All Health Diets Recipes Family Sex & relationships Search

• You are here:
• goodtoknow
• Family
• Babies
• Baby skincare

Baby skincare: Bad reactions

Many parents worry about using skincare products on their little ones, but any product designed for babies must conform to strict standards.
'As a rule of thumb, the skin products you buy at your local supermarket won't be detrimental to skin, because of the rigorous testing that's legally required before a product goes on the market,' assures Nina Goad.

So is it a case that common sense should prevail? Renata Wells, mum to Benjamin, 3, and Madeleine, 15 months, thinks so.
'I've read about concerns over chemicals in skincare products in the press, but I try not to get worked up about these things and just do what I think is best,' she says.

If your baby reacts to a particular product, try experimenting with different brands or consult a dermatologist to help you work out which ingredient(s) she's sensitive
to. If you're worried about a reaction to washing powder, switch to a non-biological alternative. And don't rule out the fact that your baby's clothes could be causing irritation. Avoid scratchy fabrics such as wool and opt for cotton garments.

The rise of eczema

The rate of eczema among children has risen threefold in the last 30 years: one in five children now suffers from it. But have chemicals in skincare products played a part in this?
The National Eczema Society says that chemicals in skincare products can be problematic for children who already have eczema.
'They have more of a tendency to react to highly perfumed products, for example,' explains chief executive Margaret Cox. 'This is because if your child already has eczema, it's easier for irritants to get into the body via the skin, which may be cracked.'

However, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association points out that there's no proven link between established babycare products and eczema.
'Companies that make baby products have to show they are 100% safe for babies,' says director general Dr Chris Fowler.

Labels such as 'suitable for sensitive skin', 'hypoallergenic' or 'dermatologically tested' don't always mean a product has been tested for its suitability for eczema sufferers. So if your baby has eczema, consult your GP. She's likely to prescribe an emollient and, possibly, wet-wrapping or steroid creams if the eczema is severe.

By Siobhan Stirling

Quick links

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Disclaimer
• Advertise with us

© copyright goodtoknow.co.uk 2009