Baby skin care is one of the many concerns that a new mother has to worry about. Having a baby is a special blessing, but most mothers are unsure of what they should do. This is normal, and even second or third time mothers find it difficult to remember what they did with their firstborn.
Some mothers want to choose all natural baby skin care products, and will search for products that do not contain preservatives and other additives. Even mothers who are not overly concerned with skin care will still prefer natural products.
You should take extra care when you obtain baby skin care products even though most products that are found on stores are gentle. You should avoid perfumes or preservatives that may irritate your baby’s skin. Finding out if your new born baby’s skin is sensitive can be tricky. It may take a few months before mothers can find out and change what they use and do for baby skin care.
If you discover that your baby’s skin is sensitive, you should look online or in natural food store for some alternatives. Take extra care when you purchase shampoo, soap, lotions, detergents, and diaper rash creams. If you have someone else who takes care of your baby for you, inform her or him to be extra careful with your child’s skin.
Keep an eye out for dry, red skin patches on your baby. This may be caused by harmful chemicals in the lotions or detergents that you are using. Look for detergents that are mild, and baby-friendly. You might also want to use gentle detergents on your clothes because your baby will also come into contact with your clothing.
Babies with normal skin should also have gentle baby skin care products. It is always wise to play it safe even though your baby’s skin does not react to the products you use. You want to keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth. When it begins to change, it will be one of the things you will miss about your baby.
If you receive a lot of baby skin care products that you can’t use, thank the giver for the present, and donate the stuff you don’t want to a local charitable institution. This way you won’t have to feel bad about rejecting someone’s gift, and you will have helped other mothers in need.
Although babies have basically flawless skin, some babies appear to have irritations and redness on their facial skin. This should not alarm parents as this condition is actually quite normal and would probably stop all on its own.
Baby skin is actually the purest and the healthiest as all functions are still active and the skin is still well hydrated. There is little damage from sunlight that can be seen and blemishes are non-existent. Of course, damage will eventually be visible as children will most likely play outside under the sun when they grow a little bit older.
One thing that parents must understand though is the fact that not because children’s skin are flawless, their skin is not damaged or is not being damaged. Oftentimes, the visible signs of damage come later in life.
And because children have no idea in what skin care is or could not care less on the condition of their skin 10 years in the future, it is the responsibility of the parents to educate their children on the needs and begin a skin care regimen that will help prevent the onset of various skin problems like dark spots, wrinkles, warts and acne.
It is never too soon for them to learn how to take care of their skin and it is never too soon for you to worry about your babies’ skins. In fact, it is important that parents realize this because the care for the skin of your children will rest solely on you.
Although there is really no need to get into medications and other stuff because the skin of babies are basically healthy, there is still a need to start protecting the skin from the sun. This can be done by wearing clothes that will shield them from the sun, wearing hats and sun-visors.
It is also important not to expose them too much in direct sunlight especially in noontime. If you do plan to go to the beach, make sure that you use sunscreen on them. There are sunscreens made especially for babies that are available in the market.
With bathing essentials like soaps, parents should stay clear of products that have added components. The milder and purer the better as the skin of babies and young kids are sensitive. Additional ingredients such as perfume may only irritate the skin and cause allergies. Coloring agents in baby products are also a no-no.
Characteristics of baby skin
It is essential to be very careful with your baby’s skin care. In the first stages of our life, the skin is very delicate, fragile and thin. Baby’s skin is different in functions and structure than the skin of an adult. It has high water content, allows low sweat production and the protection through sebum is almost inexistent.
The babies are very sensitive to temperature changes, unsuitable humidity or harmful and irritating substances. Consider using natural baby skin care products as they are more gentle for your baby's skin. But before you flash out your money, try to compare prices for natural baby skin care and shop around for the best deals first.
Lotions and oils?
Contrary to popular thought, the babies do not need lotions unless their skin is dry. Oils and lotions will not allow your baby’s skin to sweat and can cause a rash or an allergic reaction. Powders should be avoided not only for the effect they have on the skin. Their tiny particles can provoke breathing troubles. If you have to use a powder put it in your hand and then apply it to the baby's skin.
Massage
Babies enjoy being massage. In fact is a very important part of their growth. For you baby’s skin the benefits are huge. The massage stimulates circulation, immune system and tactile sense. Use baby massage oil but pour it onto your palms. Be careful with the room’s temperature (78 degrees Fahrenheit) and humidity.
Bathing
Proper bathing and skin care will maintain the baby’s delicate skin healthy. Newborns don’t need bathing very often (2-4 times a week). Their skin can’t get very dirty if you change their diapers frequently.Sponge baths are required at first. Until the baby's umbilical cord falls off, this area should be avoided to prevent infections. Use only cotton wool or soft washcloths and baby soap/shampoo. Products for adults may contain irritant substances or allergens.
Diaper rash
The soap you use, some brands of disposable diapers or simply dirty diapers can cause skin irritations. Most diaper rashes are provoked by skin irritations. The best way to treat this “disease” is to clean well the area and to let the skin get some air. You should also change the diapers often and use ointments with zinc oxide.
Baby Acne
Acne is very common among newborns. Usually it shows up after 2 or 3 weeks after birth and is present on cheeks, forehead and chin. Baby acne usually clears up on its own, but most parents make the mistake to use oil or lotions. All you need to do is gently cleanse the affected areas with water once a day. You can also use soft blue light when your baby is sleeping as a treatment.
Sun: friend or foe?
While our bodies produce vitamin D when the skin is touched by sunlight, to much exposure can cause sun burns. Baby’s skin is very sensitive and babies under six months should spend very little time under direct sunlight. However, you should not keep your child locked inside the house. Use sun hats, sunglasses and protective clothing.
Your baby’s skin is very sensitive and delicate. we hope that the above natural baby skin care tips can help you to protect your baby's skin better.
by Louise Forrest Article 2008
These articles are sourced from various avenues, all contents within Pure and Gentle Skincare website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any health care professional. Pure and Gentle Skincare is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of Pure and Gentle Skincare website or advisors. Always consult your own GP is you're in any way concerned about your health as he or she will be able to advise in greater details.
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