Welcome to parenthood!
To all parents enjoying the beautiful moments of raising their lovely newborn baby, it’s not a pleasure to think of the tiny and sensitive skin going through any discomfort. Baby’s skin requires special attention and care to ensure their overall well-being. Healthy skin provides babies immunity against infections and regulates body temperature, providing them with a sense of comfort. Baby skincare can also help improve your baby's sleep quality.
Still, comprehending baby skin needs may seem very complicated to new parents, especially when shopping for their baby’s essentials. So, when it comes to the skin of a baby, it must be noted that it is different from the skin of an adult; their skin is thin and often more sensitive and even drier than the skin of an adult. It also has high risks for some diseases, including rash related to diapers, cradle caps, and eczema.
In this blog, you will find all you need to know about the ease and effectiveness of the baby’s skincare.
Understanding Your Baby's Skin: The First Step to Baby Skincare
There are several fundamental differences between baby skin and adult skin. It is less dense, more fragile, and only contains a protective barrier that fully matures with age. Therefore, the baby's skin becomes easily prone to issues such as dryness, irritation and other skin complications.
Differences between Baby and Adult Skin:
- Thinness: As medically proven, baby skin is much thinner than the skin of an adult and is more prone to damage and breakouts.
- Sensitivity: Newborn skin is softer and way more reactive to its surrounding environment than adult skin. It can be easily irritated, infected, and feels itchy most of the time.
- Moisture Loss: Baby skin is more prone to dryness than adult skin because the outer layer of baby skin is not as thick as an adult’s, and the glands responsible for regulating body temperature, or sweat glands, are not fully developed. This may result in dryness and increased rashes or chances of getting an infection.
Focus on Gentleness:
Since babies have very sensitive skin, use mild products with natural ingredients that are specially made for baby skin. It is very important not to use products such as soaps, perfumes and other related chemicals which aggravate skin conditions. Always choose items that do not contain dye, paraben, and sulfate.
Building a Baby Skincare Routine
Developing a good and mild skincare routine is important in preventing skin problems for your baby. Here are some key elements to incorporate to ensure the best baby skincare routine:
Bath Time Basics:
Bathe them often so that you wash away the dirt, bacteria and other debris that accumulates on their skin’s surface. Ideally, you should bath them 2-3 times per week with water that is warm but not hot – ideally around 37 °C (98.6 °F). Instead of rubbing your baby dry after a bath, try patting your baby dry with a soft towel.
Choosing the Right Cleanser:
Harsh soaps and shampoos can easily harm the skin of the baby, so avoid using strong-scented soaps for washing your baby. Instead, use mild and unscented baby soap. It is recommended to use products that contain components such as chamomile or calendula that help in calming a child down. There are mild natural baby body wash and shampoo like our My Little One Gentle Cleanse Shampoo & Body Wash with natural ingredients that effectively clean your baby without washing off their natural oils.
Moisturising for Baby Soft Skin:
It is essential to moisturise your baby to ensure that the skin will not easily crack, turn red and develop eczema. You must moisturise your baby's skin daily, especially the cheeks, hands and feet. If you are looking to find the best options for your baby's skin, My Little One Loving Care Nourishing Lotion contains all-natural ingredients – shea butter and aloe – and can easily be your go-to.
Addressing Common Baby Skin Concerns
While a healthy skincare routine can prevent many issues, some common skin concerns can arise. Here's how to identify and address them:
Diaper Rash: This is a bright red, irritated skin reaction in the nappy area which occurs because of constant exposure to moisture from the urine and stools. In diagnosing and treating this condition, the following measures can be taken: Changing nappies frequently, using air-permeable nappies and using nappy rash creams like My Little One Happy Bottom Nappy Barrier Cream.
Cradle Cap: This is a non-communicable disease that affects the head, particularly the scalp, by giving it yellowish, greasy scales. Using a soft brush while massaging the scalp and applying a natural oil such as our My Little One Comforting Touch Massage Oil will help take off the scales and help soothe your little ones delicate and affected skin.
Eczema: Eczema is a long-term disease of the skin; it results in inflammation of the skin with causes such as redness, itching, and dryness. The common signs of eczema are dry skin with an itchy rash that is accompanied by small red bumps or fluid-filled blisters.
If your child suffers from dry skin and eczema, use My Little One Make It Better Soothing Repair Balm. This product is paediatrician-approved and formulated with natural ingredients to soothe and repair irritated skin.
Choosing Safe Baby Skincare Products
When buying baby skincare products, make sure that they are all-natural and organic. These products are normally very mild on sensitive skin and contain no hazardous substances. Do not use products containing artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives, which are usually referred to as additives.
Don’t use products that have fragrance in them or any products that are destined for those with allergies. All these options are specifically created for people with said conditions.
As with any skin product, before applying, you should first conduct a skin patch test on a small area to confirm any possible reaction. This will result in the discovery of any potential skin sensitivities which may lead to irritation.
Conclusion
It is important you know that your baby’s skin is very sensitive and, therefore, requires delicate handling. As a parent, we hope reading this guide helped you understand the best safety measures while formulating an appropriate baby skincare routine for your child.
On the end note, make sure to check out our Natralus My Little One range for organic and mild products that will suit your baby’s skin. Be your best baby’s skin’s nurturing caretaker and ensure their ultimate comfort.
