Cracking is one of the most severe forms of damage a doll’s skin can suffer, and it’s almost always caused by environmental factors during storage. This irreversible damage results from the material becoming dry and brittle. Protecting against it requires a proactive approach focused on moisture balance and stress reduction.
The primary culprit behind cracking is dryness, often accelerated by UV light and improper cleaning. Never store your doll where it can be exposed to direct or even indirect sunlight, as UV rays break down the material’s plasticizers, making it rigid. The storage location must be a dark, climate-controlled space. After cleaning, ensure you rinse away all soap residue, as leftover chemicals can dry out the skin.
The most crucial protective step is the application of renewal powder (cornstarch) after the doll is completely dry. This powder does more than just prevent tackiness; it helps maintain the suppleness of the skin by absorbing excess oils and creating a micro-barrier against the dry air. Furthermore, avoid storing the doll with its limbs bent at extreme angles. These high-tension poses stretch the skin, and when the material is dry, this stress can easily lead to surface cracks. By controlling the environment, maintaining skin suppleness, and ensuring a relaxed storage pose, you can effectively guard against cracking.