How to protect baby's skin in winter?

Dry skin, redness, small patches: how to protect baby's skin in winter?

Winter can be a magical season… but also more difficult for toddlers’ skin.
Dry skin, redness, small rough patches on the cheeks or hands: many parents observe these changes as soon as temperatures drop.

>> Good news: you're not doing anything wrong!
A baby's skin is naturally more fragile, and winter puts its protective mechanisms to the test.

🤍 Why does a baby's skin react more in winter?

Babies' skin is not yet fully mature.
Its skin barrier (the one that protects against cold, dehydration and external aggressions) is still developing.

In winter, several factors combine:

  • ❄️ the cold and the wind ,

  • 🌬 dry air outside,

  • 🔥 Indoor heating ,

  • 🛁 baths that are sometimes too hot or too long.

As a result, the skin loses its natural moisture more easily, becomes dry, sensitive, and sometimes irritated.

🛁 Adapting bathing in winter: less, but better

In winter, bathing should remain a moment of pleasure… without weakening the skin.

A few simple adjustments can make all the difference:

  • Prefer lukewarm (not hot) water .

  • limit the duration of the bath,

  • Use a very gentle cleanser , free of sulfates and harsh agents.

  • avoid systematically washing your entire body with soap.

A bath that is too hot or too long can worsen dry skin.

💧 Hydrate and protect gently every day

After bathing — or at any time of day — baby's skin needs to be nourished and protected .

🌿 The right reflex

  • Apply a nourishing treatment to slightly damp skin.

  • favor simple, minimalist and well-tolerated formulas,

  • transform this gesture into a moment of gentle, soothing massage for baby (and for parents).

A protective treatment helps to:

  • to calm the tensions,

  • strengthen the skin barrier,

  • prevent redness caused by the cold.

👕 Clothes matter too

A baby's skin is in constant contact with textiles. In winter, the choice of materials is essential.

Preferred option:

  • ✔️ cotton ,

  • ✔️ Fine merino wool (non-irritating).

To be avoided as much as possible:

  • ❌ synthetic fabrics,

  • ❌ clothes that are too tight,

  • ❌ Harsh or perfumed laundry detergents.

Breathable and soft clothing reduces friction and irritation.

🌬 Before going out: a small gesture that changes everything

Before each outing in winter, especially in cold or windy weather:

  • Apply a protective balm to exposed areas (cheeks, lips, hands).

Even in sunny weather, the cold remains harsh on the skin, and in the mountains or during long walks, this step becomes essential.

It is often the small, repeated reflexes that make the biggest difference.

🌿 The Pioupiou approach: simplicity, gentleness and trust

At Pioupiou, we believe in an ultra-gentle approach that respects babies' sensitive skin:

  • minimalist formulas ,

  • carefully selected ingredients,

  • highly tolerated skincare,

  • designed to support parents simply and with complete confidence .

No need to multiply the products:
👉 A few simple actions, repeated every day, are often enough to get through winter more serenely.

In summary

If your baby's skin is drier or more sensitive in winter:

  • You're not doing anything wrong.

  • It's a natural reaction to the season.

  • And with a few simple adjustments, it is possible to protect, soothe and strengthen the skin on a daily basis .

Minimalism, gentleness, and regularity: the best routine for winter. 🤍

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