Research commissioned by Comfort Pure reveals that 89% of parents are concerned about their baby’s sensitive skin, but 67% don’t know why baby’s skin is so vulnerable.

And it’s not just babies who suffer. A staggering 80% of respondents say someone in their family has sensitive skin, with 66% reporting a history of skin sensitivity in the family.

Sensitive skin in babies and children is rated as one of the top parental concerns, alongside feeding, sleeping and education and 99% say they choose skin-friendly products when buying for their baby.

Parents also admit that skin sensitivity doesn’t just have a physical effect but an emotional one too. The majority of respondents say their children’s discomfort makes them feel “helpless”, “guilty”, “anxious”, and “stressed”.

Consultant dermatologist Dr Sarah Wakelin explains that “sensitive skin is usually associated with babies, but can affect all ages especially people with skin problems such as eczema.”

“With new babies their skin is not fully developed and can easily be dried out. This makes it more sensitive, needing extra care particularly when choosing baby products, clothes, at bath times and when out in the sun.”

For adults, Dr Wakelin say that “sensitive skin is difficult to define, and can be described as skin that is easily upset or irritated. This means that there may be nothing visible, but people will often say their skin feels uncomfortable, and smarts or stings, usually after applying something to the skin or with certain fabrics.”

She also stresses that it’s important that sensitive skin isn’t confused with an allergy. “For example, many people feel itchy or uncomfortable when they wear wool next to their skin, this is not because they are allergic to the wool, but rather they are sensitive to the prickling effect of its fibres on their skin.”

Including a fabric conditioner in your wash can keep the fibres of fabrics’ smoother, so clothes feel soft and gentle against the skin. And research has shown that using a fabric conditioner makes fabrics less aggressive to baby’s skin and to sensitive skin (1,2,3).

Comfort Pure is designed for babies, children and people with sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, plus its skincare research is validated by the British Skin Foundation.

To care for your baby’s clothes use a non-biological detergent, such as Persil Non-Bio, combined with Comfort Pure

The British Skin Foundation provides some useful tips for coping with sensitive skin:

To keep your baby’s skin in top condition, bathe regularly but avoid using bubbly preparations like bubble bath as these can dry out the skin and damage its barrier function Choose comfortable clothing that does not cause overheating, sweat retention or friction Moisturisers can help if a baby appears to have a dry skin. Simple moisturisers can also be used to cleanse the skin Baby wipes are safe but some babies may be sensitive to the constituents so if they seem to irritate the child’s skin, stop using them

Natural fibres like cotton are great for children’s clothing as they allow the skin to breathe. Some of the newer synthetic fabrics such as polar fleece are also comfortable. This is relevant as it is particularly important to prevent babies from overheating in warm weather. Some clothes made of abrasive woollen fabrics can irritate children’s skin, especially those with eczema, where they are better avoided.

Studies suggest that the majority of ultra violet damage suffered by our skin occurs before the age of 20, which shows how important it is to protect children from the sun. Babies should be kept out of direct sun at all times, and toddlers and older children should be protected using clothing and sunscreen when they are in the sun. Long sleeved, light and loose fitting tops made of breathable fabrics like cotton are perfect for the summer months, as they offer sun protection while allowing the skin to stay cool. Open weaved fabrics or nylon and other synthetics often permit light through and should be avoided. Equally important are hats that not only shade the face but also protect the ears and the back of the neck from sunburn.