Baby skin care advertisements would have us believe that babies are born with ‘baby-soft’ skin naturally and that it remains that way. This is not really true. In this article, we look at five of the common myths surrounding a baby’s daily skincare routine and the newborn skin care products that can be used safely.
Fact: Soft, smooth, and supple skin requires real tender, loving care and the right baby skin products. Babies have delicate and sensitive skin that is very prone to infections and rashes. It is also thinner than adult skin and loses moisture five times faster than the latter. The skin needs hydration with a moisturizer for newborns so that it does not dry up, especially after a bath or when the weather is colder. The more moisturized the baby’s skin is, the softer it will be.
Fact: Newborn sensitive skin does not need a daily care routine. In fact, even water is not required for a daily skincare routine for sensitive skin unless it is to clean up after a diaper change or to wipe the baby’s mouth after a feed. A newborn baby should not be given a bath till the umbilical cord has fallen off and the natural protective coating on their body (the vernix) goes away on its own – therefore the baby’s first bath can be as late as one to two weeks after birth. Even then, the baby does not need to be bathed daily. Bathing daily could actually harm the baby’s skin by stripping it of natural oils and moisture.
Fact: Babies generally develop a skin condition known as cradle cap where oily, yellowish patches or plaques develop on the baby’s scalp and crown and sometimes on their forehead, eyebrows, and around the ears. The cradle cap usually clears up on its own, particularly if the baby’s hair and scalp are kept clean with a gentle shampoo. It is important not to rub the flaking cradle cap as it could irritate the skin further. If the cradle cap does not clear up on its own in a couple of months, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician for further measures.
Fact: Just because the ingredients of a skincare product are organic does not mean it is good for a baby’s skin. Many of the naturally occurring ingredients in products are really strong and may adversely affect the delicate skin of babies. The best newborn skin care products contain natural oils like olive oil, jojoba, and chamomile that are not only natural but also gentle on the baby’s skin. In order to keep the baby’s skin safe, moisturized, and supple, the skin care products must also be free from parabens and be hypoallergenic.
Fact: One thing that parents quickly realize after the birth of a baby is that they go through an incredibly large number of diapers every day. There is a general myth that diapers can cause rashes because they are not breathable. This is not correct. Diapers as such do not cause rashes. It is important to change diapers when they are soiled or wet. Not changing the diapers as soon as they are wet or soiled or using diapers that are too tight for the baby are the likely reasons for diaper rash.
The best daily skincare routine at home naturally should include products that are mild and gentle but still effective to clean and nourish the baby’s skin. PIGEON skin care products have been developed after comprehensive research into the skin care needs of babies and are dermatologically tested to be hypoallergenic, nourishing, and safe for babies. 90% of the ingredients in their Natural Botanical Baby set of skin care products are of natural origin that keeps the skin clean and fresh and gives it the hydration it needs.
