There are as many skincare products for children as there are for adults.
The question is: does the child really need all these products?
Children’s skin is very different from adult skin, let’s look at what the differences are, and what kind of care the baby’s skin really needs.
What is adult skin made of?
The epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous fat are the components of the skin of an adult.
The epidermis includes 5 layers: basal, prickly, granular, shiny (hyaline) and horny. The epidermis also contains melanocytes, which accumulate melanin, which gives the skin colour and contributes to sunburn.
The dermis is connective tissue that contains capillaries and nerve endings, blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles, and glands, as well as collagen and elastin fibers that give the skin its elasticity and strength.
Subcutaneous fat consists of loose connective tissue and fatty inclusions. Its function is the accumulation and storage of nutrients, thermoregulation and the protection of internal organs.
How does an infant’s skin differ from an adult’s?
- A newborn has only three layers of the epidermis: basal, prickly and horny. The rest are formed over the next months – first on the palms and feet, then on the rest of the body.
- The connection between the dermis and epidermis in a child is not as strong as in adults, that is, the baby’s skin is more susceptible to any irritation, inflammation and allergic reactions. It reacts more seriously to damage and does not resist it as well. In the first 2-3 months of life, the baby’s skin has practically no protection.
- The lipid layer of the baby’s skin is very thin. Despite the fact that the sebaceous and sweat glands are formed from birth, they are not fully developed until the age of 3.
- Children’s skin is more sensitive because it has a very thin epidermis and weak immunity. It reacts more strongly to bacteria, infections and temperature extremes.
But there is good news: children’s skin absorbs various products much more actively.
What kind of skin care is needed for an infant?
In the conditions of modern ecology, a newborn child needs help. Their skin needs nourishment, hydration and protection. We cannot wait for the child to naturally develop protective, sebum-regulating, lipid and other functions. How can we help baby skin? You need to choose the right care products. The main priority is safety, so you should pay attention to the composition. Since an infant’s skin is thinner and more sensitive, it requires much more gentle care than the skin of an adult.
Products for baby skin should meet all the needs of the baby’s skin, namely: maintain a balance of moisture, protect against pathogenic microorganisms and soothe the skin. Natural oils are of course the most beneficial in this regard. They create a protective film, soften the skin and improve its elasticity. Natural oils are especially useful if the child has dry skin, rashes, or peeling. The oil is also suitable for massage and for lubricating folds of the skin. The ideal oil is absorbed in a few minutes and leaves the skin even more soft and velvety.
So which oils are ideal for baby skin?
Not all oils are suitable for the delicate skin of newborns. Applying vegetable oils to the skin helps to retain moisture, but some oils (for example, sunflower, olive) slow down the development of the lipid barrier of the stratum corneum, which performs protective functions. In the first month of a baby’s life, only light and liquid natural oils should be used. These include sesame oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, and jojoba oil.
Sesame Oil
Ideal for baby’s delicate skin and for gentle cleansing in the changing area. Does not irritate the skin, protects it from inflammation, has a warming and softening effect. Contains many useful substances, has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, anti-fungal and wound-healing effects. It is used as a massage warming agent, after which the child sleeps better and is less sick.
Application: warm a small amount of oil in your hands and apply to the baby’s skin after bathing.
Sweet Almond Oil
This oil is a natural skin care product for babies and young children. It is gentle enough, does not irritate the skin, and therefore is suitable for removing irritations and redness, as well as for massage. Thanks to its acid-fat composition and moisturising properties, almond oil helps to get rid of seborrheic crusts on the baby’s head 
Application: to remove seborrheic crusts, it is easy to rub a small amount of oil into the places where there are scales and leave it for 10-20 minutes. Then gently rub the baby’s head and wash it with a mild shampoo. For massage, apply a small amount of oil to the baby’s skin and massage easily. You can add a few drops of oil to your baby’s bath.
Wheat Germ Oil
It is not recommended to use it in pure form, but as an additive to other base oils. A unique natural concentrate of vitamins and biologically active substances, it is an excellent antioxidant that removes harmful substances from the bloodstream, and saturates skin cells with oxygen. It has a remarkable softening and moisturising effect, which is why it is used to treat skin irritation and prickly heat in babies. Also used to remove seborrheic crusts on the head of newborns.
Application: Mix wheat germ oil and almond oil (1:10) and proceed as per almond oil (see above).
Jojoba oil
In fact, it is not an oil, but a liquid wax, similar in composition to sebum. When applied to the skin, it forms a breathable film that helps to retain moisture without affecting the functioning of the skin. Jojoba oil protects the delicate skin of babies from weathering and temperature extremes. It is hypoallergenic. This oil is ideal for the care of sensitive and allergic skin, including the delicate skin of babies. Ensure you only use 100% natural jojoba oil.
Application: warm a small amount of oil in your hands and apply to the baby’s skin after bathing.
The above oils can be mixed with each other or applied alternately in pure form (except for wheat germ oil, see above). These oils have a light texture and are suitable not only for cleansing the skin, but also for massage of newborns. When treating the baby’s skin, it is necessary to open and wipe all the folds to avoid irritation.
After the first 6 months, the baby’s skin will become noticeably stronger and will be able to absorb denser oils. Now you can add shea butter and coconut oil to your care regime.
Shea Butter
Helps to prevent diaper rash, helps to moisturise the skin. Suitable for relieving diaper rash when rubbed into the skin. 
Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used for skin care without risk to the child’s health. This butter helps to optimize the natural defenses and is very suitable for sensitive baby skin.
Application: Warm up some shea butter in your hands and treat the baby’s skin, especially paying attention to the irritated skin.
Coconut Oil
Helps eliminate diaper rash and flaking, soothes baby’s skin and protects it from harmful UV radiation. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, suitable for delicate baby skin.
Application: Apply a small amount of oil to the baby’s skin and massage in with gentle movements and leave for a moment to completely absorb. Any excess oil can be removed with a paper towel.
ATTENTION! A sensitivity test is recommended before using the oil for the first time. Apply a drop of oil to the inside of the baby’s elbow and check for a reaction. It is best to leave it for one day. Redness, swelling, burning, etc are unacceptable reactions. In this case, wash the oil off with plenty of water and stop using this product. Most often, there is an increased sensitivity to oils in the first six months of life, although it is likely that the oil will suit the baby in the future, but for now, you should refrain from using it.
Your child is the most valuable thing in your life. The perfect care for the child has already been thought out by Nature. See for yourself how easy it is to give love and care to your baby! None of the synthetic cosmetics can be compared to the natural oil blend created by the hands of a mother for her beloved baby.
