While caring for your baby's skin might not be high on your list of priorities when you first bring them home, it is still an important part of ensuring their health and well-being. As they leave the protective environment of the womb and come in contact with the external environment after birth, their skin becomes extremely sensitive to irritants, rashes, changes in temperature and infections, especially as their immunity system is still developing, which means that it needs to be treated with care. Your baby’s skin continues to develop and change through the first few years of their life, and good skincare at infancy lays the foundation for soft and beautiful skin throughout their life.

 

A baby’s skin varies greatly from an adult’s. The outermost layer of their skin, or the epidermis, is three to five times thinner than an adult’s. This makes babies more susceptible to the absorption of particles like irritants and allergens, and more prone to water loss and thus dryness. Moreover, their body surface is much greater than their body weight, which makes them more vulnerable to damage from sun exposure and substances you apply on their skin. For these reasons, your baby’s skin can require some extra love and attention to protect them from skin problems. We break down the basics of building an easy skincare routine for your little one.

 

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1. Don’t go overboard with the baths

While bathing practices can vary across cultures, it is generally advised to bathe your baby less than 3 times a week upto 6 months of age. Your baby does not get dirty or grimy on a daily basis as much as an adult would, and frequent baths can strip their skin of natural oils and dry it out. Use warm water, and if needed, mild neutral-pH soaps without additives, such as the Two-in-One Baby Wash from EqualsTwo. Make sure to clean between the skin folds properly. If bathtime stresses your infant, try the swaddle bath method—in which you swaddle your baby in a blanket before immersing them in the baby tub. According to research published in the Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, this helps in maintaining their body temperature and reduces crying and agitation during bathing.

 

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2. Do use a gentle moisturising lotion

Your baby’s skin is not just more prone to losing moisture easily, but also contains less natural moisturising factors (NMFs), which absorb water and hydrate skin naturally. This means that moisturising is an essential part of your baby’s skincare routine. Coconut oil has been hailed as a natural moisturiser for baby skin for centuries, but avoid olive oil, as a small study published in Pediatric Dermatology suggests that it could make dry skin worse. Using a moisturising lotion like the hypoallergenic, coconut-based moisturiser from EqualsTwo will keep their skin healthy and supple. Increase the effectiveness of the moisturiser by applying it within two minutes after a bath or on damp skin.

 

3. Don’t use scented products

Rubbing scented lotion onto your baby’s skin might make them smell nice, but synthetic fragrances used in skincare products often carry the risk of being mild irritants, which can cause rashes, redness and itchiness in babies, and in more serious allergic reactions, even breathing problems. Look out for ingredients labelled “fragrance”, “perfume”, “parfum” and “aroma”, and try to avoid buying such products.

 

4. Do give your baby a massage

Giving your infant regular massages with baby oil can not only keep their skin soft and moisturised, but is also one of the best bonding activities you can do with them. According to a study published in Sociology of Health and Illness in 2017, regular affectionate touch can also help with their emotional well-being, as it releases serotonin. Thorough massages will also immediately make you aware of any skin conditions like diaper rash or eczema. Virgin coconut oil is the best choice for massage according to the Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, followed by almond oil.

 

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5. Don’t expose your baby to direct sunlight

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding the use of sunscreen on your baby upto the age of 6 months, as their skin is not developed enough to distribute the chemicals present in sunscreens. Try instead to avoid direct sunlight by not taking your baby outdoors around midday, and seeking shade whenever possible. Also make use of protective clothing, hats and umbrellas to block the harmful UV rays.

 

6. Do watch out for diaper rash and eczema

Diaper rashes are a common condition experienced by many babies due to sitting too long in a soiled diaper, which can cause the skin to become red and irritated. Topical creams containing zinc oxide, which has antiseptic properties, such as the Diaper Rash Ointment from EqualsTwo can reduce the rash. Eczema, characterised by dry, itchy skin, is another skin condition commonly seen in babies under 1 year of age. Topical moisturisers which hydrate and repair the baby’s skin, such as the EqualsTwo Baby Skin Healing Cream, can help relieve and soothe eczema.