Dry skin is most often a temporary problem during the winter and can lead to redness, cracking, itching and flaking or flaking. This can appear on any part of the body such as arms, legs, as they are more susceptible to harmful external factors.
When temperature levels drop (especially during winter), humidity levels also drop, causing the skin to dry out. However, for those who live in deserts, the season may not affect the condition of the feet, as they will be mostly dry throughout the year.
When you are in places where the room is overheated, stoves, fireplaces, and heaters are turned on, you can expect your feet to become dry, as all this reduces the level of humidity.
Again, when you shower, you should avoid water that is too hot as it is not good for your skin. "I know it feels great to take a really hot shower... but it can strip away the natural sebum that's present on our skin," says Linda Stein Gold, MD, director of clinical research in the department of dermatology at Detroit's Henry Ford Hospital.
You just need to remember that the longer you spend time in too hot water, the more your skin will dry out.
Using harsh soap destroys the natural moisture barrier. While promising to cleanse the skin, many cleansers, detergents, shampoos and soaps end up stripping away all the moisture from the skin because their essential ingredients remove oil.
Most people find that they need to scrub their feet frequently to keep them clean. But keep in mind the fact that "friction removes skin cells and increases dryness," says Nanette Silverberg, MD, professor of dermatology at Columbia University.
As we age, even hormonal changes cause the skin to become thin and dry. Older people are more likely to have dry skin. As a person ages, pores produce less sebum, increasing the risk of dryness.
You are more likely to get eczema or allergic contact dermatitis if there is a history of these conditions or other allergic diseases in your family. These conditions can cause dry, flaky skin on your legs.
Scaly red patches can be a sign of various conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Skin problems can also be a symptom of diseases such as diabetes or thyroid disease.
This could be fabric, fabric softener, washing powder. Many everyday fabrics and products, from tissues to perfumes, can irritate the skin.
In cases of very dry skin on your feet, you may need to seek medical attention, according to experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Even though this is a common problem that can occur at any age.
Dryness can occur when the layer of oil on the skin decreases and cells begin to lose moisture. Many people suffer from this problem as they age or are in low-humidity areas, such as indoors with air conditioning or forced-air heating.
Rough, dry skin on the legs can be a sign of thyroid problems, which reduces sebum and sweat production.
Tough, dry skin on the legs can be the result of a number of problems or causes, such as frequent bathing, eczema, etc., reports The New York Times Health Guide.
It is a fact that dryness is a common occurrence during the winter season when the temperature and humidity are lower.
In addition to the above, there are other causes of dry skin, such as:
According to online portal DermNet NZ, some cases may be caused by medical problems, including atopic dermatitis.
If dryness is moderate, you can apply moisturizer two or three times a day, especially after showering. This can help keep your feet well hydrated.
Itchy skin on the legs can be a sign of a more serious underlying problem, and in most cases it is difficult to determine a specific cause. Some of these may include:
This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as a diet that has insufficient fatty acids, dehydration, excessive use of soap, genetic predisposition, old age, hypothyroidism and other disorders. Please note that if your skin is excessively dry, you should expect discomfort or even itching.
You should use moisturizer immediately after showering. You should also avoid direct exposure to wind and sun as this can also dry out your skin.
In addition, you need to moisturize your skin by drinking plenty of fluids. Water is also very important. You need to drink at least two liters of water daily.
For women who have this problem during pregnancy, there are many moisturizing creams that are safe for expectant mothers and also eliminate itching.
Dry knees can appear as a large blemish on your legs and can even become a chronic problem, especially if you live in harsh or extreme climates.
Experts often point to chemicals, exposure to rough surfaces and harsh climates as the three most common causes of dry knees. All of the above reasons in the article can also lead to a lack of skin moisture in the knee area.
It is known as a good moisturizing ingredient because it contains antioxidants and fatty acids that are good for strengthening and soothing the skin.
You can use lactic acid, which is sold at the pharmacy or is also present in various cosmetic products (creams, lotions, etc.). It naturally helps in exfoliating dry skin.
Lactic acid can also be a good moisturizer and has soothing properties that will keep your skin's pH balanced.
Honey contains antioxidants, humectants, and also has antimicrobial properties that can soften and soothe dry skin on your feet. Additionally, honey contains vital minerals and vitamins that can improve skin health.
