‘I’m a Dermatology GP: here are 5 things parents ask about their child's skin’

Last modified on Sunday 12 February 2023

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Looking for ways to protect your child’s skin? From knowing whether to wash baby clothes before use through to the best laundry products for kids, it can be easier said than done. But Dr Pyal, an NHS GP specialising in Dermatology, is here to help …

We asked you the questions you had about your child’s skin that we could put to Dr Pyal, aka @theblushingdoc . And we were inundated with comments ...

Many of you wanted to know about how to spring clean safely and get rid of dust mites in your child's bedding. And when it came to laundry day, you had LOADS of questions: from which detergent to use (spoiler alert: Fairy Non Bio gets our expert’s vote!) through to whether fabric softener is suitable for your child’s sensitive skin.

We've rounded up 5 of the most common questions about protecting your child's skin, below.

Plus, check out our Fairy Non Bio Laundry Room hub for all your family washing questions. Stain removal tips, money-saving laundry hacks and guides to washing baby clothes … we’ve got it all!

@theblushingdoc , aka Dr Pyal, answers your child skincare questions

Question 1: Should I wash my newborn baby’s clothes in advance?

Dr Pyal says: 'When I had my kids, I certainly washed all their baby clothes in advance, and I would still recommend doing this.

'This is mainly to wash off anything that can accumulate on the clothes from the shop store, or while being handled in transit to your home. On top of this, washing baby clothes will make them even softer.

'I highly recommend using the Fairy Dream Team to wash the clothes to achieve a clean and soft set of baby clothes which will be super gentle on the newborn's sensitive skin.'

Question 2: Getting ready for January spring clean, should I wash pillows and duvets in fabric conditioner to kill dust mites?

Dr Pyal says: 'To eliminate dust mites, I can’t recommend Fairy Non Bio PODS® enough as they provide a gentle clean and make your laundry snuggly soft.

'On top of this, Fairy Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner has been a game changer for me - drying bed sheets in the tumble dryer can be costly and drying outside in the UK is often not an option.

' Fairy Outdoorable provides line dried freshness and softness with its unique SolarDry™ technology, even when you dry indoors! So the bedsheets smell fresh and there are no musty odours!'

Fairy Dream Team is recommended by experts, and our Netmums testers!

Question 3: Do things like scent beads or other fragranced laundry products aggravate children's skin?

Dr Pyal says: 'Certain fragrances and additives can aggravate existing skin conditions or trigger conditions, but reassuringly the Fairy Dream Team has been dermatologically tested, and these products are accredited by the Skin Health Alliance, which means they are safe for all sensitive skin types.'

Question 4: Are you supposed to use pods and softeners?

Dr Pyal says: 'I use pods, softeners and scent boosters , and highly recommend! Together, the Fairy Dream Team not only leaves my clothes feeling soft and fresh, but also having the lasting Fairy scent that we all love when we open the cupboard, or snuggle up to our loved ones!'

Question 5: How can I protect my kid's skin in cold weather?

Dr Pyal says: 'The cold weather can leave skin feeling dry and irritated. This can be due to less oil production in the skin in the colder months, but also being indoors more with central heating on can dry the skin out further.

'Using the Fairy Dream Team products will mean your clothes are super soft, and your kids skin is wrapped in that huggable softness, so as not aggravate the skin any further.'

For more unmissable advice, tips and tricks, head to our Fairy Non Bio Laundry Room hub.

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