Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! It’s a time filled with lots of excitement, a fair dose of sleep deprivation, and a touch of nervousness (particularly for first time parents).
All parents want their little ones to be safe, healthy and comfortable.
An aspect of newborn care that can easily be overlooked is the choice of products used on your baby’s skin.
In this blog, we’ll outline the unique characteristics of baby skin so you can better understand how to care for it. We unpack what ‘natural’ may mean in the world of skincare.
We’ll also introduce you to Melvory’s range of products specifically designed for use on baby skin. If you decide our products are the right fit for your family you can purchase them online and have them delivered to your home, instead of having to search for the products in stores and online, and scanning through ingredient lists to ensure no nasties.
Characteristics of Baby Skin
A baby’s skin is quite different from an adult’s skin. We explain each of the characteristics as relevant to skincare below.
A Baby’s Skin has a Thinner Epidermis
Difference to adult skin: The outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, is much thinner in babies compared to adults.
What this means in practice: The thinness makes it more vulnerable to environmental changes and irritants, and also makes it more susceptible to irritation and damage. Harmful substances can easily penetrate the skin, potentially causing reactions or allergies.
The Barrier Function of a Baby’s Skin is Underdeveloped
Difference to adult skin: A baby’s skin barrier is still developing in the first few years of their life.
What this means in practice: The role of the barrier is to help retain moisture, and protect against irritants and infections. Because a baby’s skin barrier is not yet fully developed, a baby’s skin loses moisture more quickly and is prone to dryness and irritation.
A Baby’s Skin has Higher Water Content
Difference to adult skin: A baby’s skin has higher water content than adult skin
What this means in practice: While this makes babies’ skin soft and plump, it also makes it more vulnerable to environmental changes. For instance, exposure to dry air or cold water can cause rapid dehydration and dryness.
A Baby’s Skin is More Sensitive
Difference to adult skin: A Baby’s skin is more sensitive.
What this means in practice: The sensitivity of a baby's skin means it can react adversely to chemicals found in many common skincare products. Ingredients such as fragrances, dyes, and preservatives can cause rashes, redness, and allergic reactions.
A Baby Has an Immature Immune System
Difference to adults: A baby’s immune system is not fully developed.
What this means in practice: A baby’s skin can be more reactive to allergens and irritants. This can lead to conditions such as eczema, nappy rash, and other skin irritations.
Given the unique needs of a baby’s delicate skin, it requires gentle and protective care.
Babies will best benefit from products that are natural and which are specially formulated for them.
Skincare for Babies
Good skin care practices will help to maintain the integrity of the infant skin barrier (which is underdeveloped) and may help to prevent skin problems in the future.
A good basic routine involves the following steps:
1. Appropriate Cleansing
2. Moisturising; and
3. Sun Protection.
Nappy area care is also important.
Gentle Cleansing for Babies
When bathing your baby, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that is specifically formulated for babies.
Avoid using regular soaps as they can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness.
Good options include our:
Oatmeal Moisturising Wash (for bathing); and
Natural Mandarin and Chamomile Natural Shampoo (for hair)
The Oatmeal Moisturising Wash is a plant-based wash, made from pure Oatmeal, Calendula, Chamomile and Honey extracts. This extra gentle wash is designed to calm, soothe and prevent irritation on easily troubled skin, making it especially suitable to use as part of your baby's bath routine.
The Natural Mandarin and Chamomile Natural Shampoo is a gentle tear-free formula that is made with organic and all natural ingredients. It is free from sulfates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals, helping to ensure a mild and safe cleansing experience for you and your little one.
moisturising your baby
After bathing your baby, apply a gentle, hydrating moisturiser immediately to lock in the moisture.
Our Manuka Moisturising Baby Butter is a great choice. Enriched with the power of Manuka oil, Vitamin F, Avocado oil, Sea buckthron oil and Rosehip Oil, this all-natural and organic baby butter will deeply moisturise and nourish your baby's delicate skin.
For extremely dry, sensitive skin, you may wish to try one of our two other products that may be suitable:
The Hemp Seed Butter; or the Lavender Cocoa Butter.
Both are rich and luxuriously thick, designed for use on extremely dry patches.
nappy area care
Nappies should be changed frequently.
The recommendation is to cleanse with lukewarm water and soft towels or cotton wool. (see for eg Royal Children's Hospital kids' health information)
To prevent and treat nappy rash, Melvory's gentle baby bum balm can be used. It's made from 100% natural nourishing Organic Ingredients to soothe the delicate skin in the nappy area, keeping baby's bottom soft and protected from redness.
It also comes in a travel size for ease!
Protecting your baby from the sun
Don’t forget to protect your baby from the sun!
Baby skin is highly sensitive to UV rays.
The Cancer Council recommends that babies under 12 months are kept away from direct sunlight when UV levels reach 3 or above.
When UV levels are below 3, sun protection is generally not required and a few minutes of direct UV exposure is considered safe and healthy for babies.
Always dress your baby in sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and pants. Minimise sunscreen use on children younger than six months old.
When the UV index level reaches 3 or above, sunscreen should be applied to exposed areas of the skin.
Melvory’s Natural sunscreen is a great choice. It’s SPF50+, made with certified organic ingredients with vegan accreditation, and safe for babies.
Melvory's Natural Baby Range
We have a wide range of natural products that are specially designed with your baby’s delicate skin in mind.
Our must have items for babies (if we were tasked with the difficult task of choosing!) are:
Manuka Baby Butter, this is multipurpose and can be used on the face and body; and
If your baby is new to our Melvory skincare range, these would also be the products we recommend starting with.
Benefits of Choosing Natural Skincare for Babies
Caring for a baby’s delicate skin requires an understanding of its unique needs.
By choosing gentle, specially formulated skincare items, you can ensure your baby's skin remains healthy and protected.
Melvory’s range of products is designed with your baby’s sensitive skin in mind, providing the gentle care they need for a happy, healthy start in life.
