Baby Skin Care Fragrances

After the early months of babyhood have passed the skin of most children has a more than adequate layer of fatty ‘padding’ which gives it a beautiful smooth appearance, often described as having the quality of ‘purity’. All the functions are very active, and because the stratum corneum is functioning effectively the skin is very well hydrated. Indeed, by and large children’s skin is the healthiest we ever see.A child’s skin shows little or no damage from sunlight. Children have more leisure time than they will ever enjoy again, however, and many of them play outside whenever they can, often spending most of the summer out of doors. There is often massive exposure to the sun during childhood, which will have long-term consequences.  The use of natural baby products like natural baby body lotion, natural body wash, an a natural sunscreen lotion are always helpful too.

The care of the skin of small children is almost entirely in the hands of parents or other carers. Nevertheless it is never too soon for them to begin to learn about skin care. The skin does not need moisturising unless there is atopy or eczema, or after prolonged exposure to sun or sea, but regular protection against the sun should begin now.

Products for babies and young children are usually highly fragranced. That sweet, recognizable aroma you could smell a mile away is nothing more than added fragrance, which we know can cause irritation. Moreover, baby products almost always have a pretty yellow or pink tint, which is contrived by coloring agents, another group of problematic skin care ingredients for sensitive skin. If baby products were really gentler than those that adults put on their skin, they would be fragrance free and contain no coloring agents. Sadly, few of those existed just a decade ago. But now there are many clean, healthy skin care products lines to choose from.

Cosmetics and hair-care companies know that mothers have an impulsive emotional pull toward scents that trigger the image of their babies. That subconscious pull is difficult for a marketer to ignore, given the way women gravitate to the fragrance generated by other perfume-laden products. In other words, hair and skin care companies don’t have much motivation to take these problematic ingredients out. That means you, the mother and consumer, as an advocate for your child, need to pay attention to this issue and choose fragrance-free and color-free products whenever you can.  If your using natural baby lotion your off to a good start!

Dealing with your baby’s dry skin

Baby’s skin is sensitive but also very resilient and resistant because it’s the first defense barrier.  Dry skin can be a common skin condition.  If your baby has itchy red patches on his skin, it’s possible he has eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. Sometimes even eczema will clear up with regular moisturizing with a natural baby lotioin, though, so you needn’t rush to the doctor unless the patches don’t get better or your baby seems itchy or uncomfortable.  There are several natural baby skin care product available targeted towards eczema.  The regular use of natural baby products like natural baby lotion and natural body wash are always helpful too.

In rare cases, dry skin can indicate a genetic condition called ichthyosis. Ichthyosis shows up as dry skin with scaling and, occasionally, redness. It’s also generally accompanied by a thickening of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. If your doctor suspects that your baby has ichthyosis, she’ll probably refer you to a dermatologist for treatment.

Natural Sunscreen Lotion Advice

So what exactly do you need to avoid when choosing a sunscreen lotion? Here are some unsavory, even toxic, lotion ingredients you will want to stay away from if you can:PABA: This is not widely used anymore, but just in case. Many people are very sensitive to this ingredient and can end up with red, itchy skin. The use of natural baby products like natural baby lotion and natural body wash are always helpful.

Benzophenone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octy-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate): These chemicals are bad news because they have shown estrogenic activity in lab tests. Oxybenzone is aderivative of benzophenone and it is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. According to the CDC 97% of Americans are contaminated with this widely-used sunscreen lotion ingredient.

Parabens (butyl-, ethyl-, methyl-, and propyl-): Parabens are common in sunscreen lotions so avoiding them may prove difficult. They are preservatives that have estrogenic qualities. They have produced abnormal hormonal effects following on laboratory rodents, particularly male, resulting in decreased testosterone levels and other abnormalities. They have also been found to accumulate in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer.

Padimate-O and Parsol 1789 (Avobenzone): While on the surface of the skin these chemicals appear to prevent UV damage but when absorbed into the skin they can actually damage DNA. There is evidence that the sun’s light may cause these chemicals to become reactive and cause free-radical damage when they’re absorbed. I find it alarming that pediatricians often recommend these very ingredients.

In general if you want to know which sunscreens are usually loaded with the bad stuff….oh just the easy to find ones like Coppertone, Banana Boat, Avon, Nivea, Neutrogena, The Body Shop, etc. Also even some of the ones that appear to be more natural like Kiss My Face or Aveeno have some pretty dirty sunscreens. If you do research, natural baby products or baby lotion that can contains organic ingredients are best.

Natural Baby Skin Care Ingredients M-R

Here are some common natural ingredients found in natural baby products like natural body lotion and natural body wash.

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Macadamia oil’s rich, cushiony skinfeel and high oxidative stability make it especially suitable for heavy creams and suncare formulations. Derivatives of Macadamia oil in cosmetics include the light emollient Ethyl Macadamiate and water soluble PEG-16 Macadamia Glycerides.  Macadamia oil is an excellent botanical replacement for mink oil in most applications.

