Summer Skincare Tips for Babies with Eczema — By Dr. Tim Clayton

Summer is a wonderful time for babies and young children — but for parents of little ones with eczema-prone skin, the warmer months bring a new set of challenges. Heat, sun cream, swimming, and sweat can all trigger flare-ups, leaving skin red, itchy, and uncomfortable.

Here's what you need to know to keep your baby's skin calm and moisturised throughout summer.

Why Summer Can Be Difficult for Eczema-Prone Baby Skin

Eczema is a condition where the skin barrier is weakened, making it more vulnerable to irritants and moisture loss. In summer, several factors can make this worse:

• Sweat irritates sensitive skin and disrupts the skin barrier
• Heat increases itching and scratching
• Chlorine in swimming pools strips moisture from the skin
• Sun creams often contain fragrances and chemicals that trigger reactions
• Air conditioning dries the air and pulls moisture from the skin

The good news is that with the right routine, most babies with eczema can enjoy summer comfortably.

Summer Skincare Routine for Babies with Eczema

1. Moisturise more frequently

In summer, babies lose more moisture through sweat. Moisturise at least twice a day — morning and evening — with a fragrance-free, natural moisturiser designed for sensitive skin. After swimming or bathing, apply moisturiser within three minutes while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

2. Choose sun cream carefully

Many high-street sun creams contain fragrances and preservatives that irritate eczema-prone skin. Look for:

• Mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) formulas
• Fragrance-free
• SPF 30 or higher
• Tested on sensitive skin

Apply a thin layer of your regular moisturiser first, then apply sun cream on top.

3. Rinse after swimming

Chlorine and salt water both strip the skin's natural oils. After any swim — pool or sea — rinse your baby with clean lukewarm water immediately and apply moisturiser within a few minutes.

4. Keep skin cool

Overheating triggers itching. In hot weather:

• Dress babies in loose, cotton clothing
• Keep bedrooms cool at night
• Use lukewarm (not hot) water for baths
• Avoid long baths — 5–10 minutes is enough

5. Watch for triggers

Keep a note of what causes flare-ups — grass, certain foods, heat, specific fabrics. Summer often introduces new triggers (BBQ smoke, insect repellent, certain plants) that you may not have encountered before.

What to Look for in a Summer Moisturiser for Babies

When choosing a moisturiser for a baby with eczema in summer, look for:

• No fragrances — even "natural" fragrances like lavender can irritate
• No parabens or sulphates
• Lightweight formula — heavy creams can feel uncomfortable in heat
• Designed for eczema-prone skin
• Tested by a paediatric dermatologist

Ovée Baby & Child Moisturising Cream was developed specifically for babies and children with eczema-prone and sensitive skin. It's vegan, fragrance-free, and gentle enough for use from birth.

When to See a Doctor

If your baby's eczema flares significantly during summer despite good moisturising, or if the skin becomes weepy, crusted, or infected, speak to your GP or paediatric dermatologist. Infected eczema needs prompt treatment.

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.