We all know baby skin is delicate, but did you know that transepidermal water loss begins soon after a baby is delivered? To keep skin hydrated and protected, it's important to use products formulated for exactly that.
BD spoke with KLORANE brand manager, Evan Chang, about skin differences, the ingredients we should be looking out for and common misconceptions around skincare for babies.
How is baby skin different and how should it be looked after?
Baby skin is very different from that of older children and adults. At birth, the skin changes dramatically as it passes from an aqueous to a dry environment. After birth, the skin continuously adapts to this new environment.
Baby skin cells are smaller than the adult’s cells; hence the skin is thinner, making baby skin more permeable and more prone to dryness than adult skin. Baby skin also contains fewer moisturising factors, less lipids and has a higher pH than adult skin. This explains why a baby’s skin barrier is less mature and needs to be looked after carefully.
Parents should consider baby skincare products that moisturise and protect from dryness, while being gentle enough for babies’ delicate and sensitive skin.
What ingredients should we look out for in skincare products for young ones?
Babies have more sensitive skin than adults, and naturally need more care. Parents should consider skincare products with clean formulas that use natural ingredients that are gentle, nourishing, soothing and protective such as calendula, the key ingredient in KLORANE's new Natural Baby Care range.
KLORANE has released its natural baby care range in Australia for the first time, can you tell us about the new products?
The new KLORANE Natural Baby Care range comprises four essential products featuring soothing and protective organic calendula; this includes a Gentle Cleansing Gel, Detangling Shampoo, Moisturising Lotion and Moisturising Cream. The new range is the complete bath and comfort care solution for every parent looking for natural, eco- and vegan-friendly* baby care that is tested under dermatological and paediatric control to reduce the risks of allergic reactions.
Cleanse: Parents can begin the KLORANE Natural Baby Care regimen by first cleansing their baby’s scalp and hair – the Baby Detangling Shampoo is perfect for gently cleansing the most delicate hair, leaving it silky, delicately scented and easy to detangle. Next, the Baby Gentle Cleansing Gel is a 2-in-1 product, also good for soothing the scalp and cleansing the baby’s hair and body; this soap-free formula protects the skin from drying out.
Soothe: After cleansing, the KLORANE Baby Moisturising Lotion is a lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion perfect for moisturising, soothing and protecting the baby’s delicate skin from mild irritation and drying out. It is clinically proven^ to reduce skin dryness, and has a non-sticky texture to ensure baby has smooth skin.
Nourish: Lastly, for a targeted application to the baby’s dry skin on to their face and body, the KLORANE Baby Moisturising Cream is specially formulated with Vitamin E and plant oils to deeply moisturise and protect dry skin. A rich, nourishing cream to achieve lasting comfort for the baby.
Any misconceptions that people have around skin/hair treatments for babies?
Some newer parents may be unintentionally led to believe that baby skin does not require a skincare routine from day one, perhaps because they think that baby skin takes time to adapt to contact with chemicals.
On the contrary, it may be advisable to start your baby’s skincare routine from birth, as studies show that transepidermal water loss begins soon after a baby is delivered. Opt for baby products that have been tested under dermatological and paediatric control.
Another common misconception is that baby skin only requires water for cleansing. However, while water removes visible dirt, impurities invisible to the naked eye remain on baby skin that may experience prolonged exposure to baby urine and feces, which could cause skin irritation.
*Free from animal origin ingredients. ^Test conducted in vitro.
BD recommends:
KLORANE Baby Care range harnesses the soothing properties of calendula extract to protect the natural defences of your baby’s sensitive skin. Its rinse-off formulas are also tear-free and tested under ophthalmological control. A testament to the brand’s eco-friendly approach, KLORANE’s baby care range is also developed with eco-designed packaging to reduce plastic waste.
Burt's Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment is specially formulated to soothe baby's nappy area and reduce the occurrence of nappy rash. It is 100 per cent natural, and contains sweet almond oil, zinc oxide and beeswax, which work together to provide a moisture barrier to protect the skin. It also features vitamins A and E to nourish and soothe the skin and promote healing, as well as lavender oil, chamomile oil, calendula extract and rosemary leaf extract to calm and condition the skin.
Jurlique Baby's Calming Massage Oil is a lightweight and non-greasy massage oil with botanical oils to deeply hydrate, while its soothing natural scent helps prepare baby for a blissful bedtime. The essential oil blend comprised of lavender, cedar bark, grapefruit, bergamot, spearmint, geranium and ylang ylang imparts a naturally clean and fresh aroma that leaves skin smelling naturally soft and fresh, and has a calming and comforting effect on baby.
DermaVeen Extra Gentle Baby Soap-Free Wash has a soap-free, pH-balanced formula that helps relieve dry, itchy, scaly and irritated skin. Natural oatmeal works to cleanse the skin and help it heal. The wash is free of lanolin, parabens, dyes, fragrances and alcohol.
Billie Goat Soap Billie Baby Cleansing Bar is a soap formulated with Australian goat’s milk, vitamin E and a blend of oils that work together to cleanse, nourish and moisturise baby’s skin. A high concentration of olive oil will help soothe dry, irritated skin and relieve symptoms of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Weleda Calendula Baby Face Cream is formulated with organic calendula extract, which has a protective mantle around tender facial skin, while skin-friendly lanolin and organic almond oil moisturise.
Egozite Cradle Cap Lotion is an oil-based lotion specially formulated to loosen and remove the crusts of cradle cap. It has a specially designed dropper that allows for accurate application. It is free from lanolin, perfume or any other substances that might irritate baby’s skin.
Green People Organic Babies Nurturing Baby Oil Scent Free is an organic baby oil for bump and baby massage. It softens and soothes baby's very sensitive skin and is perfect for a bonding baby massage. A beautiful blend of natural oils balance and restore dry skin. Keeps mum’s tummy supple by improving skin elasticity, which may help reduce stretch marks.
QV Baby Skin Lotion is a soothing, lightweight moisturising lotion that helps relieve baby’s dry skin. With vitamin B3 to help maintain skin barrier function, it's suitable for daily use on sensitive and delicate skins. Apply QV Baby Skin Lotion as often as required, particularly after showering, bathing, exposure to harsh climatic conditions and at night.
Swisse Ultinatal Vitamin D3 Liquid for Baby is a premium quality formula specifically developed for infants to help support a healthy immune system, and support bone strength and muscle health.
Johnson's® Baby Bedtime Bath® and Bedtime Lotion™ has been formulated with NaturalCalm™ essences, a unique blend of gentle ingredients and soothing aromas. When used as part of a routine, it has been clinically proven to help your baby to sleep.
