Summer skincare for babies: FAQs and facts you need to know

You have switched to a lighter face cream, bought yourself an extra pack of sunscreen, and put on the shades before walking out in the scorching sun. But what about your baby? Have you ensured that your baby is just as prepared for summer as you? Here are a few FAQs and facts you need to know about summer skincare for babies.

Is baby skin sensitive to the sun?

Yes, your baby’s skin is very sensitive to the sun, more so than your skin. The skin performs multiple functions for our body. Mechanisms like sweating help us to regulate our body temperatures, while melanin, the substance that produces skin pigmentation, helps to protect the skin from the sun’s harsh effects.

In babies, both these mechanisms — sweating and melanin production — are not fully developed. Their skin is also thinner than adults and is more prone to dryness and irritation. These reasons make a baby’s skin sensitive to the sun. 

At what age can babies wear sunscreen?

Even if your baby’s skin is more sensitive to the sun than yours, you need to explore other options for sun protection than sunscreen, at least until your baby is 6 months old. Doctors recommend avoiding the use of sunscreen for infants younger than 6 months.

For them, staying out of direct sunlight is the best precaution against the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun, along with wearing wide-brimmed hats and breathable clothes that cover most of their body.

For babies older than 6 months, you should still limit sun exposure, especially at the times when the sun is most harsh. If you cannot avoid it entirely, consider attaching a sunshade to your baby’s stroller to offer him/her protection from the sun.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with 30 SPF (minimum) that is formulated especially for babies 30 minutes before heading out, and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.

For children of all age groups, you should remember that clothing is the first line of defense against the sun. Dress your baby/toddler/kid in breathable fabrics with a tighter knit in a manner that covers most parts of their body. Use accessories like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect their face, eyes, neck, and ears from the harmful effects of the sun. You can also consider sun-protective clothing — the higher the UPF factor, the more protection it offers.

Should I bathe my baby every day in the summer?

Babies usually do not need to be bathed daily — 2-3 times a week is enough, as they are not too mobile and do not pick up dirt. Excessive bathing can also make their skin dry.

However, in the summer, bathing your baby every day can help to keep him/her cool. Remember the following when bathing your baby:

• Use lukewarm water — Not too hot, not too cold. Test a little on the inner side of your wrist before bathing your baby. Long, hot water baths can be extremely drying for your baby.
• Use mild Baby Wash and Baby Shampoo — Harsh chemicals in your baby’s body wash and shampoo can irritate their skin. Go for natural cleansers which are toxin-free and do not dry off your baby’s skin or hair after a bath. CITTA’s Baby Bath Set is the perfect option for baths that keep your baby’s skin and hair clean, soft, and healthy.
• Use cleansers only once a day, if bathing your baby multiple times a day
• Dry off your baby’s skin properly after a bath using a soft cloth

Which lotion is best for baby skin in summer?

As baby skin tends to get dry easily, it is important to lock in moisture. The hot sun can cause skin dehydration in babies. Environments that are air-conditioned can also have a drying effect on your baby’s skin.

This is why you need to follow up your baby’s bath routine with an appropriate baby lotion. For a baby’s thinner skin, a moisturizing balm works better than runny creams or lotions, as it has a unique texture that can lock in moisture for long hours due to its low water content.

You also need to choose a baby moisturizer that is gentle on your baby's skin and toxin-free, to avoid any irritation or reactions.

CITTA’s Moisturizing Balm is made with 8 natural oils, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E to nourish, moisturize, and protect your baby’s delicate skin from infections and rashes. Its unique texture spreads easily while providing long-lasting moisturization that prevents dehydration of your baby’s skin and keeps it soft, smooth, and supple.

Which oil is best for baby skin in summer?

Massaging with baby oil is an age-old practice in India and many other Asian countries. An oil massage for a baby offers multiple benefits for the baby and the mother, which you can read about here.

For summer, you need baby oil that is lightweight and non-sticky.

CITTA’s Nourishing Baby Massage Oil is made with 12 natural oils to provide all-around nourishment, moisturization, and protection to your baby’s skin while being non-toxic, fragrance-free, and most importantly, non-sticky.

Which powder is best for a baby in summer?

Summer heat can cause your baby to sweat more. His/her skin can feel sticky and uncomfortable. But if the sweat glands get blocked, this can lead to painful prickly heat rash, also known as heat rash.

A good baby powder can help to keep your baby’s skin fresh, sweat-free, and rash free.

CITTA’s Soothing Talc-Free Baby Powder is the best for babies and kids in summer as it is made with a talc-free, safe, natural, and effective formulation. It uses Corn Starch, Kaolin, and Oat Kernel Flour to effectively absorb excess moisture and oil from your baby’s skin and prevent rashes. It also has a fine texture that glides easily on your baby’s skin.

To read more about how to choose the right baby powder, click here.

Conclusion

Summer skincare for babies does not have to be difficult. Knowing your baby’s skin, dressing him/her appropriately, and choosing the right skincare products can make a huge difference.

Choose skincare products that prevent dehydration of your baby’s skin by looking for hydrating ingredients like Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, etc. Be careful to avoid harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates, silicones, mineral oils, toxins, and allergens, as they can irritate your baby’s skin.