Skincare for children should be adjusted during different seasons as changes in temperature, humidity and sun exposure can significantly affect the skin barrier and severity of symptoms - especially in  children with underlying dermatologic conditions such as atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema (1,4). 

In children with atopic dermatitis, symptom severity often varies with the seasons and with proactive management such as adjusting moisturizing frequency and sun protection (1,4). 

Fall/Winter

In the colder and drier months, the risk of xerosis (severe dry skin) and dermatitis (skin inflammation) increases due to reduced humidity and lower temperatures. This makes it necessary for more frequent applications of moisturizers that contain barrier lipids like ceramides and beta glucans to maintain skin hydration and barrier function. The By Dr. Mom Glucan cream contains beta glucan and works well as a moisturizer cream! Using an emollient is also beneficial to preventing dry skin and eczema flares (2). 

Spring/Summer 

During the warmer months, increased sun exposure requires greater attention to sun protection - especially for infants and toddlers, whose skin barrier remains immature for at least the first two years of life. To prevent UV-induced skin damage, it is recommended to use broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Higher temperatures and humidity can worsen eczema in some children, while others may experience improvement. Overall, this highlights the need for individualized skincare based on each child’s symptom patterns (3,5). 

Children’s skin care routines should be seasonally tailored to manage environmental aggravations and individual skin needs. 

References 

1. Kikuchi K, Tagami H. Noninvasive biophysical assessments of the efficacy of a moisturizing cosmetic cream base for patients with atopic dermatitis during different seasons. Br J Dermatol. 2008 May; 158(5): 696-78

2. Engebretsen KA, Kezic S, RiethmÜller C, Franz J, Jakasa I, Hedgengran A, Linneberg A, Johansen JD, Thyssen JP. Changes in filaggrin degradation products and corneocyte surface texture by season. Br J Dermatol. 2018 May; 178 (5): 1143-1150

3. Paller AS, Hawk JLM, Honig P, Giam YK, Hoath S, Mack MC, Stamatas G. New insights about infant and toddler skin: implications for sun protection. Pediatrics. 2011 Jul; 128(1): 92-102

4. Park M, Mohsen ST, Katz T, Sood S, Sy SMT, Rochwerg B, Drucker AM. Climate Conditions, Weather Changes, and Air Pollutants and Atopic Dermatitis: A Meta-Analysis. JAMA Dermatol. 2025 June 25. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.1790

5. Sargen MR, Hoffstad O, Margolis DJ. Warm, humid, and high sun exposure climates are associated with poorly controlled eczema: PEER (Pediatric Eczema Elective Registry) cohort, 2004-2012. J Invest Dermatol. 2014 Jan; 134(1):41-57