Why wet wipes for babies can cause dry skin
According to Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and IVF Specialist, Nurture IVF Clinic, New Delhi (India), baby wipes can cause dry skin mainly due to the ingredients in them, especially alcohol and detergents. Here are the detailed reasons:
Alcohol: The alcohol found in some wipes provides quick cleaning, but it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to irritation.
Detergents: Some wipes contain detergents, which can strip moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and tight.
Friction: Rubbing vigorously or using a washcloth too much can damage the outer layer of skin, especially on a baby's sensitive skin, causing dry skin.
Other chemical ingredients: Fragrances, preservatives, and dyes in wipes can cause allergies or irritation, leaving skin dry and reactive.
While wipes can be convenient and helpful, if used too much or incorrectly, they can dry out the skin due to the chemicals and friction, says Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj.
How to prevent dry baby skin?
“Parents should limit the use of wipes and instead combine them with a moisturizer to protect their baby’s skin,” Dr. Bajaj recommends. “Every time you clean your baby’s skin, whether with a wipe, water, or after a bath, it is important to apply moisturizer to maintain the natural oils on the baby’s skin. This is especially important when your baby’s skin is wiped too much, as this can strip away the skin’s natural protective layer, leaving it prone to dryness and irritation.”