Manukka

The essential oil has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-parasitic properties. It has been used for a host of skin problems including acne, blemishes, rashes, minor cuts and fungal infections. Though not related to tea tree oil (Australian Melaleuca species), it has similar properties.

Melaleuca

An essential oil extracted from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. It has antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal and wound healing properties. This oil is used to treat acne, cuts, burns and insect bites. Tea tree and manuca oil provide antimicrobial qualities.

Mica

A mineral that provides natural glitter and shimmer in make-up. The silica-rich composition of mica is thought to support the formative processes in the connective tissue and bring vitality to the skin.  Some brands of toothpaste include powdered white mica. This acts as a mild abrasive to aid polishing of the tooth surface, and also adds a cosmetically-pleasing glittery shimmer to the paste. The shimmer from mica is also used in makeup, as it gives a translucent “glow” to the skin or helps to mask imperfections.

Nettle extract

The stinging nettle plant has been used historically as a mild diuretic; to treat infections of the lower urinary tract, anemia, hemorrhoids, asthma, hay fever, and other allergies; to stop bleeding; and to heal wounds. American Indians use nettles to treat rheumatic conditions, such as arthritis. Nettle tea has also been used for eczema and other chronic skin conditions.

Olive Oil Extra Virgin  (Organic Olea Europaea)

Olive oil is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, and as such is used in preparations for lipophilic drug ingredients. It does have demulcent properties, and mild laxative properties, acting as a stool softener. It is also used at room temperature as an ear wax softener. Olive oil is also a potent blocker of intestinal contractions, and can be used to treat excessive Borborygmus

Orange oil

Orange oil is an essential oil produced by glands inside the rind of an orange fruit. It is extracted or steam distilled as a by-product of orange juice production.

Orange wax

Orange Wax is an excellent emollient, as well as containing phytosterols. These phytosterols are excellent co-emulsifiers which aid in stabilizing emulsions. The orange wax is also reputed to possess anti-microbial properties as well.

Potassium Sorbate Preservative

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. Its primary use is as a preservative. Potassium sorbate is effective in a variety of applications including food, wine, and personal care.

Rosa Flower Water

Also known rose petal extract which contains many compounds beneficial to the skin as they help the skin to achieve balance and harmony. Roses are considered a picture of harmony, a perfectly balanced plant in root, stem and blossom.

Rosemary leaf extract

Compounds in rosemary strengthen capillaries and stimulate circulation of scalp and hair follicles, encouraging vigorous hair growth. Rosemary in culinary or therapeutic doses is generally safe; however, precaution is necessary for those displaying allergic reaction or prone to epileptic seizures.  Rosemary essential oil is potentially toxic if ingested.

Royal jelly

A Rhythmitised dilution of this special, highly nutritious food supports and enhances the skin’s vitality and ability to regenerate. Our Royal jelly is obtained through ecological bee keeping practices. There is only preliminary evidence that it may have some cholesterol-lowering effects, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antibiotic effects, though the last three of these effects are unlikely to be realized if ingested (destruction of the substances involved through digestion, or neutralization via changes in pH). There are also some preliminary experiments (on cells and lab animals) in which royal jelly may have some benefit regarding certain other diseases, although there is no solid evidence for those claims, and further experimentation and validation is urgently needed. It can also be found in various beauty products. It is widely recognized that royal jelly may cause allergies in humans ranging from hives, asthma, to even fatal anaphylaxis

Be sure to use natural skin care products, baby lotion, and natural baby wash to keep your skin healthy.

Baby Skin Care Basics

Your baby’s skin is highly sensitive. Before using any baby clothes or baby linens for the very first time, make sure to wash the baby items in a hypoallergenic soap formulated for babies. In addition, use only clean and natural products designed for babies when you bathe your little one. Products for adults are usually too harsh for your baby’s delicate skin.It is not necessary to give your newborn a bath every day. Just be sure to keep your baby clean. Wash your baby’s face, head and diaper area daily. Wipe your baby’s face and head gently with a soft, wet washcloth or use dampened cotton balls. Make sure to get into all the skin creases, especially where dribbled milk and spit up can collect. Also, wash your baby’s bottom well with each diaper change to avoid diaper rash.  The use of natural baby products like natural baby lotion and natural baby wash are always helpful.

When it is time to dress your baby, choose loose-fitting, soft garments. Baby’s clothes can be layered for warmth. Be sensitive to your baby’s environment and make sure to peel off or add a layer or two when in a warm or cold car, store or restaurant. If you find your baby has little pimples along skin folds, especially on the neck, back, shoulders, chest or diaper area, he or she may have prickly heat, which can be remedied by avoiding heat and humidity. Give your baby cool baths using natural body wash and natural baby lotion afterwards then dress him or her in light, loose-fitting baby clothes.

