Written By Go Vita
If you want safe and effective ways to care for your baby’s skin, make the switch to natural products.
Conventional skincare products can contain ingredients which irritate a baby’s delicate skin. Here is what you need to avoid and how to make better choices.
What to avoid
Sunscreen
Babies have been reported as having severe skin reactions following the application of sunscreen products containing benzophenones, a group of ingredients known to cause contact dermatitis. Other sunscreen ingredients are known to cause contact dermatitis. They can include UV filters, octocrylene and octyl methoxycinnamate. The safest sunscreens for babies are those which contain zinc oxide.
Soap and bubble bath
Even if the soap is made from natural ingredients like goat’s milk, it will still be very alkaline. A pH level of around ten which can disturb a baby’s delicate skin barrier. Bubble bath and foaming cleansers can dry and irritate the skin, especially brands which contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).
Fragrance
Any fragrance, natural or synthetic, can potentially irritate baby’s skin. You can, however, trust baby products from natural skincare experts like Weleda. They use essential oils at very low concentrations that are well-tolerated by the skin and provide numerous physical and psychological benefits.
Preservatives
Common culprits that can irritate baby’s skin include parabens include formaldehyde-releasers and isothiazolinones, such as methylisothiazolinone. This was still used in many baby wet wipes until recently. The natural grain alcohol in Weleda products is a safer, more skin-friendly way to preserve products.
Making better choices
Zinc oxide
This is the active ingredient in Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream. It creates a waterproof barrier to protect the skin and prevent nappy rash. Zinc Oxide also contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Lanolin or wool wax
In nature, the lanolin in sheep’s wool acts as a water-repellent. In much the same way, lanolin protects baby’s skin from moisture. Plus, its molecular structure closely resembles skin lipids, meaning it can penetrate deeper skin levels to moisturise.
Corn starch powder
Conventional talcum powder has been linked to cancer because it can be contaminated with asbestos. If you want to use powder on baby’s skin, try a light dusting of corn starch, being careful to minimise any chance of baby inhaling the particles.
Nappy know-how
Follow these top tips for cleaning and caring for your baby’s bottom.
Clean the area with lukewarm water, using a soft muslin cloth. Pat the skin dry gently. Apply a thin film of unscented oil – almond or apricot kernel are both good choices. This eases the irritation and makes the next nappy change a little more comfortable.
Apply a natural barrier cream. Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream, containing zinc oxide and soothing calendula extract, has been recommended by midwives and parents for over 30 years.
Allow the skin to be exposed to the air as much as possible; for example, let the baby wriggle around naked on a mat.
Change the baby’s nappy at least every two hours until the rash subsides. If it continues, ask your midwife or paediatrician for advice.
Go Vita loves… calendula!
Calendula flowers are well-known for their use in skincare products. They are soothing, healing and anti-inflammatory, and they promote the growth of new tissue. They also have an antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria responsible for many skin infections, including nappy rash. Weleda’s lovely baby skin and bath products are made with calendula flower extract, including a shampoo and body wash and barrier cream for skin irritations and nappy rash.
