How to Ace Your Baby’s Skincare Routine from 0-2 Years?

When your little one enters your life, they become central to your world. Seeing them turn from little peanuts into toddlers is life-changing! You get to witness their little quirks, subtle body changes, and colourful personalities with each step of their growth and development! You do your best to nurture and nourish them, keeping in mind their changing needs.  

Their skincare is one such thing that requires the utmost care. The skin is the largest organ of your baby’s body, and it is essential to ensure that it gets the proper care with the right products at the right age. As a baby, your angel has the most gentle and sensitive skin that is prone to skin problems when exposed to the elements like the weather, the wrong clothing, the wrong care routine, and, of course, the wrong skincare products.

But don’t worry! We are here to ensure that you are equipped with the right tips and tools to ensure that your little one’s skin is well taken care of, with the best products at every stage.

Ingredients That Boost Your Baby’s Skin 

Before you buy skincare products for your baby, it is vital to understand how your baby’s skin works! As a newborn, babies’ skins have a pH level of 7. This makes their skin highly sensitive, thus requiring gentler care. In about three months, they develop an acid mantle, a layer that protects their skin. So, when using skincare products on your tiny tot, choose ones with a pH level 5.5 from day one. This is vital – as this is the ideal pH value you want their skin to be.

Additionally, you want to pick products that don’t contain a lot of fragrance, are hypoallergenic, have natural ingredients and essential oils, and are gentle and easily absorbed.

Here are some of the ingredients to look out for:

1. Panthenol

Also known as Vitamin B5, it is a soothing, moisturising, and anti-inflammatory, which makes it ideal for your baby’s gentle skin. It also stimulates the skin’s healing process and improves its barrier function.

2. Shea Butter

A well-known skincare ingredient that is good for babies and adults alike, this ingredient quickly absorbs into the skin and creates a smooth layer that locks in moisture and soothes the skin. It is also rich in Vitamins A, E, and F, minerals and nutrients that a baby’s skin needs.

3. Jojoba Oil

Another anti-inflammatory natural ingredient perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin, it helps repair the skin and reduces irritation, so it’s great for little ones who suffer from eczema, dry skin, or rashes. It is also hypoallergenic, so you might spot this ingredient in baby products like moisturisers, massage oils, lotions, and diaper rash creams.

4. Squalane

Squalane is an organic compound found commonly in baby skincare products due to its hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Products like Sebamed’s Baby Wash contain squalane, which helps prevent lipid and moisture loss. It also maintains a pH of 5.5, which helps protect your baby’s skin.

5. Beeswax

A natural ingredient produced by bees, it works wonders for your baby’s skin, primarily to protect it from itching, irritation, inflammation, and swelling caused by dry skin and eczema. It does this by soothing the skin and locking in moisture, making it a desirable ingredient in baby care products like lip balms and lotions.

Ingredients To Avoid in Baby Skincare Products

As we all know, a newborn’s skin is still developing and lacks the moisture required to keep it hydrated all day. So, they need baby skin products to help lock in the moisture and prevent their skin from dryness, itching, inflammation, and irritation. It is also crucial to avoid using adult skincare items on babies as they contain chemicals that can react with their sensitive skin and cause unwanted problems. Always opt for baby skincare brands that avoid harmful ingredients such as those mentioned below:

1. Parabens

It is a preservative used in cosmetics and skincare products to increase their shelf-life. However, this ingredient reacts with a baby’s skin and causes allergies and irritation. It is best to avoid baby products that contain parabens. While some products are marked as ‘paraben-free,’ they still might include paraben-by products like ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, or propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate), so keep an eye out for them!

2. Formaldehyde

Another preservative used in skincare products that can cause an allergic reaction or inflammation. Formaldehyde can also affect your baby’s immune system (which is still developing!), so it is best to use a gentle baby wash or baby skincare free of formaldehyde and its by-products.

3. Sulphates

Sulphates are often used in shampoos, cleansers, soaps, and body washes as foaming or lathering agents, but they tend to irritate a baby’s eyes, skin, and lungs – causing irritation, dryness, inflammation, and respiratory issues. So choose soaps and washes that are gentle and alkali-free.

4. Fragrance

Artificial fragrances in skincare products can cause irritation and allergies in your tiny tot. So, when picking lotions or other daily skincare routine products, opt for ones with a mellow botanical fragrance, ones containing natural oil extracts, or those labelled phthalate-free/ fragrance-free.

Now that you know what to look for when choosing the right skincare products for your baby, let us delve into the realm of Dos and Don’ts to remember when it comes to your cuddlebug’s skin.

A Skincare Routine Guide for Your Baby From 0-2 Years

Between the age of 0 to 2 years, your little one’s skin is extremely sensitive. For the first three months, they have a pH level of 7. During this period, the skin forms an acid mantle, which protects a baby’s skin from various elements. The ideal level is pH 5.5, which is vital to remember when picking baby skincare products. Keeping that in mind, here is a list of tips to follow while caring for your newborn’s skin:

1. Make Bathing Safe

Here are a few things to remember when bathing your baby! Ensure the water is lukewarm and not hot because extreme temperatures can cause redness and dry skin. Keep the bath short and sweet, as long baths can dry the skin. Use gentle baby washes that are tear-free, artificial fragrance-free, have a pH of 5.5 and help lock in the moisture. When bath time is up, dab them gently with a soft towel to dry them up!

2. Remember to Moisturise

After a cleansing bath, it is essential to lock in the moisture before your baby’s skin dries out. It is vital to use baby moisturisers like Sebamed’s Baby Lotion, which has a pH of 5.5 and contains a natural botanical fragrance, chamomile, and emollient complex to soothe and hydrate the skin. It is easy to apply and quickly absorbed by the skin.

Complete the routine with a tiny amount of face cream and a touch of Sebamed’s Baby Lip Balm to protect from elements that cause dryness, chapped lips, and skin cracks from saliva.

3. Pick the Right Clothing

When selecting your little one’s outfits, ensure they are soft, comfortable, and suitable for the weather.

4. Change Diapers Often

Diapers trap moisture, and keeping them on for a prolonged period increases the risk of fungal or bacterial infections, which lead to diaper rashes, redness, itching, inflammation and irritation. So change them every couple of hours. Ensure they are well-fitting, as the movement and friction from big diapers may also trigger a rash. If your baby is suffering from a rash, use a diaper cream to prevent further moisture retention.

5. Massage Their Skin

Using natural and essential oils to massage your baby helps with blood circulation, further nurturing the skin. Apply a gentle baby oil or Sebamed’s Baby Cream Extra Soft with pH 5.5 in soothing, gentle circles. You can do this twice daily – once after a bath and before bedtime- to ensure your baby’s skin stays soft and supple.

6. Protect Them from the Sun

If your baby is below the age of 6 months, avoid taking them out into direct sunlight. After six months, use baby sunscreen and protective clothing to shield them from the Sun’s harmful rays if you take them out for a stroll!

The apple of your eye deserves the best of everything, so you must pick the right baby skincare products for them. Limiting the number of brands you use is essential, as mixing too many skincare products might cause a reaction in your baby’s skin. Once you find the right set of products, stick to them! Always do a patch test to see if your baby’s skin agrees with the product and stick to a regimen. You should also consult your paediatrician or a dermatologist when changing your baby’s skincare routine.

Also Read:

Baby Skin Care Ritual
Why an Ideal pH 5.5 is Important for a Newborn’s Skin

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