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Caring for your baby’s skin can be challenging as it is delicate and sensitive to environmental factors such as weather and pollution. Are you making any of the five common skincare mistakes?
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rishabh Raj Sharma, dermatologist at Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences College and Hospital (NIIMS), said, “People nowadays are concerned about their skin and skin problems. They want to ensure that not only theirs but also their children’s skin remains healthy.”
Parents make the following mistakes in taking care of their children’s skin –
1. Using adult skin care products:
Dr. Rishabh Raj Sharma said, “Many parents apply adult skincare products on children, which may be too harsh for their sensitive skin. It is essential to use products specifically formulated for children.”
Prasanna Vasanadu, parent educator and founder of Tikitoro, explains, “A common mistake parents make is using adult skincare products on their children. Children’s skin is more sensitive to the harsh chemicals, perfumes and preservatives found in these products. Adult products often contain more active ingredients, alcohol, sulfates and synthetic fragrances, which can disrupt a child’s skin barrier. Even “natural” or “organic” items may contain ingredients that are unsuitable for delicate skin. Always choose skincare products specifically formulated for children – hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.”
2. Neglecting sun protection:
According to Dr. Rishabh Raj Sharma, some parents underestimate the importance of sunscreen, but children need protection from UV rays, so it is important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days.
Prasanna Vasanadu said, “Ignoring sunscreen is a big skincare mistake that parents often make. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can seriously damage children’s skin, increasing the likelihood of sunburn as well as causing long-term consequences such as premature aging or even skin cancer. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 formulated for children and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Protecting their skin from an early age helps create healthy habits for the future.”
3. Taking more baths:
“Bathing babies too often or using hot water can strip out the natural oils from their skin, leading to dry skin. Aim to bathe in lukewarm water and limit the bath to a few times a week,” warns Dr Rishabh Raj Sharma.
4. Ignoring or avoiding moisturizers:
Parents tend to forget to moisturize their baby’s skin after a bath, but Dr. Rishabh Raj Sharma said, “Applying a gentle moisturizer can help retain moisture and prevent the skin from getting dry, especially during the colder months.”
Prasanna Vasanadu added, “Another common mistake parents make is not using or not using moisturizers for their babies. Many people believe that since babies’ skin is naturally soft, it doesn’t need extra moisture. However, babies’ skin can easily become dry, especially after a bath or inclement weather conditions. Without proper moisture, their skin barrier can become weak, leading to irritation, itching, and even problems like eczema. Choose a gentle, allergen-free moisturizer designed for babies to lock in moisture and protect their delicate skin. Moisturizing right after a bath is especially effective in keeping their skin soft and healthy.”
5. Not solving skin problems immediately:
Dr. Rishabh Raj Sharma said, “Parents may ignore symptoms of skin problems like rashes or eczema. If a problem persists, it is important to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist to ensure proper treatment.”
6. Using products with strong fragrances:
Prasanna Vasanadu explains that fragrances in skincare products are a major source of allergies for children with sensitive skin. “Fragrances can range from body washes to perfumed lotions and can aggravate skin problems such as dermatitis or eczema by causing redness, irritation or rashes. It is wise to look for products that contain allergen-free fragrances and are IFRA certified,” she said.
7. Using over-the-counter creams without consulting an expert:
Prasanna Vasanadu said, “Parents often try to treat rashes with over-the-counter (OTC) lotions without consulting a doctor. This leads to delaying treatment of underlying conditions such as eczema, fungal infections or allergies, which can worsen the problem. If the rash becomes severe, lasts for more than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, consult a pediatrician or dermatologist. OTC creams, especially steroid creams, should not be used on young skin without consulting a doctor.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
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