Grapeseed Oil for Baby – Benefits and Precautions

When caring for your baby’s skin, it is crucial to understand that it is far more delicate than adult skin. Therefore, taking extra care of his soft and supple skin becomes essential. You can care for your little one’s skin in many ways and use different creams and oils. Have you heard about the wonders of grapeseed oil? Grapeseed oil for baby massage is popular among parents due to its light texture and gentle moisturising. Read on to know the benefits of grapeseed oil for your baby’s skin. We shall also discuss the preventive measures you might need to take while using this oil for your baby.

Is Grapeseed Oil Safe to Use for Babies?

Grapeseed oil is generally considered safe for babies’ skin (2), but it’s essential to perform a patch test before use. Consulting with a doctor is advisable, especially if your baby has sensitive or existing skin conditions. With proper precautions, grapeseed oil can be a safe option for baby skincare.

Benefits of Using Grapeseed Oil for Babies

Grapeseed oil is derived by compressing the seeds of grapes. It is used in various cosmetic ingredients for cooking and personal use. Here are the reasons why grapeseed oil is good for your baby’s skin:

1. Keeps Your Baby’s Skin Safe

As mentioned above, babies have incredibly delicate skin, and it is essential to provide moisture and nourishment. However, some oils available to massage a baby can trigger problems like rashes or other allergic reactions. Grapeseeds contain linoleic and oleic oils (4), essential oils considered the safest options with no reported side effects.

2. Heals Your Baby’s Dry Skin

Your baby’s skin is tender and thus more prone to rashes, infections, and dryness. Babies can quickly lose their skin moisture when exposed to warm air, cold weather, or dry heat. Grapeseed oil is the perfect remedy for these problems, as it is easily absorbed into the skin and does not leave a sticky residue.

3. Great for Your Baby’s Hair

Like the skin, your baby’s hair is soft and delicate and requires extra care. Babies may sometimes suffer from hair and scalp issues such as cradle cap, which is common among newborns. Massaging your baby’s hair and scalp with this oil can help eliminate this problem.

4. Helps Keep Your Baby’s Skin Healthy

Grapeseed oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties (5). Applying this oil on your baby’s skin will not only help keep his skin healthy but can also help keep skin problems like baby eczema at bay.

Apart from offering several benefits to your baby, grapeseed oil is equally great for mommy. This oil is excellent for providing moisture to dull skin and has anti-ageing (7) and skin-tightening properties. Some studies also support that consuming this oil can lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the body (6).

How to Use Grapeseed Oil on Baby’s Skin?

Grapeseed oil can be a gentle and natural way to moisturise and protect newborns’ delicate skin. Here’s a simple guide on using grapeseed oil for baby massage.

What You Need

• Grapeseed oil (high-quality, pure, cold-pressed) (1)
• Coconut oil or sweet almond oil
• Small bowl

How to Use It

1. Pour equal parts of grapeseed and chosen carrier oil into a small bowl.
2. Stir the oils together thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.
3. Perform a patch test on a small area of your baby’s skin to ensure they don’t have any adverse reactions to the oil blend.
4. Pour a small amount of oil into your palms and rub them together to warm the oil slightly.
5. Gently massage the oil onto your baby’s skin using gentle, circular motions.
6. Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, such as elbows, knees, and cheeks.

How is Grapeseed Oil Better than Other Oils for Babies?

Why go for grapeseed oil when there is a large variety of oils? Here are some comparisons that might help you make the right decision:

1. Grapeseed Oil Compared to Coconut Oil

Both oils are widely used for massaging baby’s skin. While coconut oil works best for chapped skin, grapeseed oil is great for removing skin dryness. Coconut oil tends to solidify at room temperature, making it tedious to apply. That is not the case with grapeseed oil.

2. Grapeseed Oil Compared to Mineral Oil and Olive Oil

Mineral oils give a heavy feel to the skin and can also clog pores. However, grapeseed oil is very light, easily absorbed into the skin, and does not leave any residue or cause clogging of the baby’s pores. Grapeseed oil has a higher percentage of linoleic acid, which makes it better than olive oil for your munchkin’s soft skin.

Precautions to Take While Using Grapeseed Oil on Your Baby

Grapeseed oil has several benefits; however, we suggest that you exercise caution when it comes to using grapeseed oil for newborn babies. Here are some things to keep in mind before using the oil:

• Do not go overboard while using this oil for your baby; use it in moderation.
• Ask your doctor before using this oil on your baby.
• Use the correct method of massaging (3) to obtain maximum benefits.

FAQs

1. How often can I use grapeseed oil on my baby’s skin?

Applying grapeseed oil once or twice daily, particularly after baths, can help maintain moisture and protect the skin. However, it’s crucial to monitor your baby’s skin for any signs of irritation or discomfort and adjust usage accordingly. Over-moisturising can sometimes lead to skin issues, so it’s essential to strike a balance and use the oil moderately.

2. Can grapeseed oil help with common baby skin issues like diaper rash?

Yes, grapeseed oil can soothe and prevent diaper rash. Its moisturising properties help create a protective barrier on the skin, reducing friction and irritation from diapers. Applying a thin layer of grapeseed oil to clean dry skin during diaper changes can help moisturise the area and prevent diaper rash.

Natural ingredients may provide immense health benefits to your baby, but make sure you use them with discretion and in consultation with your doctor. Grapeseed oil for newborn skin can help maintain skin health and may soothe minor skin irritations. If you see any rashes on your baby’s skin after using this oil, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.

References/Resources:

1. Baby massage: tips and benefits; NCT; https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/everyday-care/baby-massage-tips-and-benefits

2. Alparslan. O; Baby Massage and Massage Oils: Are they safe?; Pediatric Practice and Research; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359366949_Baby_Massage_and_Massage_Oils_Are_they_safe

3. Ideran. P, Fishbein. M; The Benefits of Baby Massage; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/the-benefits-of-baby-massage.aspx

4. Garavaglia. J, Markoski. M. M, Oliveira. A, Marcadenti. A; Grape Seed Oil Compounds: Biological and Chemical Actions for Health; Nutrition and Metabolic Insights; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4988453/

5. Gupta. M, Dey. S, Marbaniang. D, Pal. P, Ray. S, Mazumder. B; Grape seed extract: having a potential health benefits; Journal of Food Science and Technology; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7054588/; September 2019

6. Bellili. S, Jazi. S, Nasr. S, et al.; Grape seed oil: Chemical composition, biological properties and health benefits; Food Science And Technology; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325951791_Grape_seed_oil_Chemical_composition_biological_properties_and_health_benefits; January 2018

7. Unusan. N; Proanthocyanidins in grape seeds: An updated review of their health benefits and potential uses in the food industry; Journal of Functional Foods; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620300852

Also Read: 

Almond Oil for Baby Massage
Using Sesame Oil for Baby
Benefits of Using Olive Oil for Baby Massage
Health Benefits of Using Coconut Oil for Babies