If the weather reports are correct, we are about to be hit by the THIRD ‘Beast from the East’. Give me strength – the idea of another snow day and 4 little ones at home is enough to tip me over the edge! All the cold weather has really taken its toll on my children’s skin, especially my eldest daughter who is prone to eczema.
So I thought it would be useful for me to share again some top skin tips from the fabulous team at Childs Farm. Social media has gone mad again with rave reviews for their baby moisturiser; hailed as a ‘miracle cure’ for eczema.
Here are the best bits from my conversation with Childs Farm:
Why does the cold weather affect our skin so badly?
The drop in temperature over winter brings challenges to our skin as we move in and out of cold wind and air, to very dry heated areas. You need to keep your skin hydrated to prevent dry, flaky skin or irritation from eczema. It is important to moisturise all skin areas (even forgotten feet) to make sure that skin cells remain hydrated and plump, keeping irritation out.
Can you give me your top winter skin tips?
1. Apply a moisturiser all over yours and your little ones’ face, body and hands once or twice a day to keep skin in good health. Apply more to face and hands before going outside. Red cheeks don’t only mean it is cold, but also that skin is getting dehydrated.
2. Skin on hands is thinner than on other parts of your body, so be sure to have a good quality moisturiser in the office, play room, kitchen and loo. Reapply often, especially after getting hands wet. Teach little ones to do this. By teaching them young, they learn good habits throughout their lives.
3. Hot baths are very dehydrating for skin, so keep them warm but not hot, and keep it short! Use a moisturising bubble bath, and apply a moisturiser to skin within 5 minutes of getting out. As with every new product used, make sure you patch test before use to check suitability.
4. Lips are very prone to dryness, so make sure they are well moisturised too.
5. The scalp can be very prone to dryness at this time of year, so use a shampoo which is suitable for sensitive skin.
6. Hair is also prone to static, so condition well each time that you wash hair and use a detangling spray (the ultimate in conditioners) on static hair and tangles between washes. Minimise blow drying hair as this removes moisture from the scalp.
7. Nails are more prone to cracking and splitting, so keep them short.
8. Give skin and health a natural boost by:
- Increasing vitamin C intake to help boost the production of collagen.
- Keeping up intake of Omega-3 fatty acids; found in walnuts, oily fish, avocado and olive oil.
- Including whole grains in your diet, packed with selenium which gives our skin its elasticity.
- Taking a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is principally drawn from sunlight which we miss in the winter months.
9. When it’s cold or windy, use an SPF (sun protection factor) on little ones’ faces before they go outside.
10. Be aware that little ones need to drink more water than you think in the cold, although this won’t prevent them from getting dry skin. Try warm herbal teas as an alternative to water.
Which products should you use?
When selecting products to use on young skin, always go for those which are dermatologically tested and paediatrician approved. This means a skin doctor and a children’s doctor have reviewed the products through a clinical review.
Avoid mineral oils (petrochemical derivatives), SLSs, parabens or artificial colours in the products as these can aggravate skin. Ingredients should be as natural as possible.
I presume Childs Farm products have been through these tests then?
Absolutely. All Childs Farm products undergo clinical tests and controlled user trials. These certify that our products are dermatologically tested and approved, and paediatrician approved as suitable for newborns and upwards; even those with sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
After the harsh winter weather together with my second twin pregnancy (!); I need a small miracle to get this skin glowing again. I’m off to find myself some oily fish (see point 8)!
We have 10 Child's Farm Top To Toesie sets to give away.
Each set contains 1 x bubble bath, organic tangerine 100ml, 1 x hair & body wash, organic sweet orange 100ml and 1 x moisturiser, grapefruit & organic tea tree 100ml, all contained in a handy travel pouch. They're a great introduction to the Child's Farm range, and the perfect size for taking away with you on holiday.
Child's Farm uses only naturally derived ingredients and essential oils to produce a range of mild, kind and safe products for newborns, babies and children. All their products are dermatologist and paediatrician approved as suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
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