Winter skin care for your child

During the winter months, you really need to pay special attention to your skin.  In many ways the winter elements are harsher on your skin because of artificial heating, dryer air, extreme cold and wind, and all the layers of clothing you wear.  Because of these conditions, you really need take care of your child's skin during this time of year.  A child's skin is more sensitive than an adults, so you need to be careful what you put on them.

Because the elements are much harsher around you durning winter, your skin is more likely to dry out.  This can lead to itchy skin if you don't moisturize it properly.  Itchy skin can then turn into eczema.

You don't just want to put on any old moisturizing lotion on your child.  You need to make sure that it is suitable for children.  Look at your products ingredients before you buy them.  Make sure the lotion has natural ingredients and even perfume and dye free.  Moisturizers come in a variety of thickness, make sure you get one that will moisturize the skin as well as allow the skin the be flexible which will help cut down on the itching.  A good recommendation would be Theraplex HydroLotion.  This lotion not only moisturizes and protects the skin from harsh drying effects of the environment, it is also fragrance free, hypoallergenic, non-comdeogenic and does not contain any dyes or irritants.  You will also want to apply lotion at least twice a day to avoid dryness.  If your child's skin needs the extra nourishment, you can apply more frequently.

Always dress your children in cotton clothing that is next to the skin.  Cotton fabrics allow your skin to breath and this will avoid skin chaffing from the friction that wool fabrics can cause.  You will also want to consider changing your detergent that the clothing is washed in for the winter months.  Depending on the type of laundry detergent you use, this could add to your dry skin problem.

Just because it is winter does not mean you can forget about sunscreen.  Sunscreen will protect them from the sun's UV rays and also give an extra protective barrier against the environmental elements that can affect the skin.

If you have any questions regarding your child's footcare during the winter, please contact our office at 419-423-1888 or visit us on our website at www.vailfoot.com.