How to Look After Young Children’s Skin in Winter
Wrap up well, moisturise a lot, avoid any winter sunburn and seek help if you are worried. If you have kids, it can sometimes be tempting to keep them indoors during the cold, dark winter months. It feels like such an effort to get them out and about considering the multiple layers of clothing your little ones need to be coaxed into and the real motivating push you have to give older kids who might not want to brave the cold. It’s important to get some fresh air regularly even in winter, however, and the trick to doing so is to make sure you are fully prepared to fend off the natural elements. One important part of this is protecting your children’s skin. The harsh, cold and blustery winds can be a real exacerbating factor when it comes to dry or chapped skin. Never fear, however! There’s always something you can do to protect their skin and make sure they can still enjoy the outside world, whatever the weather. Here are our top tips for looking after young children’s skin in winter.
- Wrap Up Well
Firstly, it’s important to make sure not too much of a baby or toddler’s skin is exposed to the cold. Not only will this keep them nice and toasty while outside, but it will also protect their skin. Wrap them up in lots of layers so you can take off one thing at a time, matching their clothing to whatever the temperature happens to be. However, don’t just use any thick item of clothing. Pay attention to the material when buying them outfits for the winter. Get soft articles of clothing that will be gentle on your children’s skin in case of winter rash or similar skin problems. Make sure you buy breathable fabrics so that skin doesn’t get clammy and when washing newborn baby clothes or those for older children, always use a skin sensitive detergent to prevent any reactions. For more useful information on washing newborn baby clothes, have a look at these tips.
- Moisturise – both pre and post-exposure to the cold
Secondly, it’s important to make sure children’s skin stays well moisturised throughout the season. Use a non-allergenic, family-friendly moisturising cream and apply it regularly to areas that are likely to be exposed to the cold; think cheeks, wrists and foreheads. When you come back from an extended trip outside, remember to reapply.
- Avoid too much direct sunlight
While we may associate sunburn with the summer, when the sun is out in winter it can be deceptively bright and it is certainly possible to get burnt, especially sensitive baby skin. Use a sun cream with comprehensive UV protection if your little ones are going to be out in bright sunlight for any extended period of time – especially if you find yourselves surrounded by reflective snow.
4. Stay hydrated
Typically, people are more likely to become dehydrated during colder months because they breathe a lot of dry air, which causes the body to produce more moisture and thus lead to dehydration. As a parent, you should make sure your children are hydrated in the winter. They should consume plenty of water to protect their skin. Hydration is important to the skin, as it rejuvenates and makes the skin feel soft and smooth. It can also help protect skin against irritants by eliminating toxins that cause dry skin and other problems.
5. Take lukewarm baths
After coming home on a cold day, it would be best to let your children soak in a lukewarm bath for at least 15 minutes. This can help reduce the risk of skin dryness and inflammation, particularly during cold months. Be mindful of the water’s temperature though. While you may want to warm them up because of the cold weather, a bath that’s too hot could also cause skin issues, such as itchiness and redness.
6.Consult a healthcare professional if you are worried
Finally, if you’re at all worried about the state of your children’s skin, always consult a healthcare professional. They’ll be able to advise on any special products to use and precautions to take. Just book in to see your local GP or practice nurse to ask for some advice. Those are our top tips on keep children and baby skin soft and supple all year round. Wrap up well, moisturise a lot, avoid any winter sunburn and seek help if you’re worried. Good luck!