A newborn's skin, though naturally soft and beautiful, is often susceptible to dryness, sensitivity, and redness – a common challenge for many mothers. At Ovée Skin Health, we understand the fragility of young children's ultra-fine and delicate skin. We advocate for a gentle touch and the use of mild, yet effective skincare products to maintain softness, hydration, and balance.

Choosing the right moisturiser for babies and children can be overwhelming, prompting us to create a comprehensive guide. From identifying optimal hydrating and barrier-enhancing ingredients to those best avoided, we cover everything you need to know about selecting the perfect moisturiser for your child. Explore this guide to learn how to nurture your little one's sensitive, dry, or very dry skin with care.

DO BABIES NEED MOISTURISER?

Babies and young children have thinner skin (the outer layer or epidermis) than adults, making them more prone to dryness and irritation. With lower natural moisturising factors, infant skin struggles to retain moisture and is more permeable to environmental irritants. Using a gentle moisturiser and appropriate cleanser becomes crucial, especially for children with very dry or eczema-prone skin.

COMMON SKIN CONCERNS IN BABIES AND CHILDREN:

Dryness often accompanies sensitive skin in babies, marked by redness, blemishes, tightness, itching, or burning sensations. Our skin health team at Ovée recognise the intrinsic factors contributing to sensitivity, such as a thinner epidermis and also external triggers like cold weather, hot water, pollen, and certain chemicals that can irritate and damage newborn skin.

Ovée's founder, Paediatric Dermatologist Dr. Tim Clayton has undertaken key research looking at the genes that cause skin barrier disruption in atopic eczema(aka dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis) in young patients. He was part of a team of researchers that confirmed that mutations in a gene that makes a special protein called filaggrin is one of the main causes of eczema. This protein can be thought of as the glue that sticks our skin cells together helping to protect the skin and keep it waterproof and repel infection and allergens

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING MOISTURISER FOR CHILDREN:

Understanding the delicacy of your child's skin, we at Ovée suggest some simple things to consider when choosing the right baby moisturiser:

OPT FOR THICK TEXTURED CREAMS AND BALMS:

Dr. Tim Clayton recommends choosing thicker textured creams and balms with ingredients like shea butter. Like our Baby & Child Moisturising Cream the formulation creates a protective film on the skin, providing longer-lasting hydration and relief from dryness.

AVOID PARAFFIN:

Despite its moisturising effects, paraffin can create a barrier on the skin's surface, preventing adequate moisture exchange. This can hinder the skin's natural breathing process, potentially exacerbating existing skin conditions and impeding overall skin health.
AVOID PERFUME:

Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, can contain irritants. They can also cause allergy. It's advisable to steer clear of them, especially when dealing with delicate young skin. Alternatively, opt for a hypoallergenic fragrance and a formula tested on sensitive skin. Avoid baby products that list the word "parfum" which means fragrance in their ingredients.

AVOID PARABENS:

Baby skin is delicate and prone to sensitivities. Parabens have been linked to skin irritation, allergies, and even dermatitis in some cases. Choosing products free from parabens helps reduce the risk of adverse reactions and ensures a gentler skincare routine for your little one.

CHOOSE HYPOALLERGENIC PRODUCTS:

To minimize the risk of reactions or allergies, always ensure that the product you use on your child has been allergy-tested, is suitable for sensitive skin, and is dermatologist-recommended. Ideally look for paediatric dermatologist recommended.

AVOID OLIVE OIL:

While olive oil is often praised for its moisturising properties, it may not be suitable for everyone. Olive oil disrupts the skin barrier, leading to imbalances in moisture levels and potentially causing dryness or irritation.

STICK WITH MINIMALIST FORMULAS:

For sensitive and mild eczema-prone skin in all age groups, less is more. Choose products with a minimal formula, avoiding known allergens such as alcohol and fragrance.

BABY-FRIENDLY INGREDIENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

Our Ovée paediatric dermatologist formulation contains key ingredients that are ideal for sensitive, dry skin of all ages and importantly all skin types

SUNFLOWER OIL:

Has been shown to increase epidermal key lipid synthesis, reduce inflammation, and exhibit a steroid-sparing effect in patients with atopic eczema. This is particularly important given that topical steroids are often needed to reduce inflammation.

OATLIPID:

Oats are extracted to produce Oatlipid a rich, natural oil with a unique lipid profile. It has excellent absorbency that help to moisturise and soothe your infant's skin.

SHEA BUTTER:

A hero ingredient in the Baby & Child range, shea butter is a rich, nourishing element that helps maintain and strengthen the skin barrier. Dr. Tim Clayton notes its ability to create a thick moisturising layer without being greasy, mimicking the skin's natural moisturising factors.

GLYCERIN:

Dr. Tim Clayton recommends glycerin for baby's skincare, as it creates a hydrating film over the skin, preventing water loss and barrier impairment resulting from bathing and showering.

COCOA BUTTER:

Serves as an anti-inflammatory moisturiser, providing relief to skin afflicted with swelling, irritation, and redness