Have you ever noticed that kids' skin gets extra dry and itchy in the winter? One minute, their skin is soft and smooth. The next, it’s rough and red. That’s because cold weather can be tough on the skin.
In winter, the air outside is cold and dry. Indoor heating makes things even worse by pulling moisture out of the air — and out of our skin. The reason comes down to simple physics: cold air holds less moisture than warm air. A 40% humidity level in 20 degrees Fahrenheit weather has much less water in the air than the same 40% humidity at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the air is drier, skin loses water more easily, leading to dryness.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Our skin acts as a barrier between the inside of the body and the outside world. This includes maintaining the right balance of water. Some people have naturally dry or sensitive skin because their skin barrier doesn’t work as well to keep moisture in.
Dry Skin vs More Serious Conditions
Normal winter dryness can cause flakiness, redness, cracking, bleeding or itching. In more severe cases, fluid may leak from the skin or bleeding may continue despite daily moisturizing.
Are Some Kids More Prone To Dry Skin?
Some people are more susceptible to dry or sensitive skin than others — and there are many reasons for it.
1. Genetics: Genetics plays a role in dry skin. They determine how well your skin functions as a barrier. Our skin has natural oils and proteins that help lock in moisture and protect against irritants. But some people are born with genetic variations that affect these processes. The most common dry skin condition is ichthyosis vulgaris, which happens when a genetic mutation affects how the skin holds moisture. Another condition, eczema, causes more discoloration and itching than regular dry skin. It often appears in patches that crack, weep or change color.
2. Environment: Allergens, chemicals and other environmental exposures can also play a role in dryness. An example is if your child is a competitive swimmer. Prolonged exposure to chlorine can break down a protective layer on your child’s skin that produces natural oils to maintain moisture. When this layer is removed, the skin can become irritated, itchy and dry.
3. Medications: Certain medications, including some that treat acne, can make a child more likely to have dry skin.
Preventing Dry Skin in Winter
Keeping the skin moisturized comes down to maintaining the right level of water in the skin. Two simple steps can help:
1. Add moisture to the skin. Add water to the skin through one of several methods. The first option is soaking in a warm bath (not too hot!) for about 10 minutes to help the skin absorb water. The second option is using a thick, cream-based moisturizer with a good mix of water and oil to help keep the skin hydrated.
2. Keep moisture from escaping. Use ointments or creams after bathing to create a barrier that locks in moisture. Lotions have more water but less oil, while ointments have the highest oil content, making them the best for sealing in moisture.
Note: Your indoor air humidity can help you avoid dry skin. Ensure your heating system is set to 40% humidity to balance the need for hydration and warmth with the risk of condensation and mildew.
Bathing Best Practices
How often a child should bathe depends on their age, activities and skin type. If a child has very dry or sensitive skin, daily baths can help by adding moisture. However, long, hot showers can make dryness worse because they cause moisture to evaporate from the skin.
For kids with very dry skin, soaking the affected area in warm water once a day for about 10 minutes, then applying an ointment with ingredients like petrolatum or mineral oil, can help. Baths should have skin-friendly ingredients, including oatmeal, and avoid products with fragrances. And after a bath, pat the skin dry instead of rubbing it to avoid stripping away absorbed water and roughing up the skin surface. Apply moisturizer right after the bath when skin is still damp.
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Best and Worst Ingredients in Moisturizers and Soaps
Not all skin products are made the same, so be mindful of what’s put on the skin. Ointments are clear and have the highest oil content, while creams are white and have a mix of water and oil. If you’re looking for balance, a thick cream is a good all-in-one option for hydration.
To avoid irritation, choose unscented products. Some hydrating ingredients to look for include:
- Ammonium lactate
- Urea
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
Frequent handwashing in winter can also lead to dry, itchy skin. Using an unscented soap and moisturizing after washing can prevent irritation. Avoid antimicrobial or antibacterial soaps when possible, as they can dry out the skin even more.
Do Certain Fabrics Make Dry Skin Worse?
Moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon can make dry skin worse. Softer, more breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo are gentler on the skin.
Does Diet Affect Skin Hydration?
Drinking enough water is important, especially in cold weather, when the body loses moisture more easily. There’s no strong medical evidence that specific foods directly affect skin hydration. That said, extremely low-fat diets can weaken the skin barrier because the body needs certain fats to keep the skin healthy.
When To See a Doctor
If dryness doesn’t improve with moisturizing, or if the skin becomes very red, cracked, bleeds, oozes or develops bumps, it may be time to see a health care provider. A fever or trouble sleeping due to itching is also a sign that medical care is needed.
For more severe cases, you’ll want to take your child to their pediatrician or other primary care physician. For dry skin that persists or worsens after working with your primary care physician, a referral to a dermatologist may be warranted. A dermatologist can help with further care to help with the most troublesome or severe cases of dry skin.
