Dry Skin

If your little one has dry skin, you'll be able to tell by the look of your baby's skin as well as your baby's temperament.

Some symptoms of dry skin include:

• Tightness
• Skin that's rough to the touch
• Itching
• Flaking
• Cracking
• Scaling or peeling

If your baby has very dry skin, they may get fussy and try to scratch the affected area, which can irritate it further.

There are several different reasons your baby's skin may be dry, a few of which can be attributed to the fact that they are adjusting to life outside the womb.

Here are some possible causes of your little one's dry skin:

• Newborn babies shed their top layer of skin over the first couple of weeks, resulting in dry, flaky skin. Don't worry, it's completely normal and painless!
• Your newborn may be adjusting to their changing hormones now that they're producing their own.
• If you're giving your baby baths that are too long, too frequent, or in water that's too hot, bathtime could strip the moisture from their skin. Stick to two to three baths a week, no longer than 10 minutes, and in warm (not hot) water.
• You may be using a bath or skin product that's too harsh. Opt for products that are gentle and fragrance-free.
• If their dry skin is severe and flares up, it could be eczema.
• If it's localized on their scalp, it could be cradle cap.

Eczema in babies is common and is often noticed between one and three months. It appears as red, scaly patches, most frequently on the face, neck, or hands.

Cradle cap appears as crusty, oily bumps on baby's scalp a little different from regular dry skin. If your little one's scalp is oily to the touch, this may be what's causing the dry skin.

If your or your baby's skin is dry, there are some specific ingredients you'll want to look for. These include:

• Coconut oil
• Sunflower seed oil
• Shea butter
• Aloe vera
• Avocado and avocado oil
• Beeswax
• Olive oil
• Jojoba oil
• Calendula

Caring for your family's dry skin means you'll want to apply extra hydration and make sure to avoid anything that could be irritating or dehydrating. Here are some tips:

• Moisturize on damp skin to lock in maximum hydration. Pay keen attention to your baby's diaper area as their sensitive skin can become easily irritated.
• Dress your child in loose, soft, breathable fabrics to prevent their skin from becoming more irritated.
• Be sure to protect your baby from extreme temperatures, wind, and, of course, the sun.
• Avoid harsh detergents when washing your family's clothing and bedding.
• Use a humidifier if it's dry in your house.
• Make sure your baby is hydrated by keeping up with a proper feeding schedule. The proof is in the diaper!

Mustela's products are all formulated to add moisture to your baby's delicate skin, but they're not just for the little ones in your family! Our products are formulated to care for skin from newborn to adult.

Some of our most moisturizing products include:

• Nourishing Cleansing Gel with Cold Cream
• Nourishing Cream with Cold Cream
• Nourishing Lotion with Cold Cream
• Nourishing Stick with Cold Cream

With Mustela's skin care products, your family's skin will be hydrated in no time!