Your baby's skin barrier is still developing throughout the first year of his life, so his delicate skin has weaker defenses against external irritants and elements. This is why there is a great need to be meticulous when it comes to caring for his skin. But when you become too meticulous, you can end up doing things that actually cause dryness and irritation.
Here are some of the most common baby skincare mistakes you need to avoid:
Bathing or wiping too often
Yes, there is such as a thing as cleaning your baby's skin too much! If you bathe your baby too often, you will strip off young skin's natural oils, which can lead to dry skin. Also, while wet wipes are quite convenient to use when it comes to cleaning your child, its antiseptic ingredients can be too harsh on your baby's skin. It may cause irritation in the form of redness or even rashes.
Treating skin flare ups without knowing the cause
It is possible that your baby is having skin problems because of an allergy attack. Some mommies tend to panic and immediately address the skin rash based on how it looks like without observing what caused the flare up to begin with. It is important to cure the symptom but it's even more important to provide a cure that addresses the root cause like allergy.
Not reading product labels
Some skin care products are not made for your baby's skin. It's important to check before making a purchase. Always read the product labels first, especially when it comes to laundry detergents, moisturizers and other products that can cause a reaction on your baby's skin. If you have a child who has dry and irritated skin, make sure you choose a therapeutic product which is clinically proven to help soothe dryness.
Not paying enough attention to hidden areas
Even though your baby's skin looks flawless or perfect in the major parts of his body, there are special regions that need extra attention. Some mommies tend to overlook the hard to reach areas like the creases near the elbows, back of the knees, behind the ears, and other areas where sweat can accumulate more easily. Dryness and rashes can begin in these parts and need more attention even when you do not see anything wrong everywhere else.
Applying sun protection too much or too late
The truth is, you need to apply sun protection at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. You also have to be particular when it comes to the amount. If the baby is under 6 months, too much sunblock may do more harm than good. Only slather on the body fully for babies aged 6 months and up.
Because baby's skin is delicate and is more prone to dryness and irritation, it is important to have trusted baby skincare products on hand. You can use the NEW Oilatum Soothe & Protect Baby range to help relieve dry and irritated skin. It contains a unique combination of nourishing oils and moisturizers specially designed to support the moisture barrier in young skin.
Caring for your little one's skin doesn't have to be complicated. Just follow these simple steps and use trusted and reliable products made specially for your baby.
