Not all baby skin care is safe
Moisturizing your baby's skin has become commonplace these days, but you might be wondering what kind of moisturizer to use on your baby's soft and delicate skin.
This is because some ingredients can irritate your baby's skin or be absorbed through the skin.
Not all baby skin care products are safe.
Newborn skin is sensitive to chemicals, so it is important to know what ingredients are in the product.
To protect your precious fragile being, we will show you how to choose the right and safe baby skin care products.
How to choose a baby moisturizer
First, you should know that some babies don't need moisturizer.
It's true that babies' skin can become dry easily, but in many cases it will heal naturally without the need for moisturizers.
If your dry skin condition does not improve or worsens, Vaseline is considered to be the safest and most moisturizing product. It is also inexpensive, so it is cost-effective.
However, Vaseline and mineral oil are derived from petroleum, and some people may feel uncomfortable using them or may be hesitant to use them because they are made from unsustainable ingredients.
In that case, choose a moisturizing cream that contains glycerin , BG, or jojoba oil . All of these have been confirmed to be highly safe and have excellent moisturizing properties.
Lotion requires frequent application, which can put a strain on the skin. For this reason, we recommend a cream type.
Do babies need sunscreen?
Sunscreen of any kind is not recommended for babies under 6 months of age, as any type of UV protection is too harsh for a newborn's skin.
A 2020 report stated that some UV absorbers may be absorbed into the body through the skin.
These chemicals may affect hormone activity in the body. Due to the potential risks, it may be safer to use sunscreen-free methods to protect yourself from the sun until further research can confirm their safety.
When going outside, instead of applying sunscreen, protect your child's skin with a hat or a thin cotton towel to prevent it from being exposed. Also, when going out in midsummer, try to go in the morning or evening before the sun gets too strong.
Babies over 6 months of age may need to have sunscreen applied only to exposed skin.
When choosing a sunscreen, keep the following points in mind:
- Choose products that do not contain UV absorbers.
- Choose mineral-based products that contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide.
- Choose products that do not contain nano-sized ingredients (nano-sized zinc oxide and nano-sized titanium oxide are also not recommended).
When choosing a body wash
Choose something that is neutral or slightly acidic.
Also, avoid products that contain ethanol (alcohol) or fragrances , which may dry out or irritate your baby's skin.
Even if a product is labeled "for babies," it may still contain these ingredients. It is important for adults to always check the ingredients list and make the right choice.
Don't be fooled by the slogan
For this reason, many baby skin care products use various claims to give the impression that they are safe. For example,
- Can be used from newborns
- For babies and infants
- natural
- Natural origin
- Gentle on the skin
- Organic
However, in reality, there are no strict regulations for using these words.
Naturally, each manufacturer must have their own safety standards, but these standards are not set by the country or law and vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Do "skin-friendly" products contain more irritating ingredients?
A 2018 study in the UK revealed some startling facts.
This is because cosmetics marketed as "for sensitive skin," "gentle on the skin," "organic," or "fragrance-free" often contain ingredients that are highly irritating to the skin compared to those without such labels.
Is this only a foreign issue?
In Japan, such investigations are rarely even carried out, and the actual situation regarding product safety is largely unknown.
One thing that can be said is that Japan's regulations are more lenient than those of Europe, which has the strictest standards for cosmetic ingredients in the world, with over 2,000 ingredients subject to regulation in Europe.
In addition, there are age-specific usage rules for some ingredients, such as restrictions on their use in cosmetics that may be used by children under the age of three.
In Japan, on the other hand, only about 130 ingredients are subject to regulation. There are also no rules on what ingredients are and are not allowed to be used for babies.
In other words, ingredients that are banned for use in children in Europe can be used in baby skin care products in Japan.
Ingredients to avoid in baby skin care
Every baby's skin is different, but there are some ingredients in particular that you should avoid.
These include ingredients that may cause skin irritation or allergies, or be absorbed through the skin.
Fragrances
Only adults want cosmetics to have a nice scent. Babies don't need fragrance. However, fragrances that adults who apply the products find to be pleasant smelling may be included in baby skin care products.
Fragrances, both synthetic and natural, can cause allergic reactions, so choose products that are free of fragrances and essential oils .
Parabens
Parabens are used as preservatives in various cosmetics. Even a very small amount exerts a strong preservative effect.
Parabens are an ingredient that should be avoided for babies and young children as they can easily cause skin irritation.
Parabens are also easily absorbed through the skin, and it has been suggested that long-term exposure to them may affect metabolism and hormone regulation.
Due to these concerns, Denmark has banned some parabens from cosmetics intended for children under the age of three.
PG (Propylene Glycol)
PG (propylene glycol) is sometimes used as a base material in moisturizers. It is an ingredient that often causes irritation and allergic reactions. It is safe to avoid it for babies and young children. Instead of PG, choose products that contain safer moisturizers such as BG or glycerin.
Sulfate (Sodium Sulfate)
Sodium sulfate is used as a surfactant in shampoos and body soaps.
The most commonly used ingredients are sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.
Although it cannot be said that it is unsafe, it is certainly a strong skin irritant. It is also known to be the cause of housewife rash and chapped skin caused by dishwashing detergent. It is not recommended for use on delicate baby skin.
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"CONCIO" - A company that thoroughly researches the risks of cosmetic ingredients
CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.
Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we strictly adhere to our own safety standards and do not use 2,500 ingredients.
We deliver world-class peace of mind to sensitive skin in Japan.
*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.
