Why does our skin react like this?
First, you should know that 2 climatic parameters act on the appearance and quality (health?) Of our skin: temperature and humidity.
Normally, the skin likes a temperate temperature and humidity (just like us!).
But every winter, the temperature is cold, the air is dry, in the house, the heaters turn thoroughly, the air is even drier than outside.
Consequence:
The skin cracks and loses elasticity, it can no longer keep moisture.
As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated and dry.
In addition, when the skin cracks, our skin barrier becomes occasionally permeable.
The allergens present in the air penetrate more easily into the depths of the skin.
This is why the skin becomes more reactive.
In the worst, cases, allergens stimulate nerve endings and cause these feelings of tightness and itching: it scratches!
Before puberty, without the hormonal effect, the skin of children does not have the protection provided by sebum, and our little ones like to play outside with the leaves, with the snow ...
Therefore, in winter, their skin is likely to become dry, more reactive compared to an adult. What to do?
We offer 6 tips to better protect their little skin from the cold:
What to do?
Opt for a soft cleaner
Which respects the natural pH of children's skin (pH = 5.5).
Also, avoid solid products, such as soaps which mainly contain alkaline anionic surfactants, very "striking" for their fragile skin.
Favor showers rather than baths
Yes, nothing beats a good hot bath when it's cold outside.
But if you stay too long in the water, the skin tends to become very dry.
In addition, opt for a temperature between 34 and 36 degrees for our little drips, a very hot shower is not optimal for small sensitive skins.
Dry the children by dabbing.
Favor ultra soft organic cotton towels!
Above all, they are dabbed instead of rubbing in particular when the skin of children is in an eczematic crisis.
Hydrate the skin
Normally, if a skin is properly washed, there is no need to use a moisturizing product.
However, during the cold season, your child has ultra-sensitive skin with an eczematic tendency, it is advisable to choose a moisturizing product for the face and body while avoiding conservatives and allergens.
Above all, avoid micellar water for children.
Some brands offer micellar or cleaning waters without rinsing for children.
Finally, they seek to imitate adult care rituals.
On the other hand, for children, it is a very bad practice, it is necessary to use only the minimum of products, containing the minimum ingredient to avoid raising them awareness.
Know that even micellar water very often contains surfactants. When they stay on the skin for a long time, they damage the skin barrier even more fragile children.
Adapt your outfit according to its external activity:
First, do not cover your child too much. Even if we tend to add to them cups and scarves ...
Especially when they practice sport outside. Favor the "diapers" to be able to discover your child according to the situations.
Indeed, sweating can also alter the skin barrier.
It is also necessary to avoid too tight clothes that will worsen lesions on the skin in the event of a eczema crisis because of the friction.
Moidify your interior.
As we have seen, the skin needs a minimum of humidity.
If you can, install an air humidifier (be careful not to use essential oil diffuser, they are not recommended with children under the age of 7).
Otherwise, opt for a damp cloth on the radiator (of course not on an electric radiator).
Now you are well armed to fight the cold and protect your child's skin! Take care of yourself !
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask us on cowcou@lilikiwi.fr