Best Home Remedies for Kids' Delicate Skin

Soft sweaters, warm cocoa, and fun-filled vacations - winter is here with all the teeny-tiny things your little one enjoys. But while the cold season unlocks happiness, it also brings various skin troubles. The harsh outside weather and heated indoors steal the natural moisture from your baby's delicate skin, leaving it dry, itchy, and flaky.

We know you love your little one's soft and glowing skin. And do you know that nature and Ayurveda can be your best companions for this? In this guide, you will find nature's gifts that bless the skin during winter. The home remedies, natural ingredients, and skincare products for babies mentioned in this article will help you fight skin dryness and itchiness. Let's explore them:

Easy home remedies for winter skincare  

While the market is full of skincare products for winter, home remedies still stand out as the best solution. They are simple, effective, and economical. The list below compiles some handy skincare home remedies to help you care for your baby's skin. Check them out:

1. Reduce the bath time 

Kids love playing in the water. But spending too much time in warm water during winter can make the skin dry and itchy. Long hours in warm water weaken the moisture barrier and remove the natural oils from the delicate skin. This is why you must not let your child stay in the water for long hours during the chilly season.

2. Check the water temperature 

Most of us prefer giving hot water baths to kids during winter to protect them against common illnesses like cold or fever. However, overheated water can make their skin dry and also cause irritation. So, you must use lukewarm water to bathe your kid in the cold weather. Plus, always check the water temperature before pouring it down on your child.

3. Don’t use soap

Kids have sensitive skin that needs extra nourishment and care of natural skincare products. Bathing soaps might contain chemicals that strip away the moisture and oils from their delicate skin. So, you must use a soap-free cleanser made specially for kids and filled with the goodness of natural ingredients and herbs. Some popular ingredients that you can look for in your baby body wash are shea butter, milk, aloe vera, cucumber, etc.

4. Moisturise the skin

Moisturizing your baby’s skin is one of the main skincare essentials in winter. It helps lock the moisture, preventing their skin from dryness or itchiness. You can choose an Ayurvedic body lotion for kids loaded with oils and herbs that moisturize and hydrate the skin. Plus, ensure the best baby body lotion is hypoallergenic, free from harsh chemicals, and has a gentle formula.

5. Choose the right clothing

During winter, parents prefer bundling their kids in heavy, woolen clothes. Layering helps keep their body warm and safe from chilly waves. However, the harsh material of these winter clothes can cause rashes and dryness on the skin.

To avoid this, use a thin, soft fabric as the first layer underneath sweaters or jackets. This will allow the skin to breathe and prevent itching. Lastly, when going out, be sure your child is wearing mittens, socks, and a cap.

6. Diet and hydration

A balanced diet is vital to keep your baby’s skin healthy during winter. Ensure you give them foods rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants that help hydrate and nourish the skin. You can add leafy greens, nuts and seeds, fruits like avocados, berries, and yogurt to their platter. Moreover, drinking plenty of water is also key to keeping the skin hydrated, soft, and glowing. With a good diet and sufficient hydration, you can ensure the best winter care for babies.

7. Apply sunscreen

It is advised to use sunscreen as an effective tool for baby skin care in winter. When stepping out with your child, apply a generous amount of sunscreen to exposed body parts like the face and neck to avoid skin problems. Kids' sunscreen must contain natural herbs and ingredients to ensure it is gentle and effective on your child's delicate skin. 

8. Use a humidifier 

Adding a humidifier to your child’s room can help add moisture to the air. This helps prevent dryness, keeping their skin soft and supple. Ensure the humidifier is kept away from your child's reach. Also, clean it regularly to avoid the growth of mold. Further, dry skin is prone to irritation. So try to keep them safe from common irritants like strong fragrances, chemical-infused soaps, or itchy fabrics. 

Natural Ingredients to Heal Dry Skin in Kids

Your kitchen has various ingredients that are a gem for fighting skin dryness and itchiness in winter. Given below is the list of some popular ingredients and skincare products for kids that help ease dryness and other skin problems: 

1. Natural Ubtan

For generations, ubtan has been best baby skin care in winter for most Indian households. Our loving grandmothers make it using kitchen ingredients like chickpea powder, turmeric, etc. This paste helps exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells, giving a natural glow.

Plus, it moisturizes, softens, and improves the skin texture. Homemade natural ubtan is a gentle and effective option for pampering your little one’s skin during winter. You can also choose an all Ayurvedic natural ubtan for kids from the market. Ensure the skincare products for kids you are buying are free from harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. 

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is well-known for its various health benefits, including the ones for the skin. It helps moisturize the skin, keeping it soft in the harsh winter season. Moreover, coconut oil is a natural emollient that prevents dryness without clogging skin pores.

The oil is rich in fatty acids and is also effective against common skin problems like irritation. You can take a small amount of coconut oil and gently massage it to your child’s skin after the bath. It is one of the best skin care tip for healthy and moisturized baby skin.

3. Honey

Besides its sweet taste, honey is an amazing skincare ingredient for winter care of babies. It is rich in antioxidants and exhibits antibacterial properties. Thus, it helps lock moisture, soothe irritation, and hydrate your child's delicate skin.

Mix equal parts of raw honey and curd to create a paste. Apply the mixture to your child's skin in a circular motion and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the paste with lukewarm water. You can use this paste once or twice a week. It will help soften and nourish your child's skin.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a skincare gem. It can heal, nourish, and hydrate your child’s skin like magic. The cooling property of the gel gives a soothing relief from sunburn, dryness, and irritation. You can scoop out aloe vera gel from the plant or buy readymade gel from the market. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel on your child’s skin to keep it healthy and happy in winter. It is best to do a patch test before using it regularly.

5. Ghee for newborn chapped lips

Chapped lips are common in winter. They are painful and can steal your baby's smile. Applying a generous amount of ghee or coconut oil is the best way to heal chapped lips. These natural ingredients moisturize the lips and protect them from dryness. You can also use a natural lip balm for kids to keep their lips soft and smooth.

6. Oil massages

Oil massages are a trusted Ayurvedic ritual for kids' winter skincare. They help moisturize and nourish the delicate baby's skin to prevent skin dryness in the harsh winter season. You can use an Ayurveda-inspired baby massage oil  give them soft and healthy skin. The best massage oils for kids are almond, coconut, sesame, and olive. Regular massage can help strengthen bones, improve blood circulation, and heal dry skin.

Wrapping up

Winter is the perfect time to make beautiful memories with your family and friends. Don't let the chilly waves take away your baby's soft and supple skin. Pamper them with the goodness of Ayurveda and nature's best ingredients described in this article. These easy-to-follow skincare rituals not only protect their delicate skin but also nourish it. Enjoy your winter with cozy cuddles and soft cheeks.

FAQs

Q1. What is melanin?

A1. Melanin is a substance our body produces that gives hair, eyes, and skin pigmentation. The higher the melanin production, the darker the color of your skin, eyes, and hair.

Q2. Can I use essential oils for my child's skincare?

A2. Yes, you can use essential oils for skincare. However, always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut or almond. Avoid using essential oils in infants under 6 months. Also, always do a patch test or consult a doctor before using the oil regularly.

Q3. How can I treat diaper rashes naturally?

You can use natural ingredients like aloe vera gel and coconut oil. Moreover, a good natural baby winter cream with Ayurvedic herbs can heal diaper rashes effectively. 

Q4. Is turmeric good for kids' skincare?

Yes, turmeric is an effective skin care remedy for kids. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties to fight skin problems. However, you must use it in moderation and always do a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.