AskMeDoctor! NIVEA BABY Episode 03: What Mummies Need to Know About Good Natural Ingredients for Children

As a new mum it can be confusing and even overwhelming trying to find the best skincare for your newborn. Of course, we all know about the basics: cleansing, moisturising, etc. However, you may still have a few questions about how to find the right products. Products that are not only safe for your baby's skin, but also contain ingredients that are effective, protective and nourishing. In this episode of AskMeDoctor!, we are joined by Dr. Kartini, a consultant dermatologist from Avisena Women’s and Children’s Specialist Hospital to share more with us about the good natural ingredients for children’s skin. Q1. Why is it important to have gentle and safe products for our children’s skin? It’s important to have gentle and safe products for our children because their skin is more sensitive and delicate than adults. It is also important to choose the products carefully because their skin may easily succumb to infections, illness and even irreversible damage, if they were exposed to unsafe products. Children and baby skin are also thinner than an adult's. This is why you have to look for skincare products which contain safe, non-toxic and gentle ingredients. Q2. How to choose a skincare product that is suitable for children? As parents, we want the best skincare for our children. And this includes helping to keep their skin soft and healthy. Each child is unique, and some ingredients can cause sensitivity and irritation. Parents may want to try a product on their baby's skin first to see if they develop any unwanted reaction to it. My most important tip is to choose a product that is specially formulated for baby’s skin from a trustworthy brand, containing gentle and safe ingredients. Q3. Why moisturising is important for children’s skin? The skin barrier function, which is in the epidermis, plays an important role in forming a protective layer against water evaporation from the skin into the environment, and against external allergens, irritants and germs entering the skin. However, bathing or washing children’s skin with a cleanser, and being exposed to a dry or cold environment, may strip away the natural oil layer and moisture. This changes the skin's pH level, causing it to become dry and causing the skin barrier to dysfunction. Children have thinner skin, so they lose moisture faster than us adults. This also means that children’s skin is extra prone to dryness and irritation. Moisturisers are used to maintain skin barrier function by supplying the skin with hydration, and inhibiting water loss. It also has the benefit of smoothing children’s skin. For children with eczema, water-based moisturisers provide a cooling effect from water evaporation on the skin surface which reduces itch symptoms. Q4. How does one choose between lotion, cream or ointment? Lotion is easily spreadable on the skin, and is suitable for all types of weather. This is the type that cools the skin. The next one is cream, which has a thicker consistency than lotion, and is more suitable for drier skin conditions. Ointment is more suitable for very dry skin conditions. It lasts longer than the lotion or cream. However, it may feel too greasy and hot when used during hot weather. Q5. Why is Aloe Vera and Chamomile beneficial to children’s skin? Aloe Vera is beneficial to children’s skin as it has a cooling effect and it soothes itchiness that comes with dry skin. It also has mucopolysaccharides that help bind moisture into the skin. Chamomile is beneficial to children’s skin as it’s a natural ingredient or natural relaxant that can calm your children’s senses easily. It also possesses anti-inflammatory effects, meaning it will soothe all the soreness or rashes and reduce redness. https://youtu.be/qs1OH00cy0g Nourish Your Child's Skin with NIVEA BABY & Kids Products NIVEA BABY & Kids products contain gentle, nourishing and safe ingredients that are perfect for the sensitive, delicate skin of children. Tested by both paediatricians and dermatologists, NIVEA BABY & Kids are tear-free and free of alcohol and parabens. So, you know that the formula is non-toxic, effective and perfect for kids. With NIVEA BABY & KIDS products, rest assured your children's skin will stay healthy, soft and protected. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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