It is healthy and recommended to take your infant outdoors to get fresh air. Simply dress your child appropriately. You may need to protect your baby from the sun and from insect bites. While the sun is an important natural source of vitamin D, it can also do damage to your child’s skin. Shield your baby from direct sunlight by keeping the stroller hood up. Once your baby is six months old, get in the habit of using clean but effective natural sun block or sunscreens on your child year round, even on overcast days. Choose a hypoallergenic, PABA-free sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. When applying sunscreen, avoid your baby’s eyes and keep it off your baby’s fingers as your child might rub his or her eyes. Also, avoid or limit exposure to the sun between 10am and 4pm. To keep bugs away from your little one, use an all natural insect repellent and for insect bites.   If there is any minor skin irritation from the elements be sure to use a natural baby lotion when you can.

Basic skin types

There are four dominant factors that determine your Skin Type. These factors are: oily vs. dry, sensitive vs. resistant, pigmented vs. non-pigmented, and wrinkled vs. tight. The key factors interact to determine the skin’s appearance, problems, needs, and vulnerabilities, and therefore dictate the kinds of products, ingredients, and tratments useful to address them. To get started, let me introduce you to some basics about the skin.  The use of natural baby products like natural baby lotion and natural body wash are always helpful.

THE BIOLOGY OF THE SKIN

The top layer of the skin, called the epidermis, is made up of four distinct layers. When you look at someone’s skin, you see the very top layer, made up of cells that reflect light. When that top layer is smooth, it reflects light evenly so that the skin looks more uniform and radiant than it does when the surface is rougher.

At the lowest portion of the epidermis are “mother cells,” called basal cells, which produce all the other skin cells. They divide into “daughter cells,” which rise up to the higher levels of the epidermis. As they travel, they age and eventually die, so that the top layer consists of dead cells which naturally exfoliate off in a process called the “cell cycle,” which can take anywhere from twenty-six to forty-two days. Between the third and eighth decades of life, the cell cycle slows from 30 to 50 percent of its pace in youth. That means that older skin renews itself much more slowly, forming a rough surface of cells, rather than a smooth surface. The uppermost cells contain a natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which holds moisture. The body responds to a dry environment by producing more NMF, but it takes several days for production to rev up, so your skin may become quite dehydrated before help comes. That’s why it’s important to moisturize your skin in any dry environment. Substances released by the cells in the middle of the epidermis form a protective film made of lipids (fats) that surrounds skin cells and helps keep the skin hydrated. Your fingers and toes contain fewer lipids and are therefore not as “watertight” as your legs, which is why your fingers and toes look shriveled after immersion in water but your legs do not. Your skin cracks in cold weather because the chilled lipids become stiffer and less able to adjust to movement. The goal of the best moisturizer and lotion is to increase the amount of these important lipids, helping your skin to hold moisture.

What’s in your lotion

Many consumers are frustrated by skin care products and body lotions that don’t do what they claim to. Worse still is investing in an expensive yet ineffective cream or treatment only to discover the cheapest drug-store brand would work just as well. In a world of hyper-consumerism, false advertising and a plethora of products from which to choose, how do you choose the good from the bad?  Picking the right natural skin care product like baby lotion, body wash, or facial mask requires some knowledge.

There are some great lotion products on the market that can genuinely improve your skin’s appearance and help your skin look smoother, more radiant, and youthful. But, there are literally thousands of products to choose from and unless you spend hours a day researching beauty products, it’s difficult to find the one of the few that actually produces real results and eliminates years of aging from your face and body.

Not only should a quality skin product help reduce bags under, and fine lines around, the eyes, but it should even out coloration inconsistencies caused by age spots and other unwanted pigment concentrations.

In a marketing-rich world of super models and glamorous actors, many will understandably spend any amount of money to make themselves look better or younger. Cosmetic surgery and skin care is a multi-billion dollar industry.

As the law of supply and demand proves, the higher the demand for youth and beauty, the more manufacturers will rush to provide the solution. Many times this rush results in the creation of an inferior skin care product with little to no research and development to back it.

All of the money goes into the marketing of the product. On the surface everything looks great. The bottles and jars that the creams come in look appealing. The magazine advertisements are glossy, complete with a youthful looking model or a well known celebrity who doesn’t even really use the products.

You can’t really blame these companies. When you are spending a fortune paying for marketing, whether it be on the product containers, magazine, radio, and TV ads, royalties paid to celebrities and models, you have to charge a lot of money for your products or you’re going to lose money.

On the other hand, this doesn’t mean you and I have to fall for these types of marketing schemes. After all, these companies aren’t going to encounter any shortage of people who will open their wallets and purses to purchase their skin care products anytime soon. The reality is most people simply won’t take any time to research products and understand what ingredients work and what ingredients are actually bad for your skin!

« Previous Page