Baby Skin Care Regime – Myths Busted!
Babies have very soft and delicate skin and along with other things, mothers take utmost care of it. But there are some myths about the skin care regime which we want to explain to all the beautiful mothers. So here we go!
Myth 1: Bathing in milk will give your baby great skin. Fact - If someone is suffering from skin inflammation, like eczema, then milk is a good agent to soothe the skin. But then there are various other products which have a similar soothing effect. Milk moisturizes and lubricates the skin and can be used as a compress for sunburn or rashes on your baby's skin. A milk bath is not required daily to maintain the excellent skin quality of your baby.
Myth 2: Skin problems like eczema, aggravates with increase in stress level Fact - There is no doubt that stress aggravates skin problems and can make one feel itchier. Skin inflammation is directly related to stress. Acne, psoriasis and eczema are few of the skin problems which are prone to aggravate with increase in stress level. It is advisable to consult your baby's paediatrician, in case your baby has any skin problem.
Myth 3: Your baby's skin stays cleaner with use of anti bacterial toiletries Fact - It is not possible to free our skin of bacteria as human skin contains (harmless) bacteria in its natural form. Yes, using anti-bacterial toiletries may keep your baby's skin cleaner but it is advisable not to use anti-bacterial toiletries daily as it may result in resistance against bacteria. So, use the regular toiletries meant for babies, daily.
Myth 4: What you eat during pregnancy will affect the skin colour of your baby, is a belief among some Chinese people. Fact - Some Chinese people believe that eating light coloured food, like soya bean milk or tofu, during pregnancy will affect the skin colour of the newborn baby. This is not true as the colour of the food you eat during pregnancy has no relevance to the colour of the skin of the newborn. The colour of the baby's skin is determined by the genes, so it is advisable not to pay heed to such beliefs.
Myth 5: A common belief among some Indians is that if the pregnant or lactating mother drinks milk with saffron, then the newborn will be of fairer skin Fact - Although it is common in India to drink milk with saffron for fairer skin, there is no evidence to support this. The colour of your baby's skin is determined by genes and we would like to add that saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. We are aware that as a parent you want the best for your baby but it is advisable to be more aware and logical before following any regime that you hear or read about. So, in case you enjoy the taste of saffron infused milk, you can have it during pregnancy but do not expect the mythical outcome.
Myth 6: Baby’s skin is the same as adult’s Fact - An adult’s skin is usually exposed to multiple things like harsh climate, environmental changes, chemicals, etc. that tend to have an unwanted impact on it. On the other hand, a baby's skin is delicate, tender and sensitive. The skin of an infant is still developing. The epidermis of a baby's skin is one third the thickness of an adult skin. Hence, dirt and bacteria can easily penetrate through the immature barrier of a baby's skin. The sweat glands of an infant are less effective, which means that the baby's skin absorbs and loses moisture easily. Due to this the function of temperature regulation of a baby's body is much lesser as compared to that of an adult. Sebum and Melanin are also produced less in a baby's skin. All this means that the baby’s skin calls for more attention and care.
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The information published herein is intended and strictly only for informational, educational, purposes and the same shall not be misconstrued as medical advice. If you are worried about your own health, or your child’s well being, seek immediate medical advice. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website. Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries assumes no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the information contained in this article. Further, while due care and caution has been taken to ensure that the content here is free from mistakes or omissions, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information here, and to the extent permitted by law, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries do not accept any liability or responsibility for claims, errors or omissions.
