After a couple of hot and humid summer months in Sydney, the weather is finally changing as we are approaching winter. Although the cooler temperatures are a relief for many, winter brings its own challenges, especially for the little ones.

A baby’s skin is 5 times thinner than an adult’s skin

The hydro lipid layer on top of the skin (a mixture of skin sebum and sweat) is also much thinner. This results in a reduced barrier function of the skin, which means that moisture can easily escape from your baby’s skin and that substances can also be more readily absorbed into the skin and blood circulation.

Why do babies (and most adults) experience dry skin in winter?

• Cold air cannot hold much moisture, so the ambient humidity is usually quite low.
• In addition, most indoor heating methods dry out the air even further
• We tend to use warmer water for showers and baths in winter, stripping moisture from the skin
• Extra clothing also means more friction on the skin that can lead to dryness and irritation.

Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise!

The best way to care for your baby’s skin is to keep it moisturised

• Use a non-soap based wash or oil in the bath or shower
• Always apply moisturiser after a shower or bath

Parents often underestimate the amount of moisturiser needed for babies with dry or eczema-prone skin - experts recommend using at least 250g of moisturiser per week on babies with skin prone to dryness and eczema!*

What to look for

1. Choose products that contain plant oils that are high in essential fatty acids that will absorb into the deeper skin layers and soften and soothe skin.
2. Add to that ingredients that can form a protective layer on top of the skin and slow down moisture escaping from the skin such as beeswax and hypoallergenic lanolin.
3. Anti-inflammatory and soothing botanical extracts such as calendula can also help to strengthen the skin’s natural functions and soothe any irritation that can result from dryness.

Mr Vitamins recommends

Weleda Calendula Face Cream – Certified Organic Organic calendula extract wraps its protective mantle around tender facial skin, while skin- friendly lanolin and organic almond oil moisturise Find out more and shop online for Weleda Calendula Face Cream here

• The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. “ASCIA Action Plan for Eczema”, 2013.