Do Kids Really Need Moisturisers?

@jes2ie (50)
Singapore
February 25, 2010 11:34am CST
Hi wonderful Mummies! Need advice here - my 5 year old son is having dry skin (a little leathery-like) but thankfully it's not serious. I've been doing numerous research on the best type of moisturisers (including facial ones) for kids but always, I realised that the recommended and available ones contain 1-2 harmful ingredients. Do kids really need these moisturisers? And do you have any recommendation that works for you? Also, are you still particular about the types of shampoo/facial cleanser/shower gel/lotions your toddlers use, now that they are not as susceptible as when they were infants? Thanks in advance for sharing! =)
4 responses
@LuaCara (50)
• India
5 Mar 10
Generally kids do not need moisturisers but if certain patches are very dry why do you not try baby applying baby lotions on that area? Aleo Vera would also be a wonderful natural moisturizer, if you can lay your hands on it. Shampoos, I stick to the ones specifically formulated for kids as they are much gentler than the adult ones.the same is true for soaps. Generally in the winters, I apply aloe very on my son's skin. Good Luck
@jes2ie (50)
• Singapore
6 Mar 10
Hi LuaCara, Thanks! =) Yes, aloe vera sounds good cos it also has anti-bacterial function. I would like to go for the all-natural type. Any recommendation? BTW, how about olive oil (pure natural, of course)? Heard that they make good moisturisers as well as they are easily absorbed into the skin.
• United States
3 Mar 10
I used to regular johnsons baby lotion, but when I realized that it didn't have ingredients that I thought were favorable I switched. My friend also advised that it clogs their pores. My son also has dry skin so I started bathin him in Cetaphil liquid soap. It does not have a sent and leaves there skin extra mosturized and smooth. To lock in the mosturize I use an organic shea butter lotion. While it is more expensive it is worth it.
@jes2ie (50)
• Singapore
6 Mar 10
Hi str8_up_cutie83, Thanks for your reply =) I did hear about Johnson&Johnson having some unfavourable ingredients... Initially was using Cetaphil as my son's facial cleanser but I'm also surprised that it contains some unfavourable ingredients. Ha, maybe I shouldn't be too paranoid about these... guessed they won't be that harmful if in small quantity? =)) Yup, these organic stuff are real expensive. Thanks for the tip - organic shea butter lotion sounds good =) What brand are you using?
@DeenaD (2684)
• United States
26 Feb 10
Dry skin is a common problem in the winter. If your son has a problem with dry skin, he may be better off with a moisturizer. If you're concerned, you should ask your doctor to recommend one that is safe and kid-friendly. Maybe you can try use Aveeno.
@jes2ie (50)
• Singapore
27 Feb 10
Hi DeenaD, Thanks for the tip! I've heard of Aveeno... just that I'm not sure I have this brand here in S'pore =) No issue with winter cos we don't have this season here... but guessed the air-conditioned environment he's constantly in also contributed to the dry skin. Thanks again!
• United States
26 Feb 10
I never used anything but Johnson's baby products on my young kids. Now that they are a bit older, they may sneak some of mine. You can look for aloe, or other all natural products, that won't contain the harmful products that you don't want. If you go to Etsy there are sellers who make all natural lotions, and body products, and their prices are reasonable. Adding a humidifier to his room, increasing his fluid intake, should both help a lot. If you can not afford a humidifier, buy a clothes rack, and set it in his room. The dry air in your home will naturally suck the moisture out of the wet clothes, naturally adding humidity to his room.
@jes2ie (50)
• Singapore
27 Feb 10
Hi missliss08, Yes, I heard aloe is good cos of its anti-bacterial function. I heard that pure olive oil is good too and is easily absorbed by the skin. I'm trying to avoid harmful ingredients like SLS, PEGs, etc.. =) Hey, I like your DIY humidifier! Good idea to kill two birds with one stone - dry the wet clothes and provide humid =) Thanks again =)