Quick answer: Apply an emollient (a moisturiser designed for dry, eczema-prone skin) to your baby's whole body, including the face, at least once a day, and twice a day or more when the skin is dry or eczema is active.¹ The best moment is within three minutes of the bath, while the skin is still damp.² Dot the cream on and smooth it gently over the skin; there's no need to rub it all the way in.
Emollient application at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How often? | At least once a day; twice or more when the skin is dry or eczema is active |
| When? | Within 3 minutes of the bath, on damp skin |
| Where? | Whole body, including the face, even when there's no visible eczema |
| How? | Dot it on, then smooth gently without rubbing back and forth |
| How much? | Generously: using more emollient is linked to less severe eczema |
| During a flare? | Moisturise dry skin; use prescribed treatment on inflamed or weeping areas |
What is an emollient, and why does eczema-prone skin need it?
An emollient is a moisturiser formulated to soften the skin and support its protective barrier. Eczema affects about 30% of Australian children, according to Perth Children's Hospital.³ ASCIA explains that in eczema, the skin doesn't hold on to moisture well, which leaves it more open to irritants and allergens.⁴
Dermatologist Dr Diana Purvis of Starship Children's Hospital compares healthy skin to a brick wall. In active eczema, that wall becomes leaky, letting irritants and allergens in more easily. Regular, generous use of moisturiser supports the skin's natural barrier.⁵
All major eczema treatment guidelines recommend daily emollients, whatever the severity. Emollients can be used on their own or alongside prescribed treatments, and they can reduce the amount of steroid cream needed.⁶
How often should you apply emollient?
At least once a day, and more often when needed. Perth Children's Hospital recommends moisturising at least once a day, and more often if the skin feels dry.¹ When eczema is active, aim for at least twice a day.⁵
Good moments to build into your routine:
- in the morning, before getting dressed
- in the evening, after the bath or before bed
- at nappy changes, which is a convenient time with babies
- after time outdoors in cold or windy weather, which can dry the skin
- during the night, if your child wakes up itchy
How should you prepare before applying emollient?
A few simple steps protect your child's skin before you start:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Choose a pump or tube rather than a tub. Eczema-prone skin can get infected easily, and dipping your fingers into a tub can introduce bacteria into the cream.⁵ Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream comes in a hygienic pump bottle (300 ml) and tube (150 ml), so you only dispense what you need.
- Keep nails short, both yours and your child's, to avoid scratches.
- Take off rings and bracelets, which can scratch delicate skin.
- Warm the cream between your palms so it feels more comfortable on your baby's skin.
How do you apply emollient to your baby's body?
Dot it on, then smooth it gently. Dot the cream along your child's arms, legs and body, then smooth it over the skin with gentle strokes. Avoid rubbing back and forth, which irritates the skin. There's no need to rub it all the way in: just leave it to soak in.⁵
Cover every area, front and back. Don't forget the backs of the knees, the inside of the elbows, the feet and the skin folds of the neck, armpits and thighs.
For the best result, apply emollient within three minutes of getting out of the bath.² Perth Children's Hospital advises applying moisturiser to damp skin after every bath or shower, whether or not the skin looks dry.³ For step-by-step bath advice, read our guide on how to bathe a baby with eczema.
How do you apply emollient to your baby's face?
The face should be moisturised every day as part of the whole-body routine. Use a light touch and follow this route:
- Start in the middle of the forehead and move out towards the temples.
- Continue gently under the eyes, avoiding the eyes themselves.
- Move down to the nose.
- From the sides of the nose, smooth outwards across the cheeks.
- Finish at the chin.
A lighter cream can feel more comfortable on the face. Stelatopia Emollient Face Cream is formulated for eczema-prone facial skin.
What should you do during an eczema flare?
Keep moisturising dry skin, but avoid weeping or broken areas. Moisturiser treats dry skin, while a topical corticosteroid treats inflammation.³ During a flare, use the treatment your doctor has prescribed on red, inflamed or weeping patches, and keep applying emollient everywhere else.
How can you make moisturising a moment your child enjoys?
Moisturising works best when it becomes a daily habit, and consistency is what helps lengthen the time between flares. The more pleasant the moment is for your child, the easier it is to repeat, and a cream's texture affects how consistently families use it.⁶
Turn it into a calm ritual with cuddles, songs and gentle words. As children get older, let them help apply their own cream, so they gain confidence for childcare and school.
Stelatopia+ Lipid-Replenishing Cream was developed with feedback from more than 200 families, for a soft, non-sticky texture that absorbs quickly. In Mustela's clinical studies, it provided 24-hour hydration after a single application.⁷
When should you see a doctor?
Contact your GP or healthcare professional if:
- your child still has red, itchy, active eczema despite regular moisturising,⁵
- itching is disrupting your child's sleep,⁴
- the skin looks infected: very red, weepy, or with yellow crusts.⁸
For more on what's true and false about eczema, read our guide to eczema myths and facts.
Frequently asked questions about applying emollients
Should emollient go on before or after cortisone cream?
Follow the plan your doctor gives you. Perth Children's Hospital suggests applying moisturiser straight after the bath, then cortisone cream or ointment to the eczema areas.¹ Ask your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure of the order for your child.
Can you use too much emollient?
Generally, no. Paediatric dermatologists encourage using plenty of moisturiser, and applying more emollient is linked to less severe eczema.⁶
Is a cream, ointment or lotion best for eczema?
Thick creams and ointments are more hydrating than lotions.³ Beyond that, the best emollient is one your child is happy to use every day, because texture affects how consistently it gets applied.
Does emollient help with itching?
Scratching releases chemicals that make the skin itchier, creating an "itch–scratch cycle."⁴ Distraction or putting on more moisturiser may help.
References
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Caring for your child's eczema.
- Cardona ID, Stillman L, Jain N (2016). Does bathing frequency matter in pediatric atopic dermatitis? Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 117(1): 9–13.
- Perth Children's Hospital (Child and Adolescent Health Service, WA). Eczema – A guide for health professionals.
- ASCIA. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – Fast Facts.
- KidsHealth NZ (with Starship Children's Hospital). How using moisturiser helps children with eczema.
- Mustela Australia. Study on Atopic Dermatitis in infants, children and adults.
- Mustela Australia. Stelatopia+ Studies: Clinical Efficacy & Results.
- Children's Health Queensland. Eczema – bathing your child.
This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP, paediatrician or dermatologist about your child's skin.
