Rough baby skin – what can be done?

Adult skin care routines try to recreate the feel of baby skin as it is synonymous with a flawless skin which feels soft and delicate.

Which is why it is all the more surprising for parents when their child's skin is rough, chapped or even scaly. At first glance, these symptoms may be a reason for concern, yet in most cases the causes are harmless.

Whilst a baby's rough skin might not initially be visible it can certainly be felt. When washing, playing or changing your child's nappy you suddenly realise that his or her skin feels rough to the touch. You now are sensitised to this issue and subsequently note other skin problems. Red, rough patches of skin can have many causes which you should get to the bottom of. From a minor skin irritation to an allergy or skin disorder there are many reasons why babies' and children's skin become rough.

The skin of babies and young children is very sensitive. This is due to its unique structure: It has the same layers as adult skin, yet each individual layer is still very thin. Overall, adult skin is five times thicker than that of children.

Children's skin tends to lose moisture quickly. The cells of the outer layer, the epidermis, are not very close together making the skin susceptible to irritation and drying out. The skin's natural acid mantle and the hydrolipid film, which are designed to protect the skin from external influences, are not yet fully developed. These become fully formed over the course of early childhood.

Rough skin from mechanical influences

If you discover dry rough patches on your baby's skin, the cause is often due to day-to-day life. Due to its structure, the sensitive skin of babies and children becomes more quickly irritated than that of adults. Mechanical irritations such as friction and scratching should therefore be avoided:

• avoid rubbing your child with a towel after bathing and instead, gently pat his or her wet skin dry.
• Wipe your baby's nappy area clean with a moist, soft towel.
• Remove the labels from clothing if these scratch your child's skin.
• Do not dress your child in woolen clothing and instead opt for items made of soft cotton or viscose.
• Make sure that your child's clothes are not too tight and are loose enough to allow them to move freely.

Rough facial skin as an allergy symptom

Very occasionally, rough baby facial skin can indicate an allergic reaction. Avoid using products with artificial fragrances on your child's skin as these can often trigger allergies.

Check the washing detergent and softener used to clean your baby's clothing. If necessary switch to products without added fragrances and other allergens.

Food intolerances can also lead to skin problems. If you suspect that your child reacts to certain foodstuffs or ingredients, talk to your paediatrician. A test can quickly clarify whether your child suffers from allergies or intolerances.

Rough baby skin due to dryness

The nature of baby skin means that it is prone to drying out quickly and becoming brittle and rough. You can prevent this by using a light yet replenishing skin cream on your child daily. We recommend lotions containing premium ingredients such as bisabolol or linoleic acid from safflower oil.

It is important that you don't get upset at the unexpected condition of your child's skin. After all, in many cases the skin improves by itself. Nevertheless, you can help to ensure that your child's skin returns to its delicate and soft condition by using gentle yet intensive care products.

• Do not bathe your baby too frequently. If your child is not dirty, weekly cleansing is sufficient. Read here on how to bathe your child properly. 
• Shower your child occasionally instead of always bathing. This is kinder to the skin.
• Use a mild shower gel which is specially tailored to the needs of sensitive baby skin.
• Always apply cream after washing your child. Use a replenishing lotion and apply this regularly but in thin layers. You can find more information on the how to moisturise properly here.
• Make sure that the care products you use on your child are safe and do not contain silicones, mineral oils or microplastics.
• They should also not contain perfumes as these can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive children.
• If your child is prone to dry, itchy skin, also apply cream before going to bed.
• In the winter months use an oily cream in order to protect the facial skin from drying out.
• In summer use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.