Children Skin Care: Cosmetics and sunscreen can have dangerous impact on children’s health |

Self care products and skincare for children is a huge industry already and it is necessary to moisturise and protect a baby’s tender skin at all times. However, a recent study by George Mason University College of Public Health has found a link between the use of personal care products like lotions, hair oils, and sunscreens and elevated levels of harmful chemicals called phthalates in young children.The research reveals that exposure to these endocrine-disrupting chemicals varies among different racial and ethnic groups.
Phthalates are commonly used in plastics to enhance flexibility and durability, and they are also present in many personal care items. These chemicals can mimic, inhibit, or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, raising concerns about their effects on children’s development.
“This is the first study to suggest that different skin care products used by young children may differentially increase exposure to endocrine-disrupting phthalates and phthalate replacements in young children,” said Michael S. Bloom, professor at George Mason University’s College of Public Health and the study’s primary investigator.
If this gets your alarm bells ringing, one can always opt for skin care products with natural ingredients and read the label for certifications from various labs. If this does not take your woes away, turn to home remedies that have been used by our grandparents for ages.

Natural ingredients to replace baby skincare:

While it is important to raise public awareness about the possible dangers these chemicals pose, especially for children, it’s equally important to prioritise gentle, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic options when choosing natural products for babies. Here are some natural products that can be safely used for for your child’s self care:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a real hero when it comes to your child’s skin care. It is great for moisturising the skin, treating diaper rashes, and as a massage oil. Coconut oil is not only gentle for your baby’s skin but it contains natural antibacterial properties too.

Shea Butter

A perfect moisturiser for all ages, shea butter can heal dry and irritated skin, especially helpful for eczema. It can also be applied to diaper rash areas.

Aloe Vera Gel

This green succulent plant is well hailed for its amazing healing properties. Known for its soothing and cooling quality, aloe vera can help heal dry skin, minor skin irritations, rashes, and sunburn. It contains natural antibacterial qualities that can help heal skin imperfections.

Calendula Cream

Calendula is one such ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and healing properties making it an excellent remedy for diaper rash, skin irritation, or minor cuts and scrapes.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is light and hydrating and can be used to massage a baby before bath. This will leave their skin plump and moisturised for longer.

Chamomile Oil

This calms the skin redness and irritation like no other. Chamomile oil can soothe irritated skin and is great for baby massages to promote relaxation.

Beeswax balm

For major skin dryness, Beeswax mixed with natural oils can serve as an occlusive for dry and chapped skin. Beeswax balm forms a protective barrier on the skin preventing it from getting dry.

Oatmeal bath

Mix a spoonful of oatmeal in milk and use it to bathe the child. It will gently scrub away dead skin cells while making their skin soft and supple. Oatmeal also helps soothe itchy or irritated skin in children with eczema or extremely dry skin.
All of these natural products are generally safe for babies but always do a patch test to check for any sensitivity.