Is Organic Skincare for Babies Really Worth the Fuss?

Would you feed your baby coffee instead of milk? What about a can of ice-cold soda for a hot day? You would undoubtedly say, "Of course not!" But why are people not as stern with their ’NO’s’ when it comes to skincare products for their baby? After all, a baby’s skin is very thin and sensitive. While it is a question that can never fully be answered, we do have an answer for those who do care for their baby’s super bouncy, collagen-filled yet sensitive skin – organic skincare. Image by Sarah Chai from Pexels Organic skincare is non-toxic (natural) and sustainable. By non-toxic, it means that the ingredients used do not contain harmful ingredients. Sustainable produces are natural products harvested without harshly impacting the environment and are free from animal testing. They also are made from ingredients grown organically without pesticides. Ultimately, they are more suited for your baby’s skin. More suited, but is it REALLY worth the FUSS? Is synthetic skincare that bad? There are (in general) three types of skincare products: synthetic, natural (sourced from nature without much modification), and organic (made from organically grown ingredients). Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay Synthetic skincare is made in a laboratory. This means that the ingredients are scientifically derived to copy natural ingredients. While some synthetic ingredients are okay, most are not. When reading labels of your baby’s skincare items, be sure to be on the lookout for parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and diethanolamine (DEA), among others. Alarm bells should ring if you see mineral oils or artificial fragrances added to the mix. Why? Because it may cause irreversible skin allergies and atopic dermatitis. These ingredients are harsh on a baby’s skin. You wouldn’t want them to have rashes or blistering skin, right? If they did, they cannot even tell you how much it itches or hurts. So, are you going to take the risk? Do you know the ingredients? When it comes to skincare, ingredients and formulation are the essence that determines if the products work or not. While the information on its formulation is not accessible to the public, the ingredients are, and hence, you must know what they are. It is best to avoid all parabens; from methylparaben, propylparaben, or butylparaben, because these are preservatives for the product with links to long-term weight issues in babies and reproduction issues among adults. Another issue is with sulfates, which are good at removing dirt but super harsh on the skin. If your baby has any signs of eczema, sulfates will aggravate it. If you see Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate (ALS), sodium stearyl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA), or even sodium coco sulfate, it is best you put it back on the rack. Other no-no’s for baby products include synthetic fragrances, triclosan, talc, formaldehyde, mineral oils, alcohol, and phenyl phenol. When purchasing skincare products for your baby, try spotting the bad ingredients. If there are any, then you should not be wasting your Ringgits on them. Can organic skincare keep a baby’s skin healthy? Image by chezbeate from Pixabay Synthetic ingredients are made in laboratories. While capable of performing their functions, they can be detrimental to the body. Many people prefer synthetic skincare because “it works faster”. It may seem so, but it is also very harsh on sensitive skin – and for babies as we know they have sensitive skin. You see, synthetic skincare seeks to copy natural ingredients, so it is quicker and cheaper to roll out for mass use. Organic skincare, however, takes time, effort, and loads of certification to ensure it is THE REAL THING. The ingredients in modern organic skincare products have actually been used for centuries; used by medics in old civilisations because they work. Modern technology has just reformulated them, so these organic ingredients can function at their best potential. Organic skincare has stood the test of time when it comes to keeping skin healthy (and safe!). A study on Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology on natural baby skincare products on healthy, full-term infants and toddlers showed to be mild, gentle, and acceptable for use in babies. It also led to an enjoyable washing experience for a majority (more than 80%) of the subjects. As for synthetic, it is relatively new, and we may not see the adverse effects until a few decades later. What is the benefit of organic skincare for babies? Image by amyelizabethquinn from Pixabay A baby’s skin is more permeable than an adult's skin. This means that their skin literally ‘drinks up’ whatever you lather. That is why some paediatricians advise to only bathe your baby with water after the first few weeks of being born. At the same time, your baby’s skin really needs good organic products to ensure their skin does not end up dry and flaky. Now, you cannot allow them to drink water until after the first few months. That means the only hydration they have is from breast milk. It may not be enough to keep their skin supple and bouncy. This is when you need hydration from organic skincare. Only clean organic products can ensure your baby’s skin is not absorbing synthetic toxic or even naturally-found toxins into the body. What should I look out for, for my baby’s skin? The best organic product, of course! To know which product that is, here is a story. In 2013, in the technologically advanced country of Japan, a group of experts came together to concoct products made from organic and naturally-derived ingredients for mum-and-baby use. Their aspiration was to provide high-quality and safe-to-use products that do not harm the body in any way. Today, their line covers a wide variety of skincare products, from indoor skincare products to outdoor skincare products. It was then that ALOBABY was born. ALO means to-nurture. The vision is for mums and babies to grow together by learning one from another. ALOBABY believes in the everlasting mum-baby bond that continually nurtures and enriches. Made entirely in Japan, ALOBABY is certified by ECOCERT, a renowned global organic certification organisation founded in France, and is one of the most sought out brands for mum-and-baby products in the country. And rightly so, because 99% or more of the ingredients in all their products are naturally-derived and made without additives, synthetic perfumes, and colouring. Their products are also suitable for people of all ages, including newborns and pregnant women. As proof, all their products are safe for accidental consumption. ALOBABY is currently ranked the No.1 Baby Skincare brand on Rakuten and Top 10 on Amazon in Japan. Ummm, what products does ALOBABY carry? 1. Milky Lotion is a daily baby lotion that deeply moisturises and protects baby's delicate skin. Formulated with 99% of natural ingredients, this lotion contains Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Olive Oil that effectively help to prevent and soothe eczema, heat rash, and dry skin in 7 days. 2. UV & Outdoor Mist is made from Lemongrass Oil as anti-bacterial properties and Olive Leaf Extract as the natural filters to protect from harmful UVA and UVB rays, and serves as a DEET-free insect repellent. 3. Outdoor Spray is a DEET-free insect repellent, made from Orange Fruit Water, Lemongrass Oil, and Rosemary Oil to help protect your baby from microbial and bacterial growth and reduce the redness of insect bites. 4. Baby Balm is a portable stick made from Plant Squalene and Beeswax to provide relief from dry skin and lips. 5. Hand Kirei Mist is an alcohol-free hand sanitiser made from Peppermint Leaf Extract and Rosemary Oil that can kill off 99% of germs and provides a natural antiseptic layer. 6. Baby Bottom Cream (coming soon) is a water-based cream made from Crambe Maritama extract, Shea Butter, and Sambucus Nigra extract to reduce redness, deeply moisturise, and heal open wounds. 7. Baby Soap (coming soon) is a 3-in-1 bath time solution for the hair, face, and body; made from Rose Oil and Citrus Tankan Fruit Water. NEW LAUNCH: Something special for mummies! Great news for mummies! While you are taking care of your baby's skin, do not forget to look after your skin as well! ALOBABY has just launched its ALL-NEW Baby Mark Cream product for mummies who have developed stretch marks during pregnancy and after giving birth. This Body Mark Cream is specially made for pregnant mummies; made from Aphanothece Sacrum Powder to moisturise the skin and prevent stretch marks. PROMO ALERT! Now that you know what the fuss is all about when it concerns organic skincare for babies, you are entitled to get a 5% OFF ALOBABY products with min. spend of RM50! But do not wait too long because it is valid until 26 June 2021. Not only that, you can also buy TWO (2) ALOBABY Milky Lotion products and get 20% OFF at RM 156.80 (Original Price: RM 196.00). Hurry, this is only valid until 30 April 2021! Are you still wondering if you should fuss about your baby’s skincare products? Ahem, we think your baby IS worth the fuss!

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