Our Medical Advisory Board
Our leading dermatologist and allergist partners share their skincare tips for families
Dr. Mamina Turegano
AKA Dr. Mamina to millions, 3x board certified dermatologist & Mom
1
Less is more with kids' skin
Children's skin is thinner & more sensitive. It doesn't need complicated routines. Stick with gentle, fragrance-free products. Avoid trendy adult products - they're often too strong
2
Moisturize daily
Moisturizing 1-2x a day keeps the skin barrier strong, reduces dryness & irritation and can prevent flare-ups in kids prone to eczema. After bathing is the perfect time.
3
Protect from the sun
Most sun damage happens before 18, and it adds up over time. UV exposure plays a major role in aging and skin cancer risk. Building sunscreen habits early - especially gentle, mineral-based SPF - helps set up for a healthier future.
Dr. Peter Lio
Chicago Integrative Eczema Center, National Eczema Association and dad
1
Focus on defense, not just detective work
Eczema can be triggered by a wide range — dry air, allergens, fabrics, even a night with poor sleep. Instead of chasing a single cause, shift focus to skin's defenses. Daily moisturization is your secret weapon to support skin barrier & protect from triggers.
2
Skin microbiome matters more than you think
Skin is home to a microscopic world of bacteria, fungi, and viruses vital to skin health. In kids with eczema, ecosystem can get thrown off balance. Gentle cleansing & daily moisturizers that support microbiome can help restore harmony.
3
Gentle cleansing is the way
Harsh soaps and bubble baths get things clean, but they come with a price: stripping the skin of its natural oils. For kids, opt for gentle cleansers formulated for sensitive skin. Bath time should leave skin soft & hydrated, and not tight, itchy, or squeaky clean
Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky
AKA Dermguru to millions of followers, dermatologist and mom
1
Moisturizer works best on damp skin
Applying moisturizer right after bathing while skin is still slightly damp is best time. It locks in far more hydration than applying to dry skin. This simple habit can prevent flares of dryness & irritation before they start.
2
Teach your child self-soothing skin habits early
It's not just what you apply, but how you treat skin. Teaching habits like patting (not rubbing) after a bath, avoiding tight clothing or irritating fabrics, and cooling itch with damp compresses (rather than scratching) can make or break your child's skin.
3
Opt for modern washes or cleansers
While natural soaps like castile soap look beautiful, the traditional way of soap-making results in pH imbalance that can damage skin barrier. Instead, look for fragrance-free, pH-balanced washes and cleansers - these are made with modern, gentle detergents.
Dr. Angela Chang
Pediatric allergist and immunologist and mom
1
Avoid fragrance, including "natural" fragance
Fragrances, including essential oils like ylang ylang or tee tree oil, can cause irritation, increase the risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis, and should be avoided on pediatric skin.
2
Foods are unlikely to cause eczema, so dietary elimination is not recoemmended
Eczema is a multi-factorial disease that results in skin barrier dysfunction. Don't jump to the conclusion that it is a food causing eczema, as genetic factors and environmental factors can contribute to eczema risk.
3
Food in skincare may increase risk of food allergies
Recent studies suggest exposure to food ingredients through broken, eczema skin, may lead to children developing allergies to those foods. One study showed an increased risk of peanut allergy in infants using skin creams containing peanut oil. Think twice before using skin products that contain any foods such as peanut, almond, or coconut oil as a moisturizer.
Dr. Gayin Lee
Dermatologist and Researcher
1
Prevention is the best treatment
For eczema-prone skin, consistent daily care is essential - not just treating flare ups when they occur. Use a barrier-supportive moisturizer regularly, especially in colder months when dry air strips moisture from the skin. This helps prevent flare-ups and can reduce how often you steroids.
2
Embrace sun protective gear in peak UV hours
Protect your skin during peak sun hours, especially from 10 am to 4 pm when UV rays are strongest. Sun-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats go a long way - scalps, ears, and hairlines are common spots where we see skin cancers later in life.
3
Barrier protection, like "icing a cake"
Barrier cream can significantly help with diaper rashes. We recommend using a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly and/or zinc oxide paste, multiple times throughout the day. Apply cream generously, as if you're "icing a cake," to ensure that urine or stool does not come into contact with the baby's skin.