Five things a dermatologist wants you to know about caring for your baby’s skin in a heatwave

Skincare tips from WaterWipes®

 Baby skin is most precious and delicate, and keeping it healthy is a priority for parents all year round. However, with rising temperatures and changes in the environment, the summer can present new challenges to sensitive skin, which is why WaterWipes has partnered with Dr Laura Proudfoot, Consultant Dermatologist at the Portland Hospital, to share her top five tips to care for baby skin in the heat:

1. Be mindful of skin-drying air: Travel and air conditioning can dehydrate anyone’s skin and this is even more pertinent in babies whose skin is more prone to damage and dryness. Choose fragrance-free products to cleanse hands and faces whilst on the move and have a gentle cream-based moisturiser handy for dry patches.
2. Avoid unfamiliar water sources: Newborn skin is delicate and more susceptible to changes in the environment. Pack extra microbiome-friendly wipes for bathing your baby whilst on the go. That way you won’t have to worry about damage to the skin’s natural barrier from unfamiliar products and water sources.
3. Choose the right sunscreen: Baby skin should always be protected from the sun. Mineral-based ‘physical’ blocks containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide tend to be better tolerated in little ones with sensitive skin compared to chemical sunscreens.
4. Know your swimming skincare regime: Eczema is common in babies but shouldn’t prevent trips to the pool or beach in summer. Ensure skin is moisturised before swimming, use a soap-free, fragrance-free wash to gently cleanse the skin afterward and then reapply emollient to lock in moisture. If you are staying away from home, make sure to pack products that can help soothe potential eczema flares. WaterWipes® has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, the most trusted mark in eczema products. Take a proactive approach and seek advice from a specialist if dry skin patches persist.
5. Keep it cool: Heat rash or ‘miliaria’ is the result of blocked sweat ducts and can be a problem whilst away as baby skin is still learning how to regulate temperature. If you see small pink raised bumps around the neck or trunk, keep baby cool and apply a light soothing moisturising lotion rather than a thick balm until the rash settles. For extra soothing, pop your wet wipes in the fridge for a couple of minutes to use as a cooling compress.

WaterWipes® contain only two ingredients, 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract — a gentle skin conditioning agent. The wipes are ideal for sensitive, newborn, and premature baby skin and have been awarded the ‘Microbiome-friendly’ seal of quality by MyMicrobiome and LabSkin’s Microbiome Friendly+ seal of approval.