Parenting Guide

5 best Indian dry skin remedies for babies

5 best Indian dry skin remedies for babies

Fact-checked by MFine | Last Updated : December 22nd, 2023

Your baby's dry skin needs all the attention possible. Learn these simple home remedies and make your baby's skin softer and more moisturised. ...

5 best Indian dry skin remedies for babies

Your baby’s skin is very sensitive and cannot produce as many moisturizing oils as an adult’s skin can. Because of this, dry flaky skin on legs and face of babies is fairly common in the first few months of their life. Chapped skin can be very uncomfortable and itchy so it’s important for every parent to know how to treat dry skin on the face and body of their child. Luckily, some of the best soothing remedies for your baby’s dry skin can be found right on your kitchen shelves! But before you start using dry skin remedies for babies, it’s important to know what might be causing it in the first place and how to spot it. Also read our blog on The Most Common Foods That Cause Eczema in Children.

How your baby’s skin reacts to weather

The weather and humidity levels can have a huge impact on your baby’s skin. Most parents try to compensate for the weather outside by using air conditioners or heaters indoors for their baby. But this solution also comes with its own set of problems. If your baby is kept in such an environment, you might have noticed dry flaky skin patches on their face and body. The reason for this is that both air conditioners and heaters can dry a baby’s skin because they strip the moisture content from the air. You can counter this by placing a bowl of water in the room or by using a humidifier. Babies’ bodies also have not learnt to adjust to changes in weather. So, make sure your baby wears mittens along with a cap in winter. In summer, if you take your baby out, always ensure you cover their heads.and dress them in only cotton clothes. Also read our blog on The Most Common Symptoms of Cradle Cap That Parents Should Not Ignore.

Symptoms of dry skin in infants

In the womb, babies are covered with a thick protective coating called vernix that prevents the amniotic fluid from drying the skin out. Once a baby is born though, the vernix begins to shed. This is why many infants will have dry flaky skin on legs, particularly the soles of the feet. It will also occur on the palms of their hand and sometimes, the body as well. This is normal and shouldn’t worry you. Rough, flaking skin, grayish patches and chapped lips are all signs that you need to soothe the skin before your baby gets uncomfortable. If your baby shows any of these symptoms once they are back home, then you will need to treat it.

Homemade Dry Skin Remedies for Babies

From easy remedies for teething babies to natural remedies for cold and cough in infants, there's a natural treatment for almost any childhood illness! There are a number of natural treatments for dry skin in babies that you can use. They are usually the safest and most effective for babies. Most Indian households have traditions passed down the ages that are still popular today. Here are a few of the most effective homemade dry skin remedies for babies.

1. Oil massages

Coconut and almond oil are very good for baby dry skin patches because they can penetrate deep into the skin and moisturize from within. Coconut oil might be too heavy to apply after a baby’s bath and can stain their clothes and bedding. Because of this, most mothers prefer to massage their babies with coconut oil before their bath, leave it on for at least half an hour and then gently wash it off. Almond oil is another good option as it is rich in vitamin E and is very effective in treating dry flaky skin patches on face and body. Make sure that the oils you use have no added fragrance as this can irritate your baby’s skin. Cold-pressed, organic oil is the safest way to go. Also read our blog on Cellulitis in Babies: How to Treat it Safely and Quickly.

2. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is excellent as a cleanser and as a moisturiser, making it one of the best dry skin remedies for babies. Mix a few drops of almond oil into a cup of yoghurt and apply it on your baby’s skin. You can apply it all over their body or use it as a spot treatment for dry patches on face. If you apply it all over their body, then do it 5 minutes before their bath time. This gives your baby’s dry skin enough of time to absorb all the goodness from this moisturizing pack. If you are applying it topically to patches on the face, you can apply a few drops, massage it in and wipe it off with a damp cloth. For extra moisture, you can let it remain on baby dry skin patches.

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3. Breast milk

This might sound unusual, but a mother’s breast milk is actually full of healthy fatty acids like lauric acid that can treat dry patches on face and body. This is especially useful for dry skin on face as this area is particularly sensitive. You can use breast milk for dry skin by rubbing a few drops of it on the affected areas and leaving it on without washing it off. The skin will absorb it quickly and your baby’s dry skin should soon begin to heal.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has both antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it one of the best remedies for dry skin patches on face. However, never use store-bought aloe vera gel on a baby’s skin as it can contain harmful preservatives and other additives. Growing your own plant and using the gel is a much safer alternative. All you need to do is break off a small part of the leaf, scrape some of the gel inside and massage a little bit onto the dry areas. You can also mix honey, olive oil and aloe vera gel and gently rub it over the dry patches.

5. Oatmeal scrub

If your baby’s skin is dry and flakey, moisturizing oils might not be able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin because of the dead skin cells on top. This is why exfoliating dry skin is essential. Your baby’s young skin will be too sensitive for most exfoliators, however, oatmeal is the perfect solution. Oats contain anti-inflammatory properties which can remove dead skin cells without stripping any moisture from the skin. To make an oatmeal scrub, simply grind a handful of oats and mix this powder with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Apply this paste over your baby’s skin and gently massage in circular motions. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. These dry skin remedies for babies can help your baby’s skin become soft and smooth! However, if you don’t see any improvement in their dry skin, you should seek medical advice. Consult with the city's top paediatricians on the mfine app.