Taking care of your child’s skin in the summer can feel like a full time job. There are so many things to consider: Which sunscreen should I choose? How often should I apply? Are daily showers and baths really necessary? We decided to ask Pediatric Dermatologist on behalf of JOHNSON’S® professional council, Joseph M. Lam, MD for some insider tips.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a vendor I have chosen to work with. I have received either paid compensation and/or free product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own based only on my own experience.
Top Tips for Summer Skin Care for Kids
What is the best way to protect little one’s skin from the summer heat when they are too young to wear sunscreen?
The hallmark of sun protection includes seeking shade, covering up exposed skin with clothing and the use of sunscreen. It is generally recommended that infants younger than 6 months be kept out of direct sunlight. Shade, clothing and broad brimmed hats are the best sun protection measures for infants. Sunscreens should be applied to areas of the skin not protected by clothing.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that “sunscreen may be used on infants younger than 6 months on small areas of skin if adequate clothing and shade are not available.” (reference: Balk SJ; Council on Environmental Health; Section on Dermatology. Ultraviolet radiation: a hazard to children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2011 Mar;127(3): e791-817)
How many times per day should you be applying lotion to baby’s skin?
With regards to regular moisturizers, if the baby’s skin is dry, applying as often as possible to achieve smooth skin is best. However, in a busy household, at least twice a day is best. A few studies have shown that moisturizing babies at least once a day can prevent the development of eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Is a daily bath necessary? What is the recommended number of times per week to bathe a baby?
Daily bathing is often recommended for patients with eczema; however, there is no evidence to support a standard recommendation for the frequency, duration or the method of bathing. Moisturizing after bathing is strongly recommended. One study showed that bathing without moisturizing could make the skin more dry. However, if a moisturizer was applied after the bath, the skin became less dry, despite having been bathed. Reference: Chiang C, Eichenfield LF. Quantitative assessment of combination bathing and moisturizing regimens on skin hydration in atopic dermatitis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2009 May-Jun;26(3):273-8.
What are your recommendations for babies with eczema? Are there tips you have found that are particularly helpful?
There are many tips for babies with eczema. The main points are that:
Identified triggers should be avoided.
- Identified triggers should be avoided
- Frequent moisturization is very helpful for prevention and treatment of flares. Thicker creams (such as JOHNSON’S® HEAD-TO-TOE™ extra moisturizing baby cream) tend to last longer and be more protective than lotions
- Topical medications (like topical corticosteroids) are safe and effective if used properly.
- Proper education on atopic dermatitis (eczema) is an important part of long-term success.
If there is one thing you wish parents were more aware of in terms of skincare, what would it be?
One important point is that not all ‘natural’ products are safe for the skin. Occasionally, we see patients with skin reactions to components of skin care products ranging from vitamin E (tocopherol) to a derivative of coconut oil known as cocamidopropyl betaine. A recent study showed that olive oil (although great for the heart) has negative effects on the skin if used as a moisturizer. Not all products from nature are harmful. However, they are not all safe for the skin either. Reference: Danby S et al. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013; 30(1):42-50.
Interview with Joseph M Lam, MD:
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Associate Member, Department of Dermatology and Skin Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
- Pediatric Dermatologist on behalf of JOHNSON’S® professional council
If you are looking for some reliable products you can trust, Johnson’s new Head to Toe line hypoallergenic, paraben and phthalate-free so you can feel good about using it on your newborn and growing baby. I love this new line because it’s perfectly customized to individual skin needs. Johnson’s® Head-To-Toe Extra Moisturizing line is an excellent choice for newborns or kids with sensitive skin, while the Head-To-Toe line is suited for everyday use for kids of all ages.
Our family is loving this moisturizing body wash. It’s so gentle, I will continue to use it for my 6 year old as well. He’s just recently taken to having nightly showers and this is perfect to make sure he’s clean without stripping the skin of its moisture.
And for freshening up in between baths these washcloths are a great option! They are perfect for travel as well, if you’re like me and don’t trust the cleanliness of hotel bath tubs…
This is also an excellent option for families that don’t have time for a daily bath routine. I would encourage even older kids to keep one in their gym locker for a quick refresher after a particular sweaty gym class!
And to finish up, Johnson’s new baby lotion is a great way to lock in the moisture, especially before bed. It’s creamy texture makes it easy to apply and because it’s so gentle it doesn’t even aggravate my son’s eczema.
As a special incentive JOHNSON’S® is offering a $1.00 OFF coupon just for you! Click here!
Have you tried these products yet? Leave a comment below and tell me about your experience!
XO The Good Enuf Mommy
It is important to note that even when you use products that are gentle on the little’s ones skin, you should watch for any signs that they might have allergies. We had no idea until our daughter was quite a bit older that she has sensitivities to many ‘natural’ ingredients that we thought would be safest, and best to use for children.
YES! This is such a good point. Natural doesn’t always mean better. There are lot of natural beauty products that can be harmful also.
I had eczema in elementary school or at least that’s what the pediatrician said. I’m not so sure because I didn’t do anything to try to clear it up but it didn’t last long. Poor little babies when they get it so young.
I’ve been using Johnson’s baby products ever since my first was born 18 years ago. My youngest came along and had some skin issues when she was a baby, and we stuck with Johnson’s. Love their brand!
These are some great tips! It’s very important to take care of your skin. Johnson’s is a trustworthy brand in my opinion.
I have always trusted this skincare brand. Skin whether on young children or on older people is so important to take care of.
We love Johnson products!!!! Especially when we travel. They are very neutral so everyone can use them!
This whole blog was helpful for me. Thank you for sharing this information.There is some things i do not use on my baby. I will do it from next time.
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you find it works for you!
your post is very interesting to read.it’s very informative and helpful.
Usually, I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job, Keep it up.
Baby skin is quite a thin layer. It can absorb anything that is applied on its surface. So you must be careful that his skin is free of any harmful or strong lotions. A baby cream application, especially in winter, will be absorbed easily and keep the skin supple and elastic.
That’s good to know that gentle lotion wouldn’t make sensitive skin inflamed. I would think that would be useful for kids with sunburns and things like that. I’ll have to consider talking to a dermatologist to see what they suggest for my kid’s skin.