Young Skin – how to avoid chemical overload.

Did you know that a babies skin and children’s skin is more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals than adults?  This is because their immune systems and central nervous system are still developing, which results in less elimination of chemical toxins than adults.  On top of this, young babies and children have nearly double the skin surface per unit of body weight than adults!  This means that a child can proportionally absorb more chemicals.  That’s why it is so important to think about what products you are using on your babies and children.

Mum and I made our first every batch of soap when I was pregnant with my third child Joseph.  I had been buying natural soaps (some actually not so natural) for the household and the older babies, but I really wanted a pared back soap for my new baby, something with no chemicals, no fragrance, no colours.  Our first batch of soap was an organic honey and oat – and Baby Jo got the use the whole batch with us.  That’s when we started making soap for others and Be Natural was born.  Our mission is to produce great effective products that use only natural ingredients.  In fact most of our ingredients you can eat!

Babies Skin is Special!

Back to babies though!  It is important that firstly, you don’t over wash them!  Babies do not need much cleaning – usually only 2-3 times per week, otherwise you risk drying out their skin.  Use a natural soap, preferably organic and plain water.  There is no need for expensive petroleum based bottled baby washes or bubble bath.  Likewise, with baby balms and lotions.  Choose natural oils such as avocado, olive, cocoa butter or shea butter and use directly on baby.  These oils are all available at the supermarket or online, are cost effective and go a long way.  By using them, along with a natural soap you are considerably reducing your childs exposure to damaging chemical such as parabens and phthalates — dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP).  I read that some laboratory studies have found evidence that phthalates and parabens have the potential to alter hormone levels in the body.  This means they could interfere with normal development, when they are absorbed through the babies skin.

As the children get older, it is important to keep using the natural soap.  This not only reduces their chemical load but also encourages them to use natural products of their own choosing as adults.  A lifelong habit of natural products will hopefully be born – which over their lifetime, may help in reducing chemical toxicity in their bodies.  And remember – using natural product is also better for the planet!

Be Natural has a great line of soap products which are all safe to use on babies skin.  We also have a lovely baby soap – Be Gentle – made with avocado and lavender oils.  Whatever, you choose, make sure it is 100% natural, our childrens health depends on it.