Why do babies need their own skincare products?

Baby skin is thinner than adult skin

Babies are pretty thin-skinned, and we don’t just mean that they cry super easily. The outermost layer of babies’ skin, called the skin barrier, is actually up to 30% thinner than that of adults. The skin barrier’s main functions are to shield the body from harmful bacteria and other irritants and to lock in moisture.

Because their skin barriers are thinner, baby skin loses moisture twice as quickly as adult skin, which makes their skin more prone to dryness and irritation. Their thin skin also makes them more sensitive to changes in temperature, which is why it’s important to keep them cozy in the winter and cool in the summer.

Babies also have a lot more skin than adults do

Babies also have a lot more skin relative to their weight than adults do – picture all of those adorable rolls. This means that anything that you apply to your baby’s sensitive skin will be more concentrated and easily absorbed, so you’ll want to make sure that the products you use are especially gentle.

Scientists at Mustela, a leader in natural baby skincare, found that baby skin is super rich in stem cells, which help to restore and maintain skin as babies grow. These cells are at maximum strength at birth, but are extremely vulnerable during the first few years of life when their skin barrier is forming, so it’s super important to protect your baby’s skin.

What makes baby skincare products special?

The products you’re used to buying likely have additives that aren’t ideal for babies. Shampoo and lotion often have added fragrances that make them smell wonderful. You’ll typically find added dye in “color protecting” detergents and, of course, in your cosmetics. Face washes and some soaps can have gentle exfoliants that are actually too much for a baby’s soft skin. Skincare products designed for specifically for babies will avoid added fragrances, dyes, exfoliants, and other potential irritants that adults don’t have to worry about.

Baby skincare products – like shampoo, soap, and lotion – should be super gentle on your baby’s fragile skin, so they protect without irritating. Look for packaging that describes products as mild, natural, and hypoallergenic. Also, babies love to put their hands in their mouths, so it’s important that their products be safe to ingest in small amounts.

All of Mustela’s products are formulated in France, where the cosmetic safety guidelines are the strictest in the world, so their products are free of the 1,300 ingredients that are banned by the European Union. Their ingredients are 95% naturally-derived, 100% hypoallergenic, and contain 0% parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol. Explore natural, effective, and safe skincare from Mustela that strengthens and protects your baby’s skin by tapping below. You can even save 20% sitewide with code OVIA20!