Contents
When a long-awaited baby appears in the family, every little thing becomes important. Although cosmetics for skin care of a child in the first years of life cannot be called a trifle. The comfort and tranquility of the baby depends on it to a certain extent. We talk about the features of baby creams and how to choose the right product.
What are baby skin care products?
For young children, special products are being developed for skin cleansing and daily care. It is obvious that when creating them, the characteristics of children’s skin are taken into account.
thicker and fatter;
do not contain alcohol;
hypoallergenic in composition;
have a neutral pH so as not to irritate the already delicate skin.
The sebaceous and sweat glands of children’s skin are formed, but not active enough, so the protective hydrolipidic layer is very thin and can suffer with frequent water procedures. Also in the skin of children there is very little protective pigment melanin, so it is more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation.
Features of composition
The basic ingredients of baby cream are most often:
lanoline;
glycerol;
vegetable oils (coconut, soybean, olive, shea butter, avocado).
In addition, it often contains vitamins (E, C), plant extracts (chamomile, calendula, wheat, oats, etc.), beeswax. Depending on the purpose, panthenol, allantoin, zinc oxide, niacinamide are added to the cream.
Useful properties of baby skin cream
Since the skin of babies is very delicate and vulnerable, care products must meet certain requirements.
Protection
In the first days of a baby’s life, his skin is especially vulnerable to external stimuli. Water, dry indoor air, too high or low air temperature – literally everything can cause dryness and irritation. In order to prevent this, emollients, which we discussed above, are necessarily introduced into the composition of the baby cream.
Security
Obviously, this is the most important criterion. As a rule, children’s funds are thoroughly tested. Pay attention to the labels: “hypoallergenic” or “tested by dermatologists and pediatricians.”
humidification
This is one of the main tasks of skin care products for children (and adults too). Moisturizing children’s skin is provided by ingredients that form a thin protective film on its surface, which prevents moisture from evaporating.
How to choose baby cream
Buying a cream, like the rest of a child’s dowry, is a responsible business. It is necessary to choose a manufacturer that inspires confidence, carefully study the composition of the product and instructions for its use, and monitor the reaction of the baby. And at the same time for the skin of your hands 😊. She, of course, is not like that of babies, but also often quite dry. Based on personal experience, I’ll say: pay attention to the sensations from the cream, if the skin of the hands is comfortable, it becomes softer, the cream is quickly absorbed, it is very likely that it will suit the baby.
Can adults use baby cream
This is a perfectly legitimate question. Cream for adults is not recommended for children, because it may contain ingredients and fragrances that are not suitable for delicate skin, but the reverse situation is quite possible. However, it must be remembered that:
the texture of baby creams is designed specifically for the baby’s skin and its needs;
in adults, baby cream can clog pores and provoke rashes;
babies’ skin is usually dry and vulnerable, and if these characteristics apply to adult skin, using baby creams is a reasonable decision, and if not, why deprive yourself of the opportunities that modern adult cosmetics offer?
Baby age
The age of the baby when choosing a remedy is of great importance.
Daily moisturizer can be used from birth.
It is undesirable to use sunscreen baby creams in the first months of life (however, there are products suitable even for 3-month-old babies). In any case, keep in mind that it is highly undesirable for a child to be under the direct rays of the sun before the age of six months. On sunny days, the baby should be in the shade.
When going to the southern regions with your baby, remember that sunscreen is a must for him. Read the product label carefully before purchasing. If the package says that the sunscreen is suitable for babies, then it can be used from 6 months. The “children’s sunscreen” label indicates that the product is suitable for children 3 years of age and older. If the cream is intended for the smallest, manufacturers focus on this.
Purpose
Creams for children have different functionality. They can be:
moisturizing (for daily care);
soothing (for sensitive skin);
products that are applied before putting on a diaper (the composition includes anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients);
sunscreen (with mineral UV filters),
weather protection (create a film on the skin and prevent the effects of aggressive weather conditions, such as wind or frost).
Rating of the best children’s cosmetics
Before you buy a cream for a baby, you need to carefully examine the packaging. It should clearly indicate the age restrictions and purpose of the remedy. Also, do not forget about the expiration date. If it is clear that you will not have time to use the product before the expiration date, it is better to take a smaller package.
Before using the cream, it is recommended to carry out a tolerance test: apply a small amount of the product on the child’s forearm. If there are no reactions, feel free to use this remedy.
Moisturizer
Milk for face and body Lipikar Lait, La Roche-Posay
Designed to restore the natural protective barrier of the skin, as well as to intensively moisturize and soften it. The composition includes:
shea butter (10%) – restores the lipid barrier;
niacinamide – soothes and provides comfort;
thermal water La Roche-Posay – softens and moisturizes, has antioxidant activity.
Nutrients
Lipid-replenishing balm for the face and body of children and adults Lipikar Baume AP +, La Roche-Posay
The innovative formula intensively moisturizes, which helps to reduce itching, soothes the skin.
- Aqua Posae FIiliformis is obtained by growing the Vitreoscilla Filiformis bacterial culture in La Roche-Posay thermal water – this component regulates the skin microbiome, strengthens the lipid barrier.
- Niacinamide at a concentration of 4% has a calming and moisturizing effect.
- Shea butter at a concentration of 20% intensively moisturizes and softens the skin.
- La Roche-Posay thermal water, enriched with selenium, softens and moisturizes the skin, is famous for its antioxidant effectiveness.
Nurturing Baby Cream for Face and Body, Kiehl’s
The cream contains a set of nourishing oils (shea butter, apricot kernels, olives, rice bran) and is designed to care for the skin of the face and body of babies.
Melting body milk with bifido complex and oat milk, Garnier
where to find?
The milk does not spread over the skin, is easy to apply and absorbs very quickly without leaving a sticky feeling. Contains skin-firming Bifido Complex & soothing Oat Milk. Hypoallergenic balanced composition tested and intended for the care of the skin of the body of adults and children over 3 years of age. Not suitable for the face!