Some Common Irritants in Baby Skin Care Products
It is not uncommon for an infant to develop an allergic reaction to a whole range of baby products, and a little extra knowledge and insight can make it easier for you as a parent to identify the best and safest products to purchase. In the past, studies have revealed dangerous chemicals used on the surfaces of toys and other commodities such as multivitamins for babies. Even dietary proteins are known to cause many allergies in infants. There are concerns with topical lotions and creams that despite their good intentions, can actually irritate baby skin or worsen an existing skin condition. Let’s look first at the skin, and its role in protecting infants from the external toxins.

Functions of the Skin
-    Acts as a physical barrier to chemicals, bacteria, fungi and viruses
-    Protects us from physical impact
-    Vital part of the immune system
-    Protects us from UV rays
-    Production of vitamin D after exposure to sunlight
-    Absorbs nutrients and other substances topically
-    Regulates body temperature
-    Receives and communicates sensations to the brain

Skin is a vital organ of detoxification and elimination, and when it comes in contact with foreign agents, becomes an important protector to the rest of the body. It is in fact, the largest organ of the human body! Keeping skin healthy requires maintaining hydration, oil and acidity levels, clean and unclogged pores, and essential nutrition through the diet. When any of these qualities are compromised, the ability of our skin to function normally is diminished. And while we often think of the potential benefits and dangers of substances we ingest through the mouth, we tend to forget that the skin is a major absorption organ too. The surface of baby skin is considerably more permeable than adult skin, so it will absorb an even greater amount of product applied to the skin. The reality is that babies absorb a lot.

For this reason alone it is worthwhile ensuring that your babys skin care products are as pure and toxin-free as possible. For example, mineral oil is used in many baby product lines, however not only does mineral oil introduce foreign toxins into a babys body, it also sits on the skin and creates a mask through which the skin cannot breathe.

Looking after your babys skin may at some stage require you to work on their digestive health too, because the other major absorption organ in a babys’ body is the gut. In the first month of life as the digestive system develops, there is a marked lack of cohesion between cells, thus it is more open to the invasion of larger particles and proteins. Allergies in the skin can manifest as a result of irritations or disharmonies actually arising from the gut.
Some Common allergens in Baby Products
Mineral oil is a by-product of commercial processes involving crude oil, and when applied to the skin will produce an oily coating. As a moisturiser it is barely effective, because it is so poorly absorbed and does not allow the skin to breathe. This hasn’t stopped many commercial manufacturers from using it in their baby ranges though because it is cheap to produce. Natural emulsions such as beeswax, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and sesame oil are a much better alternative. Knowing that just about anything that sits on a babys skin, is likely at some stage to enter their mouths via the fingers also should discourage one from purchasing products containing mineral oil.. On ingredient lists you will find mineral oil listed also as petroleum, paraffin or paraffin oil.

Natural Alternatives to Mineral Oil : Sesame oil, Sweet Almond oil, Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil, Evening Primrose oil

Propylene glycol is another derivative of mineral oil to look out for, as it has been linked to skin irritation, eczema, seizures and respiratory problems. It takes an infant over three times as long as it does an adult, to clear this chemical from the blood stream so the risk of toxicity is much higher. It is for this reason that many substances deemed completely safe for use on adult skin are not suitable for babies.

Cleansers - natural is better
When selecting cleansing products for babies, aim for organic and natural ingredients. The gentler the product, the healthier it is for a babys’ delicate skin. The concept of wiping out vital natural oils from a babys skin is a concerning prospect as long term use will sabotage the natural development of healthy self-protecting skin. Centuries ago when the paradigm of healing was far different, it was believed that the human body had an innate ability to adapt and heal on its own. A little of this ancient wisdom is still pertinent today as we tend to over-cleanse and scrub away all of our natural defences in the skin. A simple oil like calendula oil makes a good alternative as a cleanser and moisturising emulsion, especially when blended with plant oils such as chamomile. Immediately after birth consider using calendula oil to cleanse the baby of the vernix caseosa rather than mineral oil.

Natural Alternatives for cleansing: Sweet Almond Oil in warm water, Calendula and Chamomile infusions, Herbal baths with rose petals, calendula and chamomile.

Vitamin e is a soothing and softening addition to adult skin products. If however your baby reacts to vitamin e, there are alternative skin nourishers such as hazelnut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. Infusions of herbs like calendula and chamomile and nettle are also good skin tonics.

Coming soon in the next article: Phthalates, vitamin E, xeno-oestrogens and fragrances

References
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Male Reproductive Tract Lesions at 6, 12, and 18 Months of Age Following in Utero Exposure to Di(n-butyl) Phthalate , 32; 79 Toxicol Pathol
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