It is an antioxidant and also a good anti-inflammatory, which will help soothe rough skin. Yogurt also contains lactic acid, which can kill bacteria that cause itching and dryness.
Avocado contains many antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins that help improve skin from the inside out. In addition, it contains vitamin A, which perfectly restores skin health.
Many women use cucumber externally to whiten and soften their facial skin. But you can also eat this vegetable daily to moisturize and heal the skin all over your body because it contains a large amount of water. But it can also be used externally for the feet:
Sometimes dry feet can cause dermatitis, which in turn makes the skin red and itchy. In such cases, you need to use lotions with hydrocortisone.
People with dry skin often experience discomfort from tightness and flaking of the skin, and often complain of increased dryness in certain areas of the body: arms, legs, elbows. The problem can also occur in people with normal and oily skin types with the development of certain diseases.
The reasons why the skin loses moisture can be divided into two types:
For each area of the body, there are additional specific causes of dehydration of the epidermis.
The skin on the hands is most often prone to dryness and flaking; men and women suffer from these problems equally. Men do not like to wear gloves in winter; when repairing their cars they come into contact with aggressive liquids. Many male professions involve exposure to various irritating substances on the skin of the hands, but protective gloves are not always used.
Women spend a lot of time washing dishes, laundry, cleaning, and also do not always use special creams and rubber gloves to protect their hands. After 40 years, when age-related hormonal changes begin in the body, the skin of the hands rapidly loses moisture and begins to peel off until cracks appear on it.
Increased dryness of the elbows is often caused by lifestyle: a job where you spend most of your time at a desk or computer causes your elbows to rub against the table or chair armrest. As a result, the skin on the elbows becomes rough, begins to peel, and looks like a callus.
The elbows are one of the first to be affected by psoriasis, so if you experience dryness and flaking that cannot be treated on your own, you should visit a dermatologist so as not to miss the onset of a serious disease.
Also, increased dryness of the elbows can serve as a signal of a malfunction of the thyroid gland and the development of diabetes mellitus.
With a significant thickening of the surface layer of the epidermis, they speak of hyperkeratosis, a disease characterized by increased division of cells in the stratum corneum with a simultaneous disruption of their desquamation. Thickening of the skin can reach several centimeters. Hyperkeratosis is never an independent disease and indicates serious disorders in the body.
The driest areas on the legs are the knees and feet. Dry skin on the knees can be caused by friction when walking on rough jeans, tights, or by kneeling for a long time while performing certain types of work (in construction, in mines). When psoriasis occurs, the knees, along with the elbows, are the first to begin to peel and itch.
The skin on the feet is especially dry in the summer, when the only shoes you wear are sandals. Heat, dust, dehydration are factors that contribute to the development of dry and cracked feet. At the same time, corns and calluses appear.
The heels are the most hardened; in summer, deep cracks can form on them, causing severe pain when walking. Causes of cracking heels can also be diabetes, excess body weight, flat feet, improper skin care, and poor circulation of the lower extremities caused by varicose veins.
You need to start fighting dry skin at its first manifestations, so as not to waste time. The approach to solving the problem is comprehensive and includes:
To prevent roughening of the skin of the feet, it is necessary to choose comfortable shoes and regularly exfoliate the stratum corneum using pedicure graters.
Severely roughened skin of the elbows and heels must be removed using scrubs and pumice, after steaming the problem areas in a bath with the addition of glycerin, soda, linden or chamomile decoction.
Homemade masks are also used to combat dry feet and hands.
You can buy ready-made masks in cosmetic stores or pharmacies, but it happens that after using them an allergic reaction appears on the skin. Dry skin is prone to increased sensitivity; irritation can be caused by any ingredient in the mask; Therefore, in order to have confidence in the naturalness of the composition, it is better to use homemade products:
Thanks to the combination of various components in homemade masks, dry skin is simultaneously moisturized and nourished.
Hand cream should become a constant companion for those with dry skin: during the day, apply moisturizer after each hand washing; Before performing work involving contact with water and household chemicals, as well as going outside during the cold season, use a protective cream; Nutrients are applied at night.
In the summer, when the arms are completely open, nourishing and moisturizing creams can be applied to the skin of the forearms, not forgetting to thoroughly lubricate the elbows.
