Best 5 Winter Skincare Tips for Kids

While winter comes with its own magic, it also comes with a big concern for parents: keeping their little one’s skin protected from harsh and dry air. Since a kid’s skin is naturally more sensitive than an adult's, it is often more prone to dryness, itchiness, and irritation, especially during the colder months. According to dermatologists, over 60 percent of children experience some form of winter skin dryness.

Read below this article to explore some winter skincare tips to ensure your child’s skin stays soft, healthy, and nourished all season long.

The fact is skin loses moisture rapidly during winter, especially with indoor heating that sucks out the humidity in the air. Therefore, don't forget to keep your little one hydrated with plenty of water, warm soups, and seasonal fruits such as oranges, which are rich in Vitamin C. Enough hydration will not just keep the skin supple but also strengthen the immune system to deal with extreme winters.

Moisturizing is another essential aspect of winter skincare. It is recommended to use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after a bath to lock in moisture, especially in specific body areas such as elbows, knees, and hands, which are more prone to dryness. If your child has extremely sensitive skin, look for baby-friendly creams that are enriched with natural ingredients such as shea butter and glycerin. For best results, apply moisturizer at least twice daily. 

Did you know frequent use of hot water can increase dryness by 20 percent in children’s skin? While hot water feels good during those chilly days, it actually strips the skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Therefore, use lukewarm water for baths and limit bath time to 10-15 minutes. Also, use a mild, soap-free cleanser to avoid excessive dryness. After the bath, pat the skin dry gently and immediately apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration.

The fabrics must be picked in such a way that they should not be just warm but also gentle to your child’s skin. Sometimes, even wool and synthetic fabrics can cause irritation. Therefore, while layering, choose soft, breathable layers made of cotton or fleece as the first layer, followed by heavier layers on top. Furthermore, also make sure to wash the clothes with mild, hypoallergenic detergents to avoid skin allergies and infections.

Cold winds and low temperatures can harm the exposed skin. Therefore, while going out, make sure your child’s skin is fully covered with hats, scarves, and gloves. Apply a layer of child-safe sunscreen—yes, even in winter! Why? Because UV rays can still damage delicate skin. Here’s a surprising fact—up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can reflect off snow, increasing the risk of skin damage. Using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 provides effective protection.

Winter skincare is the need of the hour, especially for the young skins. From moisturization to hydration, with winter skincare tips you can keep your child’s skin soft and healthy no matter how harsh the weather gets. This winter, let your love and care act as the warmest blanket while letting their natural glow shine.