry skin can also contribute to other skin problems in babies, such as:

  • Cracked skin: Dry skin can lead to cracked and irritated skin, especially in areas like the cheeks, knees, and elbows. This can be painful and uncomfortable for babies.
  • Increased risk of infections: Cracked skin provides a pathway for bacteria and other microbes to enter the body, increasing the risk of infections.
  • Discomfort and sleep disturbance: Dry skin can cause itching and discomfort, which can disrupt sleep patterns in babies.

Therefore, it's crucial to understand the link between dry skin and various skin issues in babies and prioritize proper skin care practices. Regular moisturization is particularly important for combating dryness and promoting healthy skin development in your little one.

How Moisturization Can Help

Using moisturizer for dry skin in babies is important in preventing skin issues and managing skin conditions like eczema.3 Proper moisturization acts as a shield, reducing its symptoms, making your baby’s skin less dry, and helping recover from or prevent flare-ups

Keeping your baby's skin moisturized can help reduce symptoms, and prevent eczema flare-ups

When it comes to managing eczema in babies, regular moisturization becomes a powerful ally. Think of it as a protective shield for your little one's delicate skin. By replenishing moisture, you prevent major triggers for eczema flare-ups.

Moreover, using moisturizer for dry skin strengthens the skin's natural barrier, acting as a fortress against irritants and allergens that often trigger eczema.3 This defense system helps prevent future flare-ups and promotes healthy skin development.

It may help to apply moisturizer whenever baby's skin looks dry

When your baby's skin appears dry, it's a sign that it's lacking moisture and needs extra protection. Moisturizers for dry skin are usually specially formulated to act like tiny sponges within your baby’s skin. They help to draw and hold moisture in the skin to restore its natural balance and alleviate dryness.

Moisturizers help with skin recovery

By using moisturizers, you help keep your baby's skin hydrated, reducing their urge to scratch and aiding in relief from discomfort. Additionally, like a protective shield, moisturizers prevent irritants from worsening eczema flare-ups. They also possess calming properties that soothe redness and inflammation, promoting faster healing. And lastly, moisturizers encourage the growth of new, healthy skin, replacing damaged cells.3 

Incorporating a gentle moisturizing baby cream formulated for skins with eczema-prone skin into your baby's daily routine can contribute to their recovery from flare-ups.

Daily eczema management beyond moisturization

While using moisturizers for dry skin is an essential weapon in the fight against eczema, there's more you can do to help your baby find relief from dry, itchy skin and discomfort. Here are some additional tips for managing eczema beyond daily moisturizing:4

  • Gentle Cleansing: Opt for lukewarm water and fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers designed for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing, as they can strip the skin's natural oils and worsen dryness. Pat dry gently instead of rubbing.
  • Identifying and Avoiding Triggers: Common triggers include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, harsh chemicals, and certain fabrics. Observing your baby's reactions and keeping a journal can help identify triggers.
  • Dress for Comfort: Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton. Avoid wool and synthetic fabrics that can irritate the skin.
  • Seek Professional Support: Regularly consult your doctor for personalized recommendations and monitoring of your baby's eczema. They can provide guidance on managing triggers, adjusting treatment plans, and addressing any concerns you may have.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can manage your baby's eczema symptoms and help them feel comfortable and happy.

Choosing other products that don't dry the skin

Beyond using moisturizers for dry skin or ointments for itchy skin, using gentle products helps with eczema management. Choose baby-specific, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic options. Protect your baby from the sun with a gentle sunscreen and use fragrance-free wet wipes made from natural fibers. For diaper rash, choose fragrance-free creams with zinc oxide.

How Bepanthen Helps

Bepanthen offers a range of products specifically formulated to help soothe and protect your baby's delicate skin, making it a valuable partner in your fight against eczema. With regular use, individual response may vary.

Bepanthen offers a range of products that help provide gentle eczema relief:

  1. Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream: Helps relieve itching and redness within 30 minutes. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
  2. Bepanthen SensiWash Daily Gentle Body Wash: Fragrance-free, cleanses without stripping oils, maintains skin pH, and helps protect against dryness. With regular use, individual response may vary.
  3. Bepanthen SensiDaily Moisturizer: Lightweight, helps provide hydration that lasts up to 24 hours , helps strengthen the skin barrier, and helps reduce the urge to scratch. With regular use, individual response may vary.

Gentle for your baby’s skin, Bepanthen products offer solutions to help soothe discomfort and help promote long-term skin health.5 These fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas help alleviate discomfort, promote healing, and help prevent flare-ups, improving your baby's quality of life. With regular use, individual response may vary.

Invest in your baby's healthy skin with Bepanthen. Click here to explore and purchase.

References:

  1. Baby’s skin - https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Skincare_for_babies/. Accessed December 12, 2023
  2. Baby eczema - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23408-baby-eczema. Accessed December 12, 2023
  3. Dry skin, Moisturizers for eczema - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/. Accessed December 12, 2023; https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/insider/moisturizer-reduce-flares. Accessed December 12, 2023
  4. Eczema management beyond moisturizers - https://www.healthline.com/health/eczema/eczema-skin-care-routine. Accessed December 12, 2023
  5. Bepanthen - https://www.bepanthen.com.ph. Accessed December 12, 2023

 

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. 
ASC Reference No.: B0175P032224B