The care and health of the skin and the hair should begin from childhood, or even better, from birth. Baby’s skin is more delicate, fragile and sensitive as it slowly adapts to its new environment and the world as a whole.

When you start researching and reading articles about baby skin problems, the results can be quite scary, even just the sheer number of common skin complaints that babies are prone to can be overwhelming. Here are some of the most widespread skin problems among babies.

Common Baby Skin Care Issues

Baby Acne

An estimated 40% of babies develop infant acne, which commonly starts showing at two to three weeks and is usually gone before baby reaches six months. The cause is usually Mom’s hormones, which are still circulating in baby’s bloodstream. These pimples are harmless and are unlikely to leave permanent scars, as long as the skin is kept clean.

Cradle Cap

Cradle Cap is a very common skin ailment that doctors refer to as “infantile seborrheic dermatitis”. It can appear as flaky, dry skin similar to dandruff, or as thick, oily, yellowish/ brown scaling or crusty patches on baby’s scalp. It generally appears in the first few months and usually clears up on its own in about six to twelve months. Ensure baby’s skin stays clean and nourished.

Dry Skin

Your baby is actually more prone to this problem than most grown-ups, due to their extra-sensitive skin. It is important to keep baby hydrated, and to use hypoallergenic lotion on their skin to avoid any reactions. Avoid harsh soap and long soaks in the bath – these will dry out baby’s skin.

Eczema

Eczema appears as dry, thickened, scaly red skin, or as tiny red bumps that may ooze or crust. Most often found in the creases of the elbows or knees, as well as on the cheeks, chin, scalp, chest, and back.

Milia

About half of all newborns will develop small white spots, called milia, on their face. These are just blocked pores, and they usually clear within the first four weeks of life.

Nappy Rash

Most common in babies under a year old, nappy rash is distinguished by the red, inflamed skin in nappy area. The rash may be flat or raised, and can cause discomfort mostly during nappy changes. It is important to keep this area of the skin dry and clean.

Natural Baby Skin Care is the Solution

If dry patches or rashes start to spread, crack, bleed or seem painfully itchy, always talk to your paediatrician for advice. But for general everyday common ailments found on baby’s skin, the consensus is to keep the skin clean and well nourished. Ordinary skin care products crammed with petrochemicals, parbens and the like are most likely going to make the problem worse, by clogging the pores or irritating baby’s skin.

To prevent or address these skin issues, always choose the most gentle, natural baby skin care products with no unnecessary additives. That means no parabens or phthalates, no SLS, no smelly artificial perfumes or colours and preservatives. Less is more, and natural is better!

Photo by Alex Pasarelu on Unsplash