Babies' skin is more delicate and less oily than adults'. It is also less resistant to harmful substances in the environment, so it can be easily irritated.
Your baby's skin needs special care.
Common childhood skin conditions
- Heat rash - small pink pimples may appear, often across the body, as a result of high heat and humidity and blockage of the sweat glands.
- Infant acne - pink spots on the face may develop due to the maternal hormones that continue to circulate in your baby's bloodstream shortly after birth.
- Cradle cap – crusty patches on the scalp may appear due to overactive glands in your baby's scalp.
- Chafing – friction between your baby's clothing and skin, or where areas of skin rub together, can cause chafing.
- Dermatitis / eczema – red and itchy inflammation of the skin can occur after contact with a substance that causes either irritation or an allergic reaction.
These conditions can usually be easily managed.
How can I look after my baby’s skin?
- Avoid soap, which can strip the skin of protective oils.
- Use mild, gentle non-soap cleansers and shampoos.
- Use a moisturiser to help increase your baby’s skin hydration and lock in moisture.
- Change soiled nappies as soon as possible to reduce the chance of skin irritation.
- Avoid exposure to the sun. The Cancer Council recommends infants 0-12 months wear broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, use a hat, stay in the shade and wear sun protective clothing.
What products are best for my baby’s skin?
Look for products that cleanse and soothe without irritating your baby's delicate skin. Avoid products that contain potential irritants such as colour, fragrance, lanolin and propylene glycol. You should also avoid soap, which can upset the pH balance of the skin. Choose a soap-free cleanser instead.
The QV range
QV has a range of products to suit your baby’s skin. QV products are pH balanced to help maintain your baby's natural skin protection. The entire QV range is soap, colour and fragrance free, making it ideal for even the most delicate young skin.
Moisturising soap alternatives
- QV Bath Oil – A water-dispersible oil that effectively moisturises large areas of skin. Ideal for use on infants.
- QV Wash & QV Gentle Wash – Mild enough for your baby's face and suitable for the entire body, QV Wash and QV Gentle Wash are foaming liquid cleansers ideal for daily use in the bath or shower, or at the hand basin.
Moisturising products
- QV Skin Lotion – A non-greasy moisturising lotion that repairs dry skin all over the body.
- QV Cream – A highly concentrated moisturiser, QV Cream is ideal for very dry areas of skin such as the elbows, knees, hands or neck.
QV Kids - For toddlers, try the QV Kids range:
- QV Kids Wash – A lightly foaming, soap-free cleanser with vitamins A and E contained in colourful, skin-friendly microbeads. Ideal for daily use in the bath or shower, or at the hand basin.
- QV Kids Moisturising Cream – A highly concentrated, non-greasy cream that moisturises and protects dry and sensitive skin all over the body. Suitable for eczema.
- QV Kids Balm – A highly emollient moisturising balm for children with severely dry skin. Suitable for eczema.
