A baby’s skin is delicate. Especially in the early months after being born, before your baby’s immune system starts to improve. Thus, proper care is essential to prevent skin diseases from developing. You can talk with your pediatrician to ensure that your skincare products are truly safe for your baby.
On the other hand, mothers can also be particular in terms of their skincare routine. Others would opt for products promising “baby skin” results. However, some would ditch commercial ones for the more organic and natural products.
Things to Know When Purchasing Skincare Products
Skincare for both newborns and mothers should be dye-free and fragrance-free to avoid skin irritations. When purchasing skincare supplies, here are some tips to consider:
- Always read the labels. Dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals often trigger skin allergies, so always stay away from products containing them.
- Go natural. Natural products are always the way to go. However, some children may have allergies or sensitivities to some natural ingredients or herbs. So do check before using them on your baby’s skin.
- Opt for phthalate-free and paraben-free products. Phthalate and paraben are often used in many skincare products. However, these chemicals are potentially harmful and can cause various skin conditions.
- Hypoallergenic products are not always safe. Products labeled hypoallergenic do not mean they are 100% safe. The label indicates that the products are less likely to cause any allergic reactions, which can be misleading, especially for sensitive skin.
Choosing The Best Baby Skin Care Products
A wide array of skin care products for both babies and mothers are available in the market today. The number of products you can choose from can be overwhelming. However, always select products that are specially formulated for your baby’s sensitive skin. Some products also indicate if they had been developed and tested by dermatologists and pediatricians.
Studies show that most people get swayed by commercials and brand marketing, unaware of the harmful chemicals they apply to their skin. Many skincare products actually contain toxic chemicals that destroy the natural defenses of the skin. Surprisingly, these ingredients are also often found in skincare products for children. If you want to save on derma visits annually, always be mindful of what you use on your skin and know the ingredients you need to avoid.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid
As previously mentioned, brand marketing can be confusing and misleading. Do you know that it only requires at least 1% of any naturally derived ingredient for a product to be labeled as “natural”? So before placing that baby lotion on your shopping basket, check out the label and see if it contains these harmful chemicals you need to avoid:
1. SLS
One of the most harmful yet commonly found in skincare products is the SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. To date, almost 93% of skincare, haircare, and babies’ skincare products contain SLS. So what is SLS? SLS is widely used in cleaning products you can find at home. Your dishwasher tablets and cleaning sprays all contain this chemical.
Studies show that SLS is potentially harmful, especially for the eyes, and can even cause blindness. This chemical is also known to cause inflammation and irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Other studies also concluded that SLS could be absorbed into the bloodstream when applied through the skin. Many baby skincare brands opted to get rid of this chemical and go SLS-free. Instead, they added tons of natural and healthy ingredients such as lavender, tea tree oil, benzoin, and calendula.
2. Parabens
Parabens are also widely used in the skincare industry. This chemical is generally used as preservatives for cosmetics and pharmaceutical products, extending their shelf life. Parabens show a potentially negative effect on fetal development. This chemical is also a potential risk for allergic reactions to both the mother and the baby.
Other studies also show that parabens can cause a disruption in the human body’s metabolism. So, for mothers trying to recuperate from childbirth, exposure to parabens can cause serious health issues. Try to go as organic as you can, especially at the time when your body is highly sensitive.
Conclusion
Babies have delicate and sensitive skin. Their immune system cannot easily fight off harmful elements from their skin; thus, it becomes easily irritated. As parents, we have to ensure that what we give is the best for our children. Reading the labels and understanding what’s harmful to you and your child can help raise a healthy and happy baby. Get more guides on baby skincare here.