If the hand cream is correctly selected for its purpose and composition, the skin will begin to change its properties immediately a few days after the start of its use. You can read about the types of creams for dry hand skin, their composition, rules for selection and use here.
The most common causes of dry skin cracking are:
Cracked heels are more likely to occur in overweight people with insufficient skin care.
Cracks on the hands most often appear in the spaces between the fingers and in the places where the fingers bend; sometimes deep cracks can appear on the palms. Microscopic cracks usually appear on the outer surface of the brushes.
Cracking of the skin of the hands is accompanied by pain and interferes with everyday activities. Due to constant contact with surrounding objects, there is a high risk of bacterial infection entering the wounds.
Cracked heels usually appear in the presence of some pathology in the body, so their treatment should begin with a visit to the doctor. During treatment, difficulties may arise due to the fact that the person is on his feet all the time; there is constant pressure on the cracks, which interferes with their healing.
To treat cracks, you must first eliminate the external factors that cause cracking. It is also necessary to undergo an examination by a therapist and a dermatologist to rule out the presence of diseases that cause skin cracking.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor may prescribe the use of ointments with antibiotics, hormones, antifungal components, and the use of antiallergic drugs. Treatment will also be prescribed for the underlying diseases that cause skin cracking.
If cracks are caused by dry skin and insufficient care, the following treatment is used:
Dealing with dry skin on your hands and feet is not difficult if you pay attention to your health: eat right, treat emerging diseases in a timely manner, and use cosmetics wisely. Dry skin is especially sensitive to careful care, so the results of your efforts will not keep you waiting long.
Who among us has not encountered such a nuisance as very dry skin on the legs? Dry skin flakes, becomes rough and simply does not look aesthetically pleasing. To get rid of this problem, we buy dozens of moisturizers, but they only help temporarily. So why does the skin on your feet become dry, and, most importantly, how to deal with this dryness?
The main cause of dry skin on the legs is, of course, insufficient hydration of the stratum corneum . If for a long time it does not receive the required amount of moisture, then the skin on the legs begins to dry out and peel. Dry feet can also be caused by:
Our diet always affects our appearance. Some products make the skin elastic and soft, while others have a negative effect on it. To keep the skin of your feet in good condition, eat fish, vegetable oils, fruits and vegetables , mainly orange in color: apricots, pumpkin, carrots, mangoes, oranges, etc.
It’s not for nothing that we are taught from childhood that we need to drink a lot. Drinking water is the main source of moisture entering the human body. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water daily , and in hot weather - at least 2 liters.
Peeling and dry skin on the feet, hands and between the fingers is the main signal that the body is experiencing an acute lack of vitamins. Most often, we are susceptible to vitamin deficiency in spring, autumn and after illness , when the body has devoted all its strength to fighting the virus.
Just as in the case of vitamin deficiency, flaky, dry skin on the legs and cracks may indicate that a person is sick with something. If you understand that the cause of dryness is not that you lack vitamins, you are not eating properly, or you are not moisturizing your feet enough, be sure to consult a doctor .
Wrongly chosen care products can lead to tightness and dryness of the skin. When choosing cosmetics for foot care, carefully read the composition - it must contain natural oils.
With age, especially after 40 years, the skin constantly becomes drier and drier and requires more careful hydration. To avoid age-related dry skin on your feet, drink more water, eat fish and vegetables, and maintain regular foot care.
In addition to the reasons listed, dry skin on the feet can be caused by certain irritants.
Chlorine, which is used to purify water in almost every swimming pool, effectively kills bacteria, but at the same time dries out the skin. Feet are the first to suffer from chlorinated water.
Who among us doesn't like to sunbathe? But many people neglect protective cream, but after a long stay in the sun the skin becomes dry, and subsequently this dryness becomes permanent, and it becomes more and more difficult to fight it.
Clothes and underwear (for example, tights or leggings) made of rough fabric or synthetics do not allow the skin to breathe and thereby disrupt the water balance.
So what to do if you have dry skin on your feet? First of all, moisturize regularly and do it correctly. To moisturize effectively, follow three simple rules.
After we have understood the concept of “proper hydration,” it is worth talking about other ways to combat dry skin on the legs. In order to achieve results as quickly as possible, it is recommended not to limit yourself to just one thing, but to develop a whole range of procedures for caring for dry skin on your feet. It may include a variety of components, depending on your skin type, the specifics of the problem and your capabilities. The good news is that almost all foot care treatments can be done at home.
