We all know how important it is to protect our babies and give them the best start in life. There is so much to think about, from the food we feed them to the clothes they wear. But something that is particularly important is how we treat their delicate skin. Think of all the products that are being advertised at the moment to moisturise or cleanse a baby's skin, look at the labels on these products and you will see countless potentially harmful chemicals that they contain. How can using these popular chemical-filled products truly give your family the best start in life?
Not only are a baby’s skin up to four times thinner than an adults and extremely sensitive, but on average, a staggering 60% of what we apply onto the skin is absorbed into our bodies. Purity in your baby’s skincare is essential. Mr Vitamins have a range of organic baby products that can give you the peace of mind that your precious little one will be cleansed and moisturised with products that are free of any man made chemicals. Below is a list of chemicals you should try your best to avoid when purchasing products for your little ones.
1. Talc
Talc is a form of powdered clay that is used in a range of cosmetic products as a drying agent. Talc can irritate your baby’s tiny lungs and could also be a carcinogen (although this has not yet been proven).
2. Fragrance
Fragrances are added to a variety of baby products in order to give the products a nice overall scent. Fragrance can also be used to mask smells such as other chemicals that may have been used in the production process. Although fragrances are created using sweet smelling essential oils, many manufacturers will not reveal what has been used to create the ‘fragrance’ used in mass market products. Often, this is because the fragrance been created using harmful synthetic materials.
The problem with using fragranced products for sensitive skin is that it can sometimes cause irritation. There is also evidence emerging that using fragranced products could potentially lead to asthma later on in life.
3. Propylene glycol
Remember when we told you that around 60% of what we put onto our skin is absorbed into our bodies? Well, part of that is thanks to propylene glycol, this chemical is used in cosmetic products as it opens our pores allowing better penetration of product into the skin.
Propylene glycol is a chemical used for many different applications, one of which being anti-freeze fluid for aircrafts, it is also found in some brands of baby wipes.
4. 1,4-dioxane and ethoxylated surfactants
1,4-dioxane is used in manufacturing processes to lessen the effects of harsher chemicals. As 1,4-dioxane is not directly added to cosmetic products, it is rarely listed as an ingredient, however many products are often contaminated. Try to steer clear of any baby products that have ingredients that include the letters ‘eth’ as this means 1,4-dioxane may have also been used.
5. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a cheap alternative to more natural and organic oils such as coconut or olive oil. It is a byproduct of crude oil processing and is used in products like baby oil. As it is odourless, it is generally mixed with fragrances and other chemicals that should be avoided. Mineral oil also coats the skin, reducing the ability to discharge toxins.
6. Parabens
Parabens are present in a whole host of cosmetic products as they prevent the growth of bacteria. Parabens can have a negative effect on the immune system, hormone production and have also been linked to breast cancer. Luckily, more and more companies are now beginning to offer paraben-free options.
7. Triclosan
Triclosan is used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent in many cosmetic products. Although protecting your child from bacteria is necessary, at times, it can also have a negative effect on the development of their immune systems. Triclosan was first introduced back in 1969 as a pesticide and is also damaging to the environment.
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