Newborn Dry Skin and Peeling: What Can Help?

Today, we unravel the mysteries surrounding dryness and peeling, two common concerns that can leave parents feeling bewildered. So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and join us on this journey as we explore the causes, remedies, and expert advice on nurturing your baby’s precious skin.

It may not look cute or feel comfortable on your little one, but peeling and dry skin is not a serious cause for concern. The best part is that simple home remedies can help your baby and keep the dry skin in check!

What causes baby dry skin and peeling?

There isn’t any particular culprit because it’s a natural process that’s bound to happen in newborns. Allow us to take you through this process.

During the nine months your baby spends inside your womb, they are surrounded by a liquid called amniotic fluid. Around the 17th to 20th week of pregnancy, when their skin develops normally, a white, creamy substance called vernix caseosa settles on their skin. It resembles cottage cheese and provides two-way protection.

The water content in vernix caseosa helps:

a.) prevent their skin from drying out,

b.) and the lipids (fats) present in it create a barrier against direct contact with the surrounding fluids.

The vernix also prevents their skin from shedding or peeling, which means there’s a buildup of skin ready to shed as soon as the vernix is gone. Hence, once the baby is born and the vernix disappears or is washed off, an avalanche of skin shedding occurs within the first two to three weeks!

8 Sure fire ways to reduce dry skin and peeling:

• Reduce bath time

Long bath time can strip your baby’s skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Consider keeping the bath-time between 5 to 10 minutes, two to three times a week – and of course, sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump dries and falls off.

• Consider warm baths

Hot baths can have the same effect as long baths. Moreover, hot bath can dry your baby’s skin and activate sensitive nerve endings, which can increase your baby’s urge to scratch their dry skin. So, consider warm baths instead of hot ones.

• You can use moisturizers

You can apply an ointment or moisturizer twice a day, preferably right after baths. By doing so, you effectively seal the moisture from the bath into your baby’s skin.

Additionally, gently massaging them with the moisturizer helps loosen peeling skin, resulting in smoother shedding. Remember to pat them dry before applying the moisturizer for the best results.

• Avoid harsh chemicals!

Say “NO!” to any perfumed or scented baby skin care products as they can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Also, it’s important to avoid using regular laundry detergent for your baby’s clothes. Instead, opt for a detergent specifically designed for a baby’s sensitive skin.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Make sure your baby is always hydrated. Breast milk or formula milk is sufficient for the first six months, and you can gradually introduce them to water when they reach six months of age.

Some signs of dehydration you should be aware of include crying without tears and fewer wet diapers than usual.

• Switch to cotton clothes

Switch to clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton for newborn babies. Cotton clothes are gentle on their peeling skin, allowing it to breathe and maintain its health.

• Dress according to the weather

Sunny days? Protect them from direct sunlight. Cold days? Bundle up on clothes and keep them warm. But what of indoors? The next point please.

• Consider a humidifier

Less humidity translates to a higher chance of dry skin. Consider using a humidifier to moisten the indoor air to prevent newborn dry skin, irritation, and itchiness.

These dry skin remedies for babies should help your little one in the skin shedding process. The new outer layer of skin will be tougher, resilient, and ready to take on the world! But if you feel that your baby is painfully itchy or notice any cracked or swollen skin, it’s best to consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions