Baby skin care products – What you need to know
The skin care aisles of retail stores are brimming with products for every skin type. We want the best of everything for our children. Taking care of their skin while they are still in their diapers ensures a healthy and a glowing skin even after they grow up. But, between the hassles of finding the best of the best, we tend to overlook some factors that might not be good for our baby’s skin.

How to take care of a baby’s skin?
A newborn baby’s skin can be dry, flaky, sensitive, and even have some discolorations. While you are taking care of your baby’s skin by using all kinds of baby skin products, here are a certain do’s and don’ts that will keep your baby’s skin healthy:

• Babies shouldn’t get a daily bath like adults do. As a baby’s skin is sensitive, bathing might dry out the skin and remove oils that are meant to offer protection against infections and irritants.
• As mentioned above, a baby’s skin can be sensitive and the use of ordinary shampoo and other bathing products can be harmful for the skin. This is because ordinary shampoos contain harsh chemical agents, such as dyes, deodorants, and alcohol. Hence, it is highly recommended to keep these products at bay and choose the ones that are exclusively made to clean and nourish baby skin.
• Experts suggest parents to avoid applying talc on their baby’s skin. This is because babies could inhale the powder in their sensitive lungs which might cause respiratory problems.
• Apply lotions as often as necessary. They are especially good for babies suffering from eczema. Lotions act as moisturizers and help in locking-in moisture in the skin and preventing it from drying.

What are the different types of baby skin care products?
Here are a couple of baby skin care products that will help you ensure healthy skin for your baby:

• Baby soaps : These are cleansers and washers that are mild and safe for newborns. Use baby soaps and shampoos that contain essential oils and cream that help in nourishing the baby skin.
• Diaper rash ointment : This ointment helps in providing the baby’s skin with a moisture barrier that helps in protecting their skin from irritation caused by wet diapers.
• Baby lotion : These type of baby skin care products are exclusively used as moisturizing agents. However, it is recommended to apply lotions sparingly on newborns, who are just a few weeks old, as they have an extra-sensitive skin.
• Baby oil : Like moisturizers, baby oil also helps in preventing baby’s skin from getting dry. In addition to this, massaging the baby with oil makes their skin, muscles, and even bones healthy.

How to choose the best skin care products for babies?
Following pointers will help you choose the finest baby skin care products:

• Look for products that are labeled as “good for sensitive skin” or “irritant-free”. These products are especially useful if the baby is suffering from skin conditions such as eczema. The best products are clinically tested and are found to be irritant-free.
• Products that are fragrant-free are good for baby’s skin. This is because fragrances are made up of multiple chemical compounds that might cause skin allergies.
• It is a myth that all natural baby skin care products are good for baby’s skin. The fact is some natural products contain chemicals which can cause skin reactions and even hormonal imbalance in many cases. Hence, contact your dermatologist and pediatrician as they will provide better alternatives.
• Prefer organic products when it comes to baby skin care products. It is a term regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A product is said to be organic if it contains approximately 70% organic ingredients.

Which ingredients should I look out for when buying baby skin care products?
Look out for these ingredients when buying baby skin products:

• Propylene glycol (PEG) : Being a penetration enhancer, the chemical is easily absorbed by the skin and open skin pores which can be carcinogenic and even cause allergic reactions. Avoid buying products that include ingredients like PEG and polypropylene Glycol (PPG).
• Parabens : These are abundantly used in making soaps, shampoos, and other skin products. Parabens are neurotoxins which can cause abnormalities like hormonal disruption, skin irritation, and even reproductive toxicity. Avoid using baby skin care products that list parabens, benzoic acid, and polyester as their main ingredients.
• Triclosan : This component is usually marketed as an antibacterial agent. Research has shown that baby products containing triclosan can cause an imbalance in the endocrine functions. Hence, it is preferable to use baby products that contain naturally occurring antibacterial agents.