Top Natural Skincare Ingredients For Your Baby

Every parent’s priority when it comes to their babies is usually providing the best for them. This is especially important as babies’ skin is delicate (20x thinner and more sensitive than adult skin) and as their immune systems develop, it is advisable to use the smallest bit of product that contains the mildest ingredients.

With the skincare market flooded with chemical-heavy products, it’s understandable that you are concerned about your baby’s skincare. Luckily, brands like Kanda have created products that are formulated with natural skincare ingredients and are an easy and effective way to protect your little one. To help you simplify your research, we have curated a list of natural ingredients for your baby that you should look out for, and incorporate, in your baby’s skincare routine.

Common Skincare Issues On Baby’s Skin

Babies often suffer different skin issues, many of which are easy to treat despite how concerning they may look. Some of them are:

• Cradle cap: Neonatal dandruff, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is extremely common but the cause isn’t fully known. It tends to occur in areas rich in oil glands in the first three months of life.
• Baby acne: Those maternal hormones that cross the placenta are the culprits for those little reddish facial pimples on your newborn’s face. Those are called baby acne and they are the most common skin issues for babies.
• Diaper rash: This is a skin irritation marked by red inflamed patches or bumps on your baby’s buttocks and genital area. Fungal infections can cause diaper rash. Another common cause is skin inflammation caused by exposure to stool and urine. Harsh soaps, sweat, moisture or diapers that are too tight can also cause a rash or worsen an existing rash.

Causes of Skincare Issues on Baby’s Skin

There are so many factors that can cause skincare issues for babies, the most common factors are:

• Using soaps and other baby products that contain harsh, synthetic chemicals.
• Prolonged exposure to stool, urine, sweat and food particles that aren’t cleaned up.
• Diapers that are too small for your baby’s size or that are worn too tight.

How To Treat Skincare Issues In Babies

Treating some of these skin issues requires products that are readily available at home or at the nearest pharmacy. But if gentle homecare does not relieve these issues, please take your baby to the Pediatrician. Some common at-home treatments for baby’s skin issues are:

• Most cases of cradle cap and baby acne require nothing more than gentle washing and observation and clear up on their own. Petroleum jelly or olive oil can help relieve some of the crusting. And soaps that contain colloidal oatmeal like the Kanda Baby Soap can help relieve the itching.
• Treating diaper rash involves changing diapers often and as soon as the baby urinates or has a bowel movement. Wash your hands before and after you do so. Always dry your baby’s skin thoroughly. Applying petroleum jelly or an occlusive balm with each diaper change can be helpful. Never use talcum powder. Avoid perfumed baby wipes or wipes that contain alcohol. Keep the diapers loose. An antifungal or mild corticosteroid cream used for short periods can speed up healing.

Natural Skincare Ingredients For Your Baby

• Shea Butter

Shea butter is a natural emollient that softens and moisturises the skin, making it perfect for baby skincare. It contains vitamins A and E, which help to soothe and nourish the skin. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. Its fatty acids help to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, protecting it from external irritants. Our Natural Baby Soap which is great for newborns, kids, and adults with sensitive skin contains a healthy quantity of shea butter and six other natural ingredients that work together to provide intense nourishment and hydration for your baby’s skin.

• Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient rich in fatty acids that moisturise and protect the skin barrier. It contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties, and caprylic acid, which helps to maintain skin hydration. Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and promote healing. Our meticulously curated products like our Kanda Baby Soap and the Olive & Coco Baby Oil are infused with coconut oil, ensuring your baby’s skin stays intensely moisturised.

• Olive Oil

Olive oil is naturally high in the beneficial fatty acids called linoleic acid and oleic acid. Scientific research suggests that linoleic acid can help strengthen your baby’s skin barrier. This essential oil is contained in both the Kanda Baby Soap and the Olive & Coco Baby Oil.

• Colloidal Oatmeal

Known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, colloidal oatmeal is ideal for sensitive and irritated skin. It contains beta-glucan, which creates a protective film on the skin, and saponins, which have natural cleansing properties. Colloidal oatmeal helps to relieve itching and redness associated with conditions like cradle cap and baby eczema. The Baby Soap is infused with colloidal oatmeal, offering a gentle and calming cleanse for your little one’s delicate skin while preventing skin conditions like cradle cap, eczema and rash flare-ups.

• Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil acts as a natural emollient, which makes it suitable for your baby’s delicate skin. Natural jojoba oil is effective in treating skin rashes in babies and for general skin care. It is even gentle enough for you to apply a few drops of the oil directly on skin that is affected by rashes. Jojoba Oil is part of the oils contained in the formulation of the Kanda Olive & Coco Baby Oil, making it the perfect oil for your baby’s skin.

Skincare Routine For Babies

Generally, babies don’t need so much of a skincare regimen because their skin needs little to no manipulation. But when you need to cleanse your baby, use lukewarm water, a gentle cleansing product, and a natural-based oil. That’s all your baby’s skin needs to stay clean and healthy while avoiding developing skin issues.

• Step 1: Gentle cleanser that includes colloidal oatmeal and simple oils.
• Step 2: Any recommended treatment products from your dermatologist for existing skin issues.
• Step 3: Moisturise with oils that contain natural ingredients.

Additional Tips For Managing Your Baby’s Skin

With baby’s skincare, the 2 cardinal rules are ‘less is more’ and ‘simple is best’. The more products you use on babies, the higher the probability they develop skin irritations and issues. Also, the fewer ingredients a product has, the better for your baby’s skin. Additional tips for caring for your baby’s skin are:

• Always protect your baby’s skin. Avoiding sun exposure is the best protection, but use physical barriers like clothing, hats and stroller covers whenever you take your baby outside.
• Avoid products that contain perfumes and dyes. Some scented petroleum jelly may smell great but can be bad for your baby’s skin. When in doubt, go for unscented products.
• Babies don’t need an elaborate skin care regimen and barely any products. Keep bathing to a minimum to avoid stripping the skin of its protective natural oils.