The simplest and most obvious way to combat dry skin is various masks, moisturizing creams and lotions, as well as peeling. Here are some homemade recipes that are sure to improve the condition of your feet.
It is best to do it at night. Fill a basin or foot bath with warm water and throw in a little sea salt. Directly for peeling, mix honey and sugar (a tablespoon each). Steam your feet for about 10-15 minutes, then dry them thoroughly and walk over them with a pumice stone. The peeling itself is simple: rinse your feet and thoroughly massage your feet, heels and toes with a mixture of sugar and honey. After this, rinse off the peeling and moisturize the skin with cream or oil. You can do this peeling several times a week.
A very nourishing and beneficial mask for the skin of the feet is made from a mixture of chicken yolk, a teaspoon of soft butter, baby cream and two teaspoons of mashed potatoes. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until smooth, apply to steamed feet, then wrap them in film or put on thick socks. It is recommended to keep the mask for up to 20 minutes and repeat the procedure 1-2 times a week.
Another foot remedy with honey. This mask is very simple to prepare: grate a medium apple on a fine grater and mix with 5-6 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply the resulting mixture to gauze, wrap it around your feet and put on socks. Keep the mask on for 20-25 minutes, then remove the gauze, wash your feet and moisturize thoroughly.
For some, dry skin on the lower legs can be a big problem. The cause of dryness in this part of the leg usually lies in irritation after depilation, especially if you remove hair with a razor. How to fight? It’s very simple: before shaving, use special emollients, and then lubricate the skin with vegetable oil.
Special foot baths are the ideal solution for any problem, including when dry skin appears on the toes. Cosmetologists recommend using herbal infusions, for example, chamomile, pine needles, hops, oak, etc. Do herbal foot baths twice a week, and the skin will become noticeably more hydrated and healthy.
It is believed that children's skin is a priori soft and smooth, so dry skin on a child's feet can scare any parent. Sometimes the reasons for concern are justified - dry skin may indicate the presence of some diseases, and in this case the baby needs proper diagnosis and treatment. But often a child’s skin dries out simply due to insufficiently humidified air, especially in well-heated rooms. Incorrect bathing can also affect the condition of children's skin, so be careful when choosing detergents and do not add potassium permanganate to the water, which dries out the skin very much.
Dry skin in both adults and children leads to loss of elasticity, itching, flaking and even cracking. This may indicate both improper care and serious disruptions in the body’s functioning. Therefore, the first thing to do if the skin on your legs or arms is very dry is to consult a doctor and carry out the necessary examinations.
The dermis of the arms and legs can become dry from an insufficient amount of water in the epidermis, which can be due to a number of reasons. These include:
If a child develops very dry skin on his legs or arms in a short period of time, he should definitely contact a pediatrician or endocrinologist to find out the cause.
There are a sufficient number of products to care for dry skin of hands and feet. The cosmetics industry also offers special creams for rough dermis on the elbows and heels. You should not make your choice based only on the price of the product, since in this case the principle “the more expensive the better” may not work. Everything must be selected strictly individually, especially if there is a tendency to allergies or during pregnancy. It is best to trust the specialists and visit a beauty salon, where they can not only choose the right cream, but also determine the reason why the dryness occurred.
You should know that “adult” cosmetics, even of the best quality, are not suitable for a child due to the difference in acidity and content of active substances.
As an alternative, it is better to use folk remedies and make your own cream at home from natural ingredients. To do this you need to take:
If there is no allergy, you can add 1 tsp. honey
Mix all ingredients thoroughly, apply to the surface of the legs, heels, feet and toes, wrap with a bag or cling film, cover with a warm towel or blanket. After half an hour, wash off the mask with warm water.
Before doing this procedure, it is best to lightly steam your feet in hot water. This will allow the nutrients to penetrate deeper, and therefore enhance the effect.
Once a week, you should apply a scrub made from heavy cream and fine salt to your entire body. If desired, you can add finely ground coffee instead of salt.
There is another available folk remedy that prevents peeling of the hands, feet and face. It can be used by a woman during pregnancy and even by a child if he is not allergic to honey.
