5 tips to boost baby’s skin health

(BPT) – Fall and winter weather can wreak havoc on baby’s delicate skin, so Dr. William Sears, trusted pediatrician, author and Huggies consultant, offers up his top five tips for keeping your baby’s skin healthy as the seasons change.

Apply a moisturizer. With winter fast approaching, it’s important to keep baby’s skin moisturized. Using a preventative ointment is a great way to boost skin health and keep baby happy as the air starts to dry out. Be sure to apply ointment prior to going outside in the winter, and after bathing when your baby’s skin is particularly accepting of moisture. Look for one that is free of dyes and preservatives, contains minimal ingredients and is fragrance free.

Vaporize the air. Winter air is extremely dry and can leave baby’s skin cracked and irritated. Combat the dryness by vaporizing the air in your home, particularly in baby’s main spaces. Vaporizers will increase the humidity in the bedroom and help prevent winter skin from drying out. As an added bonus, the steam also acts like a heat source and can help keep baby warmer as it begins to cool off.

Find the right baby wipe. Wipes are one of the best tools for combating and preventing skin irritation. When choosing a wipe, make sure you look for a brand that is alcohol-free so it doesn’t dry or sting the skin. You will also want a wipe that is paraben-free, and free from potential irritating preservatives such as Methylisothiazolinone, otherwise known as MI. Huggies Natural Care Wipes don’t have any of those ingredients and are made with 99 percent water with a little aloe and vitamin E for replenishing sensitive skin. They are dermatologically-tested, hypoallergenic and have Triple Clean layers that are gentle on baby’s skin and thick enough to clean their hands and faces, all the way down to their bottoms. Plus, the wipes come in a portable, refillable clutch making them great for on-the-go seasonal activities.

Boost omega-3 intake. Omega-3s act like anti-inflammatory elements to help heal and repair the skin. ‘If you don’t want your skin to feel like a fish, eat more fish,’ says Dr. Sears. Seafood is a super food for the skin because it contains omega-3s as well as vitamin A and vitamin D.

Choose cotton. In the winter it is vital you avoid skin irritants as baby’s skin is already more susceptible. Often in an attempt to ensure baby stays warm as temperatures drop, we are inclined to dress them in wool or synthetic materials, not realizing these fabrics can be more abrasive and cause irritation to the skin. This winter, reach for cotton. Cotton clothing, bed sheets and blankets will keep baby warm and their skin comfortable in chilly weather.

Baby’s skin is extra sensitive and tends to get even more susceptible in the winter, so take these necessary steps to winterize your child’s skin and keep them happy and healthy. Visit Huggies.com for more information and expert advice from Dr. Sears.