Winter weather can be hard on the skin. With harsh temperatures, wind chill, snow, and dry air from heaters your kid’s skin can really suffer – especially if they already struggle with dry skin or eczema.
Since the epidermis or outer layer of skin is the body’s biggest organ it’s important to take care of it. Caring for your child’s skin doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Here are some useful tips for keeping your kid’s skin healthy all winter.
It Starts On The Inside
The human body is roughly 60 percent water and most people don’t drink enough water daily. Water plays a vital role in cognitive function and development. For children over 40 pounds, experts recommend a minimum of 50 ounces of water daily.
While kids like beverages that taste good, try to limit sugary drinks and opt for water instead. Try offering water only at meals and when on the go to increase the kid’s intake.
Turn Down The Temperature
A nice hot soak in the tub feels great on a frigid winter’s day. However, children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult’s and can burn more easily. It is recommended that in homes with children, water heater thermostats be set between 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit for safety. But you may want to try turning it down even more if your kiddo struggles with dryness.
Extremely warm water strips the skin of moisture by depleting its natural oils. Also, try shortening the time kids are in the bath or switching from baths to quicker showers.
Be Specific About Soap
While extra hand washing at home and school is good for preventing the spread of germs, it can also damage the skin. With the increase of antibacterial soap products, it is not very clear what’s best to keep everyone healthy and maintain skin integrity. Antibacterial soap kills not only harmful bacteria on the skin but also the good bacteria and is harsher on the skin. According to the FDA, over-the-counter antibacterial soaps haven’t been proven to be better at killing germs than standard hand soap.
So, skip the harsh effects and opt for soap that is moisturizing instead. Moisturizing soaps often contain ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, honey, aloe, shea butter, or olive oil. Remember that fragrances can irritate as well, so you may want to opt for fragrance-free.
Bubbles Aren’t Best
Similar to choosing hand soap, ensure your child’s body wash is moisturizing as well. Steer clear of bubble baths and foaming washes, according to pediatricians.
Many of these products contain detergents and fragrances that dry out or irritate the skin. Choose a wash that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free for the best skin care.
Bundle Up
Bundling up isn’t just for playing in the snow. Even if kids go to school, run errands, or play with friends, proper attire is important – especially in the winter. Clothing provides extra protection for kid’s skin from cold temperatures and lack of humidity in the air.
Dermatologists state that proper coverage helps decrease water evaporation from the skin and keep moisture in. Make sure that children’s clothing includes long sleeves, pants, socks, and gloves and a hat when going outside.
Restore The Skin Barrier
When your child’s skin becomes dry, you must restore its moisture barrier. Dermatologists recommend using either a cream or lotion; skin creams contain oil and water, while lotions are usually water-based. Like soap, fragrances and dyes can irritate the skin, so opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Apply a cream or lotion to your child’s hands and face 2 to 3 times daily and the rest of their skin daily. If possible, apply cream or lotion while the skin is still damp after bathing to help seal in moisture.
Dry Cracked Hand Care
Pediatricians recommend applying an ointment to the area if your child’s skin becomes extremely dry or cracked.
Healing ointments contain the highest concentration of oils and won’t irritate or burn skin when applied. Apply ointments to cracked areas at least twice daily.
Use A Humidifier
Cold temperatures and heaters mean less moisture or humidity in the air. To help put moisture back into your child’s skin try using a humidifier. Doctors suggest running a cool-mist (not warm, which can cause bacteria to grow) humidifier in your child’s room at night.
There are lots of kid-friendly humidifiers available – some in the shape of an animal or with fun lights. Check water levels daily, and if your humidifier has a filter, replace it as recommended.
Change Laundry Detergent
Fresh and soft laundry is nice, but not if your detergent contributes to skin irritation. Laundry detergents, fabric softeners and scent enhancers often contain ingredients that can lead to irritated skin.
Instead, opt for using laundry soap that is unscented and made for sensitive skin and switch out fabric softener for dryer balls.
Don’t Forget The Lips
The outer layer of the lip is skin with subcutaneous tissue underneath. Lips are sensitive to weather changes, food, and applied products. Kids often lick their lips; however, salvia contains enzymes to break down food and is drying to lips.
If you can, discourage your children from licking their lips and apply an unscented healing lip ointment at night and a moisturizing chapstick throughout the day to keep lips moisturized and healthy.
When To See A Doctor
Dry, chapped skin during the winter is common and typically treated easily at home. However, if your child’s skin continues to be severely chapped or bleeding, a visit to the doctor is recommended.
Likewise, if your child’s skin develops bumps or has lingering irritation or painful sores – see your pediatrician as they could have a bacterial or viral skin infection.
