Guardian Malaysia: The healing power of nature of baby's dry skin

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The Healing Power of Nature for
Baby's Dry Skin

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	Baby and adult - in two different skins
	Babies do suffer from dry skin!
	The healing powers of nature
	How to take care of your infant's skin?
	Bonding with your baby - moisturize through massage


	Baby and adult - in two different skins
	Baby skin is really different from adult skin. As baby skin rapidly develops during the first years of life, there are some distinct differences. • Infant skin has an immature barrier: the barrier is under development, hence most susceptible to effects from the environment. The skin needs protection against dryness and external challenges. • The dynamic water handling properties of infant skin are different. Infant skin absorbs and loses moisture at a faster rate than mature skin.

• Infant skin is much more active than adult skin. Cells develop at a rapid pace. This high metabolic activity can lead to the potential for oxidative stress.

Skin in general plays a role to:
• protect the body from water loss and from injury due to bumps, chemicals, sunlight or microorganisms ('germs');
• control body temperature;
• be a sensor to inform the brain of changes in the immediate environment; and
• synthesize vitamin D.

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Babies do suffer from dry skin!

Studies have shown that up to 60 percent of babies has clinically visible dry skin. Parents can actually pick out these dry spots and extra dry patches in their babies. Parents can identify dry areas as they generally look drier and feel rougher on their babies.

Is dry skin harmful?
No. But it does cause infants discomfort and creates an unsightly appearance. It is important that a part of the skin called stratum corneum is kept intact to ensure skin's physical and chemical barriers are kept intact.

How can you stave off dry skin?
Well, it seems like a daily care regimen with moisturizing products is needed.

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			The healing powers of nature
			Baby's unique skin needs can actually be aided by some natural compounds. However, the ingredients need to be blended in the right proportions. Look for a range that contains blends of Vitamin E, olive oil extracts and skin essential minerals to soothe and protect baby's skin, even the extra dry patches. Vitamin E - This is an essential, fat soluble vitamin long known for its protective, antioxidant benefits. This neutralizes harmful free radicals from the environment and is known to stabilize cell membranes. Olive leaf extract - It has been recognized in ancient civilizations for its beneficial properties. This extract has been shown to provide antioxidant benefits. Skin essential amino acid and minerals play a role in replenishing skin by reconstructing the barrier and act as a building blocks in skin development.

Besides these, other rich emollients like Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil combined with moisturizing Aloe Vera and Chamomile extract help provide moisture to infant skin.

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How to take care of your infant's skin

Here are some tips to ensure you are caring for your child's skin:

1. Moisturize baby skin everyday. Don't wait for it to look dry, because it can be hard to see the signs of dryness on baby skin.

2. Moisturize right after the bath. Moisturize before you towel dry to lock in all moisture from the bath water.

3. Use an ample amount of lotion. Coat baby's body with moisturizer and do not be afraid to slather it on.
4. Make the most of this time - bond with your baby during the massage.

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Bonding with your baby - moisturize through massage

How else can you monitor baby skin health? Massage. Massaging your baby will give you a way to check each and every inch of your baby for dryness. Also, massaging may help as your baby grows - to ease the transitions. Your baby gets to bond with you emotionally and physically as well.

How does massage help?
• Calms your baby down during periods of fretfulness. Massaging can reduce the circulation of the stress hormone cortisol in the bloodstream.
• Increases endorphins in the bloodstream - this lifts baby's mood.
• Tummy stroking disperses air - and hence eases gas and constipation problems.
• During periods of teething - massage releases tension.
• Relaxes arms and legs.
• And importantly, builds trust.

Besides being doing a world of good for your baby, massage also is a calming and relaxing exercise for you - the knowledge that your touch is increasing the bond and trust with your baby.

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