Did you know that your baby’s skin continues to change and develop throughout his first year of life? While it seems to be wonderfully soft and smooth, it is also susceptible to irritation and dryness, making it essential for moms and caregivers to provide proper care.
There are many warnings about skin dryness that we’re told by our well-meaning family and friends. Unfortunately, most of the information that goes around is not true, causing stress among clueless young moms who end up using the wrong products or the wrong methods on their babies.
Here are a few myths we’ve gathered and debunked so that you can be better equipped and informed to provide the best possible care for your baby’s skin.
Myth 1: Dry skin is contagious
This is not true. Skin dryness is not contagious at all. In fact, skin dryness is caused by internal factors such as hormones and genes, and external factors such as the environment, the harsh chemicals in skincare products, and unhealthy habits–such as failing to consume adequate amounts of water.
Myth 2: Too many baths in a day causes dry skin.
This is true. Because a baby’s skin is protected with a natural barrier called lipids, frequent bathing especially with warm water strips away these barriers, leaving the skin prone to dryness. Dermatologists recommend bathing your newborn only 2 to 3 times a week (depending on the weather of course!), with an increased frequency as they grow older.
Myth 3: Bathing only with water is the safest and most effective way to cleanse baby’s skin
This is not true. Research has shown that water is insufficient for removing oil-soluble skin surface impurities. Experts recommend to use a mild skin cleanser with a neutral PH level (from 5.5 to 7.0) and that does not contain any preservatives. Oilatum Soothe and Protect baby bath foam and shampoo are specially formulated to effectively cleanse baby’s skin and replenish the natural barrier, making it stronger and more resilient against allergens.
Myth 4: Drinking water is enough to control dry skin.
This is not true. In addition to drinking a lot of water, using the right moisturizer on the skin is also essential to control skin dryness. Ideal moisturizers like the Oilatum Soothe and Protect Baby moisturizing lotion contains nourishing oils to help repair and strengthen the natural skin barrier on baby’s skin, preventing it from from further dryness.
Myth 5: Rubbing to remove the dry skin from our babies is helpful.
This is also not true. Rubbing a baby’s skin to get rid of the dryness causes further irritations due to the friction that the rubbing creates. That is why experts recommend the use of mild cleansers and emollients that will help remove the skin impurities easily without requiring excessive friction during bath time.