To do it, you need to take:
Place the linden in a cup or glass, pour boiling water over it, cover with a lid or saucer, and strain after 15 minutes. Let cool slightly, add honey and stir thoroughly. Soak a cotton swab or pad in the broth and thoroughly wipe all problem areas. After 15-20 minutes, rinse the broth with warm water without using detergents and apply a nourishing or moisturizing cream. After 4-5 days, the skin will stop peeling and become more tender.
If the cause of dry hands, feet and heels lies in a lack of vitamins and microelements, then you should completely reconsider your diet. It should be excluded from it:
The fact is that all of the above products contain large amounts of salt. Knowing this, it is easy to understand why they provoke dehydration of the body and cause dryness of the epidermis of the hands, feet, face and other parts of the body, especially during pregnancy.
Instead, you need to include in your diet:
It is possible to consume synthetic vitamins, but only if the doctor deems it appropriate.
During pregnancy, a woman has to especially carefully monitor her diet, since she is also responsible for the health of her unborn child. A properly balanced diet will not only help you avoid gaining excess weight, but will also prevent dry skin.
Often the cause of dry epidermis on the lower leg is improper shaving or depilation using wax strips. To prevent this from happening, you must do the following:
In the second trimester of pregnancy, women's need for water increases, which is indicated by peeling and dry skin on the face, hands, feet and heels. To prevent this from happening, you need to drink from two to two and a half liters of water per day (mainly in the first half of the day), reduce the amount of salt to 5-6 g per day, and also choose the right cream and other hygiene products. You should pay attention to the absence of hormonal drugs and harmful chemicals in them, which negatively affect the course of pregnancy.
For dry heels, you need to take warm baths with decoctions of mint, sage or lavender. After drying your feet with a towel, apply a nourishing cream to them with massage movements. This procedure will relieve fatigue and prevent the development of varicose veins during pregnancy.
In the first years of a child’s life, the skin on the arms, legs and face often becomes dry due to improper selection of hygiene products, exposure to cold and UV rays, and unbalanced nutrition. If your baby complains that his fingers or toes are very itchy and flaky, then the reason may lie in the development of a fungal infection. In this case, it is necessary to show the child to a dermatologist, who will tell you what procedures need to be done to eliminate the disease.
Parents need to know what not to:
The appearance of small dry spots may indicate a genetic disease such as psoriasis. To exclude or confirm this diagnosis, you need to consult a doctor who will tell you what to do next.
Human skin is a very sensitive organ that reacts very quickly to any changes in the body. Therefore, the appearance of peeling, redness, cracks on the palms and heels, as well as other signs, indicates failures, which, if ignored, lead to dire consequences.
Dry skin on the feet is a problem that requires proper attention and treatment. The dermis on the feet becomes keratinized and interferes with normal life. In addition to the aesthetic side, functionality also suffers: cracks can hurt and itch.
The reason for dry dermis is poor hydration of the stratum corneum. When the surface layers are deprived of sufficient moisture, they begin to dry out, peel, itch, turn red, swell, and crack. Such violations are a consequence of other, deeper reasons:
Dry and flaking skin is a dysfunction of the body, and not just a cosmetic problem. There are medications, pharmaceutical creams and ointments to treat dry soles of the feet. Below is a list of effective ointments and creams recommended by doctors, which you can buy at the pharmacy and improve your skin health at home.
Cosmetic companies offer products to combat dry skin on the feet. Creams and balms, according to user reviews, will transform rough, moisture-deprived limbs into soft, smooth, well-groomed ones in a few days.
Akriderm . A drug that is available in the form of a cream and ointment. It has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, decongestant, moisturizing properties. The ointment helps to inhibit the accumulation of leukocytes, reduce dryness, remove cracks and keratosis. Contraindicated for mucous membranes.
Sinaflan . Used for chronic dryness, infectious diseases, damage to the epidermis. Helps well after being under the sun. Contraindicated if there is mycosis of the feet, fingers or other fungal infections.
Ecolom . Antipruritic, antikeratotic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic effect, an additional product for skin care during treatment with glucocorticosteroids. Apply a thin layer to dry areas.
We see . Promotes accelerated regeneration, renewal of integument, inhibits the formation of the stratum corneum. It has a good effect on mechanical damage, cracked feet, and moisturizes. Requires pre-treatment of wounds with an antiseptic. Otherwise, it may cause itching and irritation.
