Has the recent cold snap left your little one’s skin parched? We reveal sensational soothers to restore that baby smoothness
We’ve all felt that sting of tomato soup against chapped lips, or the uncontrollable itch of a body starved of TLC during the colder months. So imagine what it feels like for young skin, that’s so much more delicate than our own?
“A child’s skin is still developing, so it’s much more sensitive to dryness,” acknowledges Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm, who produce a range of award-winning products for babies and children.
“Skin is the first line of defence against infection and dehydration. Newborn and young children’s skin absorbs and loses water more quickly than a grown up’s. It also has a thinner ‘stratum corneum’ – the outermost layer, which shields everything beneath.”
Young or old, the drop in temperature brings challenges to skin, as we move in and out of the cold to very dry, heated areas, Jensen continues. “Actively keeping skin hydrated becomes a necessity, to prevent dry flakes or eczema. Moisturisation of all skin areas – even forgotten feet – is important, to ensure skin cells remain hydrated and plump, keeping irritation out.”
SOFT SKIN STARTS FROM WITHIN
“The key to skincare starts from inside,” says Jonna Jalkanen, founder of Sophie La Girafe Cosmetics. “If our stomachs feel well, the rest follows, so focus on clean, basic food that’s not processed. Pure, organic produce can be a real benefit to children in terms of wellbeing.”
The next step is skincare. “We believe the most essential thing is products which respect the natural lipid bilayer (that protects cells),” she adds. “If your skin feels dry after you shower and it craves moisture immediately, something is wrong. Use a mild cleanser and avoid over-washing children’s delicate skin, and moisturise as often as needed.”
Jalkanen advises opting for gentle organic products when possible, and Jensen steers clear of anything containing mineral oils (petrochemical derivatives), SLSs, parabens or artificial colours. She also recommends giving skin and health a natural boost by increasing Vitamin C intake (which helps boost the production of collagen), keeping up the intake of omega-3 fatty acids (through walnuts, oily fish, avocado and olive oil) and eating wholegrains packed with selenium (which helps maintain skin elasticity).
For an additional skincare boost, both the Sophie La Girafe Cosmetics founder and Liz Earle, co-founder of the renowned skincare brand, advise combining a cream with an oil for a super-nourishing skin treatment, which can then be used on any part of the body that’s affected.
MOISTURISE
“Apply a moisturiser all over your and your little one’s face, body and hands once or twice a day, to keep skin in good order,” advises Jensen. “Apply more to face and hands before going outside; red cheeks don’t only mean it’s cold, but that skin is getting dehydrated.”
It’s also worth popping an SPF on children’s faces before they go outside, especially if it’s cold or windy.
- Childs Farm Hand & Body Lotion, £3.99 (childsfarm.com)
- Weleda Calendula Weather Protection Cream, £8.95 (www.weleda.co.uk)
HELPING HAND
“Hands are very susceptible to getting dry and chapped during winter months, as they’re often exposed to the harsh wind and cold,” says expert dermatologist Dr Emma Wedgeworth. “Use an emollient wash instead of your normal soap and a good dermatological hand cream, as often as possible, with cotton gloves at night if necessary.”
- E45 Emollient Shower Cream, £5.50 (www.ocado.com)
- E45 Repair & Protect Overnight Hand Cream, £3.99 (www.boots.com)
KEEP BATHING BRIEF
Hot baths are really dehydrating, so try to keep the temperature less hot than normal, make them short, use a moisturising bubble bath and apply a moisturiser to skin within five minutes of getting out.
- Sophie La Girafe Baby Bubble Bath, currently on offer at £7.36, reduced from £10.99 (www.ocado.com)
- Childs Farm Bubble Bath For All The Family, £3.99 (www.boots.com)
- Origins A Perfect World Creamy Body Cleanser, £23 (www.origins.co.uk)
- Aveda All Sensitive Body Formula, £22 (www.aveda.co.uk)
HAIR REPAIR
The scalp can also be prone to dryness at this time of year, so use a shampoo which is suitable for sensitive skin, and a really thick moisturising conditioner. It’s best to avoid the hairdryer if at all possible, too.
- Green People Organic Babies Scent Free Baby Wash & Shampoo, £7.25 (www.greenpeople.co.uk)
- Ojon Rare Blend Moisture Therapy Conditioner, £23 (www.ojon.co.uk)
AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS…
There are always products designed to soothe and smooth parched skin. Here are three we’ve tested out on our own children and highly recommend…
- Green People Mum & Baby Rescue Balm, £9.95 (www.greenpeople.co.uk)
- Grahams Natural Kids Eczema Cream, £18.99 (www.grahamsskincare.co.uk)
- Chuckling Goat Break-Out Magic Bath Melts, £6.95 (www.chucklinggoat.co.uk)