Love Me Baby Me: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt Your Kids…Staying Informed About Children’s Skincare!

As a parent, you only want the best for your children. You feed them the right foods, make sure they get exercise, read books to them and spend most of your time and energy helping them become the best people they can be. But you may also be putting them at risk for rashes or allergic reactions as a result of the lotions, shampoos, and diaper creams you use on a daily basis.

We all know that babies have delicate skin, but did you know that a baby’s skin is five times thinner than that of an adult? As a result, their skin (the largest organ in the entire body) is at much higher a risk for irritation by harsh chemicals found in many skincare products, even by those targeted to children. While irritation can occur from synthetic fragrances, humectants, and surfactants in the products (used to create lather in soaps and shampoos), the real danger may lurk in the preservatives.

Preservatives are a necessary part of any product and play an important role in limiting the growth of bacteria that could harm delicate skin. Some such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are relatively safe since they are mostly salt, but can irritate a baby’s skin. However, many baby products contain a class of preservatives called parabens (methyl, ethyl, propel and butylparaben), which act like hormones and disrupt the body’s immune system.

This hormonal link may be the most cause for concern. Parabens, used as food preservatives, are flushed out of the body during the digestive process, making them less harmful. However, when parabens are applied to the skin in a cream or lotion, they are absorbed directly into the body. I have had the pleasure of interviewing, British researcher, Dr. Phillipa Darbre, on one of my radio shows…(you may visit: www.lovemebabyme.com/previousshows.php to hear this “enlightening” interview…on January 28, 2007)! Dr. Darbre conducted a study on samples of 20 breast tumors and found traces of parabens in eighteen of them, suggesting that parabens applied to the skin were absorbed and remained in breast tissue1. This danger does not only apply to girls and women. Recent studies in China and Japan have linked parabens to low sperm count and decreased testosterone levels.2

Although it is not yet proven that parabens are the sole culprits in this health crisis, A NEW GENERATION OF AWARE PARENTS™ is opting not to take the risk with their children. These parents are looking for a safer, gentler alternative to the synthetic preservatives found in most baby products (both name brand products and those found in the local health food stores). Remember, not all ‘natural’ products are created equal. I invite you to join this quest, by committing to read each and every label of skincare products BEFORE you apply it to your child’s skin.

Parents owe it to themselves and their children to know all about the products they use. Whatever you choose for your children’s skincare, make sure you understand the benefits and any potential risks. Knowledge is Power, and Aware Parents make all the difference in happy, healthy children!!

Until next time….”Happy Parenting!!”

Rosemary Anthony