Your gorgeous little baby may have the softest of skin, smell as sweet as candy with their lovely ‘baby smell’ and be as cute as a button, but did you know that baby’s skin doesn’t function in the same way as an adult’s?

Even though it has the exact same structure as adult skin, your little one’s skin is much thinner and more vulnerable to irritation and conditions such as nappy rash, cradle cap and baby acne. Everyday things, like clothing, heavily scented products and changing weather conditions can cause irritation, dryness, and chafing. To ensure the optimal development of your baby’s skin and minimise irritation, it is important to combine the right routine with the right products while keeping it mild and simple.

This 3 step simple routine will ensure your baby’s skin is soothed and comfortable:

1. Cleanse

A baby’s skin should be kept clean and hydrated. A 10-minute bath in water no warmer than 37 degrees is enough to clean an infant’s skin. Some lovely, gentle products to use at bath time are La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil protects baby’s delicate skin against the harsh drying effects of hard water. Just pop a couple of capfuls in the water while the bath is running for sublimely soft skin. Best of all, it can be used on all the family!

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet is a “soap-free” cleanser for dry or irritable skin. It’s gentle, minimalist formula removes dirt and impurities from the skin’s surface without drying the skin. Free of parabens, alcohol and fragrances, this is a perfect choice for bath time.

2. Soothe

After cleansing your baby’s skin, gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel, making sure no moisture is left between the folds of the skin, as this can lead to irritation and rashes. Follow with a suitable moisturising product such as La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+. This nourishing balm has been shown to soothe dry skin immediately and provide long-lasting hydration. Enriched with Aqua Posae Filiformis, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP + is an all-round solution for very dry to eczema-prone skin that is suitable for babies, children and adults.

For very sensitive, extremely dry or damaged skin La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water can be used to immediately sooth sensations of itching or discomfort. It can be used daily to comfort the skin after cleansing, and to hydrate and refresh skin in warmer weather. And moms, this product can also be used to help set make-up. Perfect!

3. Protect

To protect your baby’s skin, apply a rich restorative balm, such as La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, onto areas of damaged skin or areas that are prone to irritation. This restorative balm not only soothes and hydrates the skin, but its thick balm texture also creates a temporary protective layer between the skin and external aggressors, such as saliva. It is also suitable for the entire family and can be used to treat skin irritations, such as chapping or rough patches.

Finally, although young children should never be exposed to direct sunlight, a very high SPF can help protect your little one’s delicate skin from the harsh rays of the sun, should it become exposed. Try La Roche-Posay Anthelios Baby Lotion SPF 50+, specially formulated for babies 6 months +, this high tolerance SPF has more than the minimum UVA protection recommended by EU standards and has been tested under dermatological and paediatric control. To learn more about protecting your little one from the sun, click here.

This article is sponsored by La Roche-Posay, who are committed to a better life for sensitive skin and recommended by dermatologists. To learn more about babies’ skin and discover top tips for its care, visit laroche-posay.ie