The benefits of emollient care

Written in partnership with Dr. Clarence De BELILOVSKY, dermatologist; member of the Mustela experts circle.

Emollient care’s added assets compared to usual care products

Whether it is a period of respite or one of flare-ups, emollient care specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin provides all the essential ingredients to prevent, repair and relieve. We know that, if there is family history or if some redness appears, applying emollient care from birth onward can reduce the risk of developing eczema-prone skin symptoms by 33% to 50%¹. If you like to touch and tickle your child’s skin, don’t deprive yourself: but make it useful time spent as well! (See Eczema: how can you prevent its appearance?)

Emollient care’s main function is to restore the skin barrier. It means that emollients moisturise the skin, of course, but they also replenish it, that is to say they bring back some oily content so that the skin can develop its protective layer (hydrolipidic film), which is thinner for a newborn than for an adult. As the days go by, the skin regains its impermeability: it becomes harder for allergens to enter and trigger the immune system. Any uninvited guests had better watch out! 

In case of flare-ups, emollients can also immediately reduce itching, pulling and irritated sensations. Emollient care is a valuable ally, in addition to medical treatment if needed, to tackle the crisis period as best you can! You can also have cuddling moments that will soothe your baby.

Make the right choice

It is important to choose baby/child-specific care for your baby, like Stelatopia’s Emollient Balm or Emollient Cream. Indeed, until he is three years old, your child’s skin is particularly sensitive to harmful factors: its pH (around 7) is close to neutral, the stratum corneum is more fragile, and the dermis is three times thinner². 
While it is maturing, it needs more careful attention. Baby/child-specific and/or with patented active ingredients, extremely-high tolerance, hypoallergenic, without any preservatives: these indications are guarantees for your child’s well-being. For you, it is the assurance that you are providing care that delivers softness in its composition as much as in its application to the skin. 

Finally, emollient-care products will support you through every step of the baby’s cleansing, and will provide moisture during the shower or bath (explore our advice on Baby cleansing: rituals to be adopted for eczema-prone skin). You can start by using a cleansing cream or bath oil and finish with a moisturising Emollient Balm specifically formulated for a baby’s fragile, eczema-prone skin.

These moments can even become little rituals of togetherness. One sweet kiss on the cheek when the face is hydrated, a nice rhyme to rock him to – and don’t forget the little surprise tickles. The whole routine will be a moment of happiness and well-being. 

1 Source: Eric L. Simpson 2014, Horimukai 2014

² Read the article, Specific nature of babies’ skin