5 questions about sensitive skin in babies and children, answered

Last modified on Monday 13 February 2023

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From dryness to red and itchy patches, sensitive skin can leave your baby or child feeling pretty uncomfortable.

This is something Dr Pyal, an NHS GP specialising in Dermatology, knows all about. A Fairy Non Bio ambassador, Dr Pyal – @theblushingdoc on Instagram – is an expert when it comes to childhood sensitive skin.

Here, she shares her expert insights about baby and children's skin. And her first top tip? Use laundry products that leave clothes soft and irritant-free. (That’s the Fairy Dream Team of Fairy Non Bio PODS® , Fairy Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner and Fairy In-Wash Scent Boosters btw!).

Visit our Fairy Non Bio Laundry Room hub for all your family washing needs, including money-saving laundry hacks and the ultimate stain removal tips.

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Read on for parents’ most-asked questions about sensitive skin in babies and kids ... and Dr Pyal’s expert answers.

Fairy Dream Team
Fairy Dream Team is ideal for sensitive skin

1. Is baby skin the same as adult skin?

No! Your baby or child’s skin is actually very different from yours. Their skin is up to 30% thinner than your own and it loses moisture more quickly too. The result: Babies and children naturally have more sensitive skin.

Along with picking gentle creams and lotions to use on their skin, it’s also important to think about what you’re washing your little one’s clothes and bedding in too. Dr Pyal says:

'Certain fragrances and additives can aggravate existing skin conditions or trigger conditions, but reassuringly the Fairy Dream Team ( Fairy Non Bio PODS® , Fairy Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner and Fairy In-Wash Scent Boosters ) has been dermatologically tested. All 3 products are accredited by the Skin Health Alliance, which means they are safe for all sensitive skin types.'

(See what our Netmums testing panel thought of the all-new Fairy Dream Team).

2. Does my baby or child have sensitive skin?

It’s not always easy spotting if your child has sensitive skin. One telltale sign is if you notice any changes after their skin comes into contact with certain soaps, fragrances, detergents or fabrics. Dr Pyal says:

'Baby skin can get irritated very easily, but if your baby’s skin reacts when things touch it or it becomes dry or flakey, develops bumps, or becomes scaly, this can be a sign that your baby has sensitive skin.'

TIP: If you’re worried about your child’s rash, the NHS advises calling your GP or 111 and asking for an urgent appointment.

3. My child has suddenly got sensitive skin, why is this?

Children’s skin can get irritated by products in the home as well as soaps and lotions that you apply directly to the skin. Any time you make a change in your child’s environment, it could affect their skin.

One study found some of the most common triggers for sensitive skin in children include cold or windy weather and reactions to soap and other products. Other signs to look out for include:

  • Reactions after applying lotion
  • Skin changes after contact with certain clothing (which could come from dyes in the fabric, the detergent used on it or certain fibres like wool)
  • Acne – sensitive skin means baby's and children’s pores can easily become blocked

Some of the things that can affect your child’s skin may be a bit surprising, including fruit, air fresheners and pet fur.

Another common household product that can cause reactions in sensitive skin are laundry detergents and fabric conditioners. Which is why Fairy Non Bio is a must on laundry day …

'There can be many triggers, some of which are difficult to determine, but one common trigger is the detergent used to wash the clothes', says Dr Pyal.

'For this reason, I always recommend using non bio detergents in order to minimise the risk of aggravating sensitive skin.

'I highly recommend the Fairy Dream Team which consists of Fairy Non Bio PODS® , Fairy Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner and Fairy In-Wash Scent Boosters .

'Not only is the Dream Team suitable for sensitive skin but the products also have additional benefits. Fairy Outdoorable has unique SolarDry™ technology which leaves your laundry fresh as if it was dried outdoors even when drying inside. Fairy In-Wash Scent Boosters have a mild scent that lasts even longer, giving an extra boost of freshness to laundry.'

The whole Fairy Non Bio range has been dermatologically tested and voted number 1* for sensitive skin. And that makes it suitable for even the most delicate of newborn skin.

*Online panel of 3,327 women among which Fairy Non Bio was voted most often as the #1 detergent & fabric softener for sensitive skin.

@theblushingdoc Dr Pyal has all you need to know about childhood sensitive skin

4. Why is my child’s sensitive skin getting worse in the winter?

There are lots of reasons your child’s skin could be more itchy or red than usual. If your child’s skin gets dry or excessively cold or hot, it can become more sensitive or reactive. And that’s why winter can be a challenging time …

Dr Pyal says:

'The cold weather can leave skin feeling dry and irritated. This can be due to less oil production in the skin in the colder months, but also being indoors more with central heating on can dry the skin out further.’

Help your child by choosing laundry detergents and softeners that don’t irritate their skin, and that leave clothes as soft as possible.

'Using the Fairy Dream Team products will mean your clothes are super soft, and your kids skin is wrapped in that huggable softness, so as not aggravate the skin any further’, adds Dr Pyal.

5. Will my baby or child grow out of sensitive skin?

As children grow, their skin matures and it can become less sensitive. Dr Pyal says:

'It is difficult to say how long a child may have sensitive skin, but some children can go on to have acute or no sensitive skin problems later in life.

'I always recommend parents continue to use products like the Fairy Non Bio PODS® to reduce the risk of sensitive skin reactions alongside other skin recommendations made by the doctor, to keep the skin healthy.'

A simple way to keep protecting your child's skin is by using gentle products, including Fairy Dream Team.

Pick up your Dream Team in the supermarket laundry aisle!

And for more advice about leaving your child's clothes huggably soft, head to our Fairy Non Bio Laundry Room hub.

Read more about sensitive skin

4 reasons parents are switching to Fairy Dream Team

Why we love Fairy Non Bio washing powder and liquid

Can you use fabric softener on baby clothes?