Before you start applying skincare products to your little one's precious skin, try to take a peek at the ingredients first.
Though these products may say that they're formulated to be gentle for babies, Fatherly revealed that 83% of top-selling moisturizers contained at least one of the most common allergens. Some of these personal care products for kids even contain phthalates, oxybenzone, and petroleum-derived ingredients. Alarmingly, these are substances that can potentially induce allergies, cause inflammatory responses, and even contribute to cancers!
Skincare routines should improve your child’s hygiene and health. So if you want the best for your baby, you’ll need to follow a safe skincare routine.
Understanding the Importance of Proper Skincare for Kids
A proper skincare routine is important for people of all ages because it protects the skin, our body's largest organ, from outside aggressors like dirt and germs.
However, skincare practices are also crucial to a baby’s health because their skin still lacks important components for optimal function. In fact, University College London researchers found babies' skin doesn't yet have a proper immunological barrier, which can affect their immune response against dirt and germs. Their skin also tends to be rough and dry, which can feel irritating and itchy for them. By following the right skincare practices for your child, you can prevent adverse skin reactions and protect their bodies from harmful aggressors.
How to Build a Skincare Routine for Your Little One
Avoid products that contain harmful ingredients
This seems like a no-brainer. However, many parents still fall into the trap of following "safe" labels on skincare without checking the ingredients first.
You can avoid your baby getting allergic reactions by simply identifying the common cosmetic allergens listed by the FDA. Carefully read through the labels of your child’s skincare products, and try to check if these contain common allergens. You can also check the pH levels of these products, as extremely high or low levels can also irritate your baby’s skin.
Learn about the proper skincare practices for babies
Apart from finding the right products, you’ll also need to know the proper practices for your baby’s optimal skin health.
Learning this can start as early as your baby's first few days in the hospital. Maryville University states that nurses are trained to provide quality care to their patients by communicating the proper procedures and safety guidelines. These healthcare professionals are even educated about cultural norms, and can recommend products and practices that are most appropriate for you and your babies. Through their training, nurses can give bath demonstrations, care guidelines, and product recommendations so that you know how to clean and protect your baby’s skin before you head home.
Consult physicians about any specific skin condition
If your baby is struggling with a specific skin condition, you’ll need to alter a few products and practices to manage the symptoms.
For instance, the American Academy of Dermatology estimates that about 25% of babies struggle with eczema, a condition that causes dry, flaky, and red patches. You can get access to topical corticosteroids and eczema-safe diaper creams that can reduce the irritating patches on your baby’s skin by consulting with a pediatrician. They can also recommend proper skincare practices that can keep the eczema at bay, such as taking short baths and avoiding harsh scrubbing.
Your baby’s skin is more sensitive, and will need a bit more TLC. To boost the optimal skin health of your child, you can use Noleo’s safe and minimalistic baby care products. Noleo’s multi-purpose products can make skincare routines faster, while also properly nourishing your baby's skin with carefully selected ingredients.
Written exclusively for noleo.com
by Ashley Creed, Writer
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