Baby Dry Skin: Causes, Treatment and When to Worry — By Dr. Tim Clayton

Published by Dr. Tim Clayton, Consultant Paediatric Dermatologist and Co-Founder of Ovée Skin Health

Dry skin in babies is extremely common — and for most babies, it's completely normal and easy to treat. But for some, persistent dry skin can be a sign of eczema or another skin condition that needs a little more attention.

Here's everything you need to know about baby dry skin, including what causes it, how to treat it at home, and when it's time to see a doctor.

Why Do Babies Get Dry Skin?

Baby skin is very different from adult skin. It's thinner, more permeable, and loses moisture much more easily. Several factors can cause or worsen dry skin in babies:

Newborn skin peeling

In the first few weeks after birth, almost all babies experience some degree of skin peeling. This is completely normal — your baby spent nine months surrounded by amniotic fluid, and their skin is simply adjusting to the outside world. No treatment is needed.

Low humidity

Central heating in winter and air conditioning in summer both dry out the air, which in turn dries out your baby's skin. A humidifier in your baby's room can help.

Bathing too frequently or for too long

Long or frequent baths strip the skin's natural oils. Limit baths to 5–10 minutes, no more than once a day, using lukewarm — not hot — water.

Soap and baby wipes

Many soaps, bubble baths, and baby wipes contain fragrances and detergents that disrupt the skin barrier. Use fragrance-free, gentle cleansers and wipes only.

Eczema

If your baby's dry skin is persistent, patchy, red, and itchy — especially in the creases of the elbows, knees, and neck — it may be eczema (atopic dermatitis) rather than simple dry skin. Eczema affects around 1 in 5 children in the UK and usually appears in the first six months of life.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (cradle cap)

If the dry skin is on your baby's scalp and appears as thick, yellowish, crusty patches, this is likely cradle cap — a very common and harmless condition in newborns. It usually clears up on its own within a few months.

How to Treat Baby Dry Skin at Home

1. Moisturise daily

Apply a fragrance-free, gentle moisturiser at least once — ideally twice — a day. The best time is after bathing, while the skin is still slightly damp, to lock in moisture. Use enough — don't be sparing.

2. Shorten bath time

Keep baths to 5–10 minutes in lukewarm water. Avoid bubble baths and scented products.

3. Pat dry, don't rub

After bathing, pat your baby's skin dry gently with a soft towel rather than rubbing. Then apply moisturiser straight away.

4. Use gentle, fragrance-free products

Switch to fragrance-free baby wash, wipes, and laundry detergent. Fragrances are a common trigger for dry skin and eczema.

5. Dress in soft, breathable fabrics

Cotton is best. Avoid wool and synthetic fabrics directly against your baby's skin.

6. Use a humidifier

In dry environments — especially in winter with central heating — a humidifier in your baby's room adds moisture to the air and can help keep skin hydrated.

What to Look For in a Baby Moisturiser for Dry Skin

The best moisturisers for babies with dry or sensitive skin are:

• Fragrance-free — fragrances are the most common skin irritant
• Free from parabens and sulphates
• Vegan and natural where possible
• Tested by a paediatric dermatologist
• Suitable from birth

Ovée Baby & Child Moisturising Cream was developed by a Consultant Paediatric Dermatologist specifically for babies and children with dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. It's fragrance-free, vegan, and suitable from birth.

When to See a Doctor

Most baby dry skin resolves with regular moisturising and gentle skincare. However, see your GP if:

• The dry skin is severe, widespread, or not improving with moisturising
• Your baby's skin is red, weepy, or looks infected
• Your baby is very uncomfortable or losing sleep due to itching
• You suspect eczema — early treatment makes a significant difference

Your GP can prescribe stronger emollients or refer you to a paediatric dermatologist if needed.

Key Takeaways

• Dry skin in babies is very common and usually easy to treat
• Moisturise daily with a fragrance-free, gentle cream
• Keep baths short and use lukewarm water
• Avoid fragrances in all baby products
• If dry skin is persistent, red, and itchy, it may be eczema — see your GP

Dr. Tim Clayton is a Consultant Paediatric Dermatologist, President of the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology, and Co-Founder of Ovée Skin Health.