The chances of skin dryness in babies are much higher than in adults. At this stage, their dermis is very thin and delicate, so water and moisturizing components are lost much more quickly—up to three times faster than in adults. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) highlights that during the first years of life, the baby’s skin is not yet fully developed and can easily suffer damage caused by external aggressions such as sun, cold, soap, hot water, and others1.

Tips for Moisturizing Baby’s Skin

The use of baby moisturizer is essential for children’s skin from the earliest years of life. This helps form a protective barrier against dryness, allergies, and skin problems as they grow. Other tips include:

  • Moisturizers should be specific to the child’s age. In general, they are hypoallergenic and contain less dye and fragrance. According to SBD, moisturizers are recommended from six months of age;
  • The product can be applied all over the baby’s body, including the face. Older children (from age five) can use products specific for the face, as their skin already produces oiliness at this stage;
  • After bathing is the best time to moisturize your baby’s skin, as the damp dermis absorbs the cream’s components better, which will nourish and seal the tissue.

IMPORTANT: Your baby’s skin may appear soft and even look naturally hydrated. However, this does not mean the tissue does not suffer natural aggressions from hot water, soaps, and other external factors. Applying moisturizer is extremely important to form a protective barrier and prevent dryness.

Can Children Use the Same Moisturizer as Their Mothers?

The SBD recommendation up to three years of age is the use of baby moisturizer, since the product is dermatologically tested and approved by health surveillance authorities. Certain additives such as alcohol, fragrance, and other components in adult moisturizers can cause allergies on baby’s skin.

From the age of three, the child’s dermis is fully formed2, although it is still sensitive. Mothers can use their own daily moisturizer on the child; if there is no adverse reaction, there is no problem.

Application on Baby’s Dry Skin

Bath Time

After bathing is the best time to moisturize your baby’s skin. Gently dry with a towel (without rubbing) and leave the skin slightly damp to apply the moisturizer. With the dermis still damp, the tissue is sealed and absorbs the product better. Hydration is even more important when the weather is dry; the practice should be daily.

Make Good Choices in Baby Soaps

There are baby options with almond oil, milk, and other moisturizing agents. Never apply adult soap to a baby’s skin. The ideal product for children should have neutral pH. Remember that babies have thin and sensitive skin, and common ingredients in adult soaps, such as dye, alcohol, and others, may penetrate and cause allergic reactions, leaving red spots.

Nutrition Is Also Important for Hydration

Breast milk and, after the introduction of solids at six months, water intake are important not only for healthy skin but also to prevent dehydration. Pay extra attention especially in summer; sun exposure naturally causes greater loss of water from the body, babies tend to sweat more, so keeping them hydrated is essential3.

What Can Cause Baby’s Skin Dryness?

Hot water: during winter, when we tend to give warmer baths, dryness may occur;

Inappropriate soap: the ideal are products with neutral pH and suitable for babies;

Dry climate and low humidity: on dry days it is important to maintain water intake and, if possible, use a humidifier at home. Reinforce skin hydration;

Atopic dermatitis: the first symptom of this allergy is itching, dull skin, and low elasticity. Areas like elbows, knees, and neck are usually the most affected by irritation. Atopic dermatitis can appear from three months of age; if you notice symptoms, consult a dermatologist.