Does your baby have dry patches of skin? No need to worry! A newborn's sensitive skin first has to adjust to the new environment after birth. After nine months in the protected womb, it is suddenly exposed to air, temperature changes, and other external influences. Therefore, it is completely normal that around two-thirds of babies develop dry patches on their face and belly immediately after birth.
The question often arises: When should you start using a moisturizer, and which of our creams is best suited for this? You will find all the answers in this post.
Possible causes of dry skin in babies
Natural adjustment process after birth: After birth, delicate baby skin initially does not have the same protective functions and properties as adult skin. Quite the opposite, it is initially about three to five times thinner than adult skin and therefore loses moisture more quickly.
Insufficient lipid layer: Newborns' sebaceous glands are also not yet fully active, which is why the skin overall produces less oil. The natural protective layer is therefore not fully developed, making the skin more prone to dryness.
Bathing too often or excessive care: Although cleanliness is important, bathing too often or excessive care can stress the skin and strip it of moisture.
Unsuitable care products: Certain ingredients in care products, such as synthetic fragrances, alcohol, or preservatives, can irritate sensitive baby skin and dry it out further.
Temperature and environmental factors: Wind, cold, strong temperature fluctuations, as well as dry heated air – especially during the winter months – can also strain and dry out the skin.
Irritation from urine and stool: The diaper area is particularly sensitive. Prolonged contact with urine and stool can irritate the skin and promote dryness or even sores.
When should I apply cream to my baby?
After birth, your baby's skin begins to peel – this is initially a completely normal process and no cause for concern. The little body is adjusting from the moist environment in the womb to the dry outside world.
In the first few weeks to come, the skin then develops its own protective layer against external influences such as bacteria, moisture, wind, and cold all by itself. Until then, it usually does not need additional care. Only when bathing becomes a routine can additional moisturizing care be useful.
Which cream is suitable for dry baby skin on the face and body?
Care products should be used very sparingly on newborns – following the motto: less is more! It is important to use products specially developed for sensitive baby skin, as conventional moisturizers are often too intense and may contain irritating fragrances or alcohol.
How often should I apply cream to my baby?
After bathing – especially during the cold winter months – it is useful to apply cream to your baby's skin, for example with our med Basic Cream, and provide it with moisture. This keeps the skin nice and soft and protected.
Alternatively, you can also plan a massage with Baby Almond Oil. The oil provides the skin with plenty of moisture and nourishes it completely naturally. At the same time, the little massage round is a great evening ritual after bathing and strengthens the bond with your baby.
In the autumn and winter months, we also recommend our Wind and Weather Balm to additionally protect the delicate skin from the cold.
Dry baby skin or neurodermatitis?
Sometimes dry skin hides a skin condition such as neurodermatitis. Red, scaly patches and blisters can be signs of an intolerance or atopic dermatitis. In most cases, the first symptoms appear within the first year of life.
Unlike normal dry skin, skin with neurodermatitis is not only dry and scaly, but also cracked, red, and inflamed. Often, severe itching is also present, so the baby scratches frequently.
If neurodermatitis is suspected, the skin should be examined by a doctor. You can find more information on the topic of neurodermatitis in babies here.
The scalp can also become dry in babies. Dry scalp is often confused with cradle cap or milk scabies. You can read about the difference between cradle cap and milk scabies here.
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