San Antonio winters are mild, but cold fronts, dry north winds and indoor heating can still leave children's skin rough, tight and itchy. Kids' skin is thinner than adult skin and loses water faster, so it dries out quickly. The right moisturizer, used the right way, makes a real difference. Here is how to pick one without getting lost in the store aisle.
Why skin gets dry in winter
The outer layer of skin works like a wall that keeps water in and irritants out. Cold air holds less moisture, and heaters dry indoor air even more. Hot baths, harsh soaps and scratching wear the wall down further. Once it has gaps, water escapes and the skin gets flaky, red and itchy. Children with eczema (atopic dermatitis) have a weaker skin barrier to begin with, so winter is often when their flares get worse.
Creams, ointments and lotions: what is the difference?
Moisturizers come in three main forms. The thicker the product, the better it usually holds water in.
- Ointments are greasy and thick, like petroleum jelly. They are the best at sealing in moisture and rarely sting, which makes them a good choice for very dry, cracked or eczema-prone skin. The downside is the greasy feel.
- Creams are thick but rub in more easily. They come in tubs or tubes rather than pump bottles. Many children and parents find creams a good everyday balance.
- Lotions are thin and contain more water. They feel light, but the water evaporates fast, so they do less for truly dry skin in winter.
A simple test: if it pours or pumps easily, it is probably a lotion. If you have to scoop it, it is probably a cream or ointment.
What to look for on the label
- Fragrance-free. Fragrance is a common cause of skin irritation and allergy. Note that "unscented" can mean a masking scent was added, so look for "fragrance-free."
- Simple ingredient lists. Fewer ingredients usually means fewer things that can bother sensitive skin.
- Helpful ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, glycerin, dimethicone and ceramides, which help hold water in or repair the skin barrier.
- No dyes and, for sensitive skin, no added botanical extracts.
Price does not tell you much. Plain, low-cost store brands often work as well as expensive products.
Ingredients to be careful with
- Products with alcohol near the top of the ingredient list can sting and dry the skin.
- Some plant oils and "natural" ingredients can still cause allergies. Natural is not always gentler.
- Skip adult anti-aging products, which may contain acids or retinoids that irritate children's skin.
- Food-based oils and creams with ingredients like nut oils are best avoided on babies with eczema unless your pediatrician says otherwise.
How to use moisturizer so it works
- Keep baths short and warm, not hot. About 5 to 10 minutes is enough.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser only where needed, such as hands, feet, diaper area and underarms.
- Pat the skin gently with a towel so it is still a little damp.
- Apply moisturizer within a few minutes of the bath to lock in the water. Smooth it on in the direction the hair grows.
- Repeat at least once more during the day, and any time the skin feels dry, such as after handwashing.
Other helpful habits: dress your child in soft cotton layers, keep wool off the skin, use a fragrance-free laundry detergent, and consider a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom if the air is very dry. Clean it often as the instructions say. Remember that sunscreen is still needed on sunny winter days outdoors.
Learn more
- Eczema in babies and children, from HealthyChildren.org
- Dry skin, from the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
When to call us
Call your A thru Z Pediatrics office if your child's dry skin:
- Does not improve after a week or two of regular moisturizing
- Is so itchy it keeps your child up at night
- Has red, scaly patches that may be eczema
- Cracks, bleeds, oozes, crusts over, or looks infected
- Comes with fever or painful, spreading redness
Call 911 or go to the ER if your child has a skin reaction along with swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or trouble breathing.
You can also request a visit online to talk about a skin care plan for your child.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have concerns about your child's health, call your A thru Z Pediatrics office.