Newborn babies and children have delicate skin that is more likely to suffer environmental stress like pollution, heat, cold and sunburn. Here are a few pointers for an organic and/or natural approach to baby skincare.
Nappy Rash – Small red spots appearing around baby’s bum, groin, and legs generally signals nappy rash. In serious cases the skin may get inflamed or broken – not nice for baby which means not nice for mummy and daddy either! The usual cause of nappy rash is wet or dirty nappies breaking down into ammonia compounds which cause bacterial skin irritation. If you are having some nappy rash issues, try more frequent changing with 5-10 minutes of fresh air and sunlight in between. Definitely avoid acrylic pants and if you can go for organic cotton nappies, do. They are heaps better for baby and the environment. To treat the nasty itch and soreness, try a few drops of organic lavender oil diluted according to the instructions on the bottle and rubbed gently onto that cute little tushy. You could also try bod for bubs’ Cowboys and Itchy Bums bum barrier cream for a ready-made blend of essential oils and other beneficial ingredients, including lavender.
Eczema – Eczema comes along like a side order with asthma, hay fever, and chemical sensitivity. Unfortunately in this case you can’t send it back to the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ease the discomfort for your little one. Eczema is abnormally dry skin with inflammation. Some older babies get regions of inflammation with flaking or peeling of the skin, particularly around the face and inner folds of the elbow and knee. Medical treatment usually involves the topical application of steroidal creams which control the inflammation. You could also try a soothing moisturising cream minus the chemicals. Unscented organic or totally natural products are best because anything perfumed or synthetic will only irritate the skin more. Try BABYBEARSHOP’s Organic Cheeky Baby Butter. So cute!
Sun Protection – Protecting baby from the sun is absolutely essential. It’s proven that there is an increased risk of developing skin cancers in later life after early childhood exposure to ultra violet radiation. The Cancer Council recommends regularly checking the UV index http://www.arpansa.gov.au/uvindex/daily/ausuvindex.htm and becoming familiar with peak exposure periods.
When you have to take baby outside in the sun, all Australian mothers know it is essential to protect babies and children with appropriate sunscreen, hats, and loose fitting outfits made from sun protective materials. However, sunscreens are complex compounds, containing a surprising number of chemicals in addition to their active constituents. These can include synthetic colours and perfumes. Try to find a natural sunscreen such as UV Natural http://www.uvnatural.com/ (although I find this one a little greasy), or just cover bub completely with clothing! If you dress your wee one in organic baby clothes, for sunny days make sure you choose loose fitting clothing made from tightly woven natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and hemp. Clothing made from unbleached organic fibres is tougher and less likely to irritate immature and sensitive skin.
Passionate about skincare and beauty, Kate was horrified when she found out about the toxic chemicals lurking in her favourite products. A passionate desire to educate others on how to make safer choices led to the birth of Ikigai, the Organic & Natural Skincare Boutique. http://ikigai.com.au/
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Organic cosmetics and organic anti-aging skin care products are key in keeping our skin, and bodies, healthy and beautiful. But they do more than that. Safe, nontoxic cosmetics keep harmful chemicals out of our bodies, our unborn babies, and our earth.
As mothers, our number one job is to look out for the safety and health of our children. But once we become parents our own health and well-being becomes much more important, as well. We want to be healthy and strong for ourselves and our families. And, let’s admit, look great too.
But with so many harmful ingredients in conventional cosmetics you are not doing yourself any favors by using them. Even unborn babies reap the damage of synthetic ingredients absorbed by the mother’s body. Hormone disruptors, like parabens and phthalates, are thought by scientist to cause birth defects in fetal development of males. These chemicals are found in many conventionally-produced consumer products, from sunscreen and skin care to makeup.
Organic cosmetics, made without the use of toxic chemicals, but pure plant extracts and other vegan ingredients, are the best choice for both expectant mothers and moms with kids of all ages. Mineral makeup in assortments of brilliant color choices, smooth and creamy textures, and long-lasting effects keep you looking gorgeous naturally.
Swapping out those conventional skin care products for non-toxic organic anti aging skin care is better for your skin and keeps nasty synthetics out of our environment. Organic anti-aging ingredients obtained from plants and other natural sources protect from free radical and environmental damage for a healthy, youthful complexion.
Take a tip from expectant mother Alicia Silverstone who uses non-toxic, vegan skin care and cosmetics herself. Alicia knows that using healthy products is best for her unborn baby and keeps harmful ingredients out of our waterways, air, and earth.
You can maintain your good health, great looks, and protect the health of your growing baby by using organic cosmetics and skin care products made with nontoxic, vegan ingredients. They are the best choice for you and your growing family.
Liz Thompson is founder and editor of Organic Beauty Source, a blog where she shares information on safe, natural beauty and personal care products, such as natural cosmetics and organic skin care. Years of extensive research on the subject of safe cosmetics and a passion for all things beautiful led this mother of two to create this online venue where the conscientious consumer can easily find products free from harmful ingredients and educate themselves in the process.
