Like adults, children also need a good skin care regime, especially when they have dry, sensitive or sun damaged skin. Many factors can lead to dry skin in babies and toddlers. These include dietary factors, exposure to the elements, sickness, indoor heating etc. Let us study some remedies for dry skin in babies face, arms legs and upper body.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known as the ‘gel of the Gods’. Used by ancient civilizations for all kinds of skin issues; aloe vera is an important ingredient today in many commercial lotions for toddler and baby dry skin. You can always buy these lotions and gels available in the market for treating dry skin patches on baby and toddlers face or legs. However, it is best to use the gel from the plant directly on baby dry skin on legs, face and arms. This way you are assured of purity. Aloe vera plants are easy to cultivate at home; they hardly require any maintenance. After application, allow the gel to dry. Your baby will get instant relief from itchiness as the gel will create a protective barrier against moisture loss.
2. Oils
Oils are the best home remedies for children’s dry skin.
Olive oil
Baby dry skin olive oil remedy soothes, protects and heals the irritated and inflamed skin. Apply extra virgin olive oil on the toddler dry skin rash to prevent itching. Reapply as often as needed. You can also massage the baby with warm olive oil prior to bath time. Avoid using harsh soap. Let the oil form a thin layer on the skin.
Coconut oil
Like olive oil, coconut oil is also a great remedy for children’s dry skin. A little bit goes a long way. Try putting the oil on the skin after bath or before bedtime so that the skin can soak it in. A mixture of warm coconut oil and organic beeswax applied to dry patches on the legs and face also heal the skin and keep it moisturized for long periods.
Castor oil
Taking castor oil internally can prevent dry skin and also keep constipation at bay. If the toddler refuses to take the oil internally, apply it externally on the dry skin patches. A mixture of petroleum jelly and castor oil applied after bathing can provide day long relief from itchiness.
Others
Other top oils for baby dry skin are Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Apricot kernel or Sesame oils. Check these oils for allergies by testing them on a small area of the skin first.
3. Body butters
Body butters like Shea, Cocoa and Mango butters prevent moisture loss, repair skin’s lipid barrier, and get absorbed by the skin for instant hydration. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Apply organic body butters on baby with extremely dry skin. You can talk to your pediatrician about best dry skin products for toddlers and babies.
4. Colloidal oatmeal
More and more baby products are using this gentle, skin soothing ingredient in their soaps, lotions and other skin care products. Colloidal oatmeal has skin soothing properties and it prevents dry skin and irritation. Add a cup of ground oatmeal to baby’s bath water.
5. Glycerin
There is a debate whether glycerin is good for baby skin. The answer is yes, provided you use organic, pure glycerin. Mix it up with a bit of water and apply it to affected areas of the skin.
6. Raw honey
Use raw honey to wash the toddler’s face with. Avoid using soaps or cleansers. Also apply raw honey to dry skin and cover with old cloth/bandages until the skin heals.
7. Switch laundry detergents
Allergic reaction to harsh soaps in laundry detergents can also cause eczema, psoriasis and severely dry, irritated skin in babies. Use hypoallergenic soap devoid of colors, dyes and fragrance etc.
8. Switch soaps and lotions
Sometimes, even the so called best lotion for toddler dry skin can cause reaction in baby’s sensitive skin, making it drier. The soaps and detergents could strip off natural oils from the skin and the harsh chemicals can irritate dry skin. Use natural Castile soap for bathing the baby. In winters, limit the bath time and do not use very hot water for washing baby’s skin.
9. Run a humidifier
Harsh indoor and outdoor environment can also cause toddler dry skin patches. Run a humidifier at night. Avoid sending the child outdoors without applying a thick layer of moisturizer first on all exposed body parts.
10. Include good fat in the child’s diet
Image via Today
Eating good fats like avocados, almonds, walnuts, fatty fish, olive oil etc is great for children’s brain development. Additionally, they also help promote smooth moisturized skin. Try serving good fats with meals. Use olive oil spreads on breads and offer healthy oil based dips for vegetables. This can benefit the entire family.
Use these 10 remedies to give your child much needed relief from dry skin.