Newborn Dry Skin

Newborn baby skin is no match for the cold, dry winter air. This time of year, newborn dry skin is pretty standard, especially around parts routinely exposed to air, like the diaper area.

As you can imagine, cracked and peeling skin can be just as uncomfortable for newborns as it is for adults. So if you’re determined to heal your little one’s dehydrated complexion, read on to learn how. 

Is It Normal for Newborns to Have Dry Skin?

Since babies tend to look soft and airbrushed, it’s understandable for parents to be alarmed at the sight of flaky skin. The slightest dehydration can cause newborns to have dry skin and atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema).

Experts say that atopic dermatitis typically begins in childhood and can flare up within the first six months of a baby’s life. It is the most common type of eczema and affects more than 9.6 million children. 

For reasons that are still unknown, the immune system of people with AD breaks down, and as a result, the skin barrier becomes damaged after being triggered by inflammation. Physical signs of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy rashes that appear red in lighter skin tones and purple, brown or grayish in darker skin tones.

Diaper rash (diaper dermatitis) is another common dry skin problem newborns face. Similar reddening, burning, and itching sensations are associated with diaper rash.

So yes, it is normal for newborns to have dry skin. 

What Can You Put On Newborn Dry Skin?

With so many new products on the market, the journey to finding a newborn dry skin moisturizer that works for your baby can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, a couple of trusted ingredients have been shown to heal delicate skin.

• Look for moisturizers with taurine. Taurine guards against oxidative stress associated with inflammatory diseases. Topical taurine is effective because it unifies all three barrier lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) that protect the skin.
• Look for petroleum-based creams. Consistent topical applications have significantly improved skin roughness and reduced diaper rash.

Does Breast Milk Help Dry Skin? 

As much as we’d like to believe breast milk is an effective all-natural moisturizer for baby skin, researchers have not found consistent evidence. 

While breast milk contains moisturizing properties, five randomized clinical trials devoted to infants’ skin problems did not find it was a cure for atopic eczema and diaper dermatitis.

Key Takeaways

Infant dry skin is fragile. Baby dry skin doesn’t stop at the body; it can creep up to the lips or down to the bottom. Few ingredients are proven to eliminate dryness, and pairing them with Eco Pea Co. wipes and diapers is a great way to protect your baby’s silky complexion.