Gistan . Ointment based on synthetic glucocorticosteroids. You can start using it at the first symptoms of dryness and flaking. Helps fight inflammation, irritation, and softens calluses if they begin to form. The drug cannot be used for fungal and viral infections.
D-Panthenol . Enhances regeneration, reduces peeling. It has varying degrees of concentration and is available in various dosage forms. Perfectly cares for the epithelial layer of cells, moisturizing and nourishing it.
Bepanten . Suitable for skin care of pregnant women, babies and newborns. It can be used daily. Helps get rid of dryness, irritation, diaper rash, minor abrasions, wounds, cracks. Eliminates purulent inflammation.
Foot balm from Flexitol . The magical transformation can be noticed after 2-3 days of using the cream. Well nourishes, moisturizes, evens out skin that begins to dry out, smoothes out wrinkles.
Balm "Doctor Biocon" . Softens and gently exfoliates the rough dermis of the feet, heals cracks, removes unpleasant odor, neutralizes its causes, and has a pronounced antiseptic effect.
Ointment for cracks from Gehwol . For severely cracked and dry skin on the heels, the product will be effective. The ointment heals any types of cracks, restores its natural elasticity and smoothness.
Cream from L'Occitane . The light and pleasant consistency of the cream makes foot care a real pleasure; from the first application you feel moisturizing and softening. The effect of refreshing and relieving fatigue is an additional advantage.
Cream for dry skin from Neutrogena . Suitable for winter care: the consistency is greasy and nutritious. Quickly eliminates dryness, cracks, keratosis, restores elasticity and softness.
To prevent and treat dry skin on the feet, if it has become cracked, special baths are used, which include medicinal plants, and sometimes oils, honey, soda or salt.
250-500 ml of herbal decoction is poured into 2-5 liters of hot water, and other ingredients are added - 1-2 tablespoons each.
The skin is a reliable protection of the human body, and one of the main organs. The appearance of rashes, dryness and diaper rash will be a signal of problems and even diseases. And parents should be very attentive to the condition of the baby’s skin and the appearance of alarming signs.
Dryness and flaking are a common reason for visiting a pediatrician. Does this always indicate pathology or are there other reasons?
Normal children's skin is smooth, without cracks and signs of inflammation - swelling, redness. The appearance of cracks will also be an alarming symptom, especially in infants.
After birth, the child’s body resettles and gets used to new conditions. This fact may be associated with the appearance of rashes, diaper rash and even dryness.
Therefore, if a baby has dry skin on his legs, there is no need to sound the alarm. In most cases, this can be explained by physiological processes - restructuring of the body. But it still doesn’t hurt to consult a specialist.
Everything in the body is interconnected, and the appearance of any even subtle symptom will indicate a malfunction, especially in childhood, when all systems are still developing and learning to work correctly.
Dry skin of a child is formed as a result of insufficient moisture content in the stratum corneum (upper) layer. At the same time, its appearance changes, roughness, wrinkles appear, sometimes even scales appear, and its elasticity is lost.
Dryness develops in the first three years of a child’s life, and has several main reasons for its occurrence:
First of all, drying out the skin can result in the formation of cracks, which can be extremely painful. But all the consequences will be associated with the addition of a secondary infection. Cracks in the skin allow easy penetration of pathogens. For these reasons, the baby should wear open shoes, and if cracks have already formed, it is recommended to wear socks made of natural fabric.
In some cases, consultation with a specialist is not required; parents can cope on their own, but if a secondary infection occurs, it is impossible to do without treatment and the use of medications.
A comprehensive treatment and approach is required:
Only after consultation with a specialist, traditional medicine - decoctions of medicinal herbs - can be used as moisturizers. Regardless of why dry skin appears, consulting a pediatrician will not hurt.
Children's skin is like a litmus test: it instantly signals problems in the body and improper care. That is why it is so important to pay attention to any changes in her condition. Let's talk about how to develop an algorithm for caring for dry skin of babies.
Soft, delicate, velvety - this is how we usually talk about a baby’s skin. But even if the child is healthy, it does not become so immediately after birth.
Why? Explains Alexander Prokofiev, dermatovenerologist, medical expert at La Roche-Posay: “After the baby is born, his skin needs to adapt to the environment. In newborns, this process has not yet been completed, so their skin is more dry, more susceptible to irritation, redness, and easier to injure. These features disappear with age.”
Typically, by the age of two, the upper stratum corneum of the epidermis thickens, and the skin becomes more protected from external influences. The sebaceous and sweat glands begin to work more actively, and the process of thermoregulation gradually normalizes.”
Normally, a child’s skin should be pale pink and have good turgor, that is, be soft and elastic to the touch.
Make sure that the bathing water is no higher than 37 degrees. © iStock
“Children’s skin can become dry under the influence of both external and internal factors,” says Alexander Prokofiev. Let's list the external reasons.
Using detergents more than once a week, the water is too hard for bathing (it is better to pass it through a filter).
Exposure to the sun without protection
The baby’s skin is not able to resist the effects of UV rays, so children under one year old can be kept in the open sun for no more than five minutes a day, and even then “under the cover” of special baby creams with high SPF.
Dry indoor air and overheating
Overheated air is a test for a child’s imperfect thermoregulation system: the skin turns red, becomes hot, and irritation appears. The same thing happens if you wrap your baby up too much.
Cold air coming into contact with delicate baby skin can cause redness, dryness and irritation.
Internal factors may be due to:
poor nutrition, which is expressed in a lack of vitamins;
some diseases, primarily skin and endocrine;
After the bath, your baby's skin can be further moisturized. © iStock
Very dry baby skin is a cause for concern. It is more vulnerable, easily injured, and damaged skin is more susceptible to infections, especially in infancy.
In addition, dryness may indicate the presence of:
ichthyosis (a disorder of keratinization of the skin, which manifests itself in the form of scale formation);
other diseases, including diabetes.
If dryness is a persistent feature of your child's skin, it makes sense to first consult with your pediatrician and then see a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.
Friction from shoes and clothing can also cause redness and flaking of baby's delicate skin. Sometimes the cause of hypersensitivity is the diseases mentioned above. In any case, choose clothes and shoes for your baby made from natural materials, and use children's hypoallergenic powders for washing. To prevent dry feet in summer, it is better to wear open-toed shoes.
Use moisturizing creams, lotions or body milk made specifically for children's skin. On such products it is always written what age they are intended for.
The water for bathing the baby should not be hot. The optimal temperature for the bath is 36–37 degrees.
Bathe your child every day, but use detergents no more than once a week. Choose special delicate formulas for this.
Moisturize dry areas with baby cream, milk or lotion.
To prevent your baby's skin from becoming dry, offer him something to drink more often. © iStock
Dry skin brings a lot of anxiety to a child. It itches, itches, flakes - all this causes moodiness and bad mood. What can parents do in this situation? First of all, eliminate any factors that provoke dry skin of the baby.
It is not advisable to use soap when bathing and washing your face; it dries out the skin.
Sponges made from rough materials are also harmful. Washing should be as gentle as possible.
Do not wrap your baby while walking to avoid sweating.
Do not self-medicate. If dry skin persists, consult a doctor.
A child's skin needs protection in both heat and cold.
Remember that you should not be in the sun during the hottest time, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the beach, be sure to wear a T-shirt and a Panama hat on your baby, and use children's sunscreen. When you return from a walk, wash off the SPF cream and apply a moisturizer to your skin.
Exposure to cold and dry indoor air contributes to excessive dryness of the skin. Install a humidifier in your home or regularly cover the radiators with a wet towel. Moisturize your baby's skin after bathing.
To avoid dry skin, offer your child something to drink often. Make sure there are enough vitamins in his diet. Moisturize your baby's skin after bathing. In your care, use only hypoallergenic products tested by dermatologists.
The creams should include moisturizing and soothing components: panthenol, niacinamide, oils (shea, olive, wheat germ), zinc oxide, vitamins A, B, E, F, plant extracts (chamomile, calendula, string).
Milk for very dry skin Lipikar Lait, La Roche-Posay
Formula with shea butter, thermal water and niacinamide nourishes the skin and restores its lipid barrier. Suitable for use in infants, children and adults.
Skin cleansing gel Lipikar Gel Lavant, La Roche-Posay
Contains shea butter and niacinamide and is free of fragrance and parabens. Has skin-soothing properties, suitable for the whole family.