Baby soap for sensitive skin, how to choose?

Baby's skin is more sensitive than adults, so many skin care products are specifically designed for your little one. If not careful, baby's skin that is still sensitive can become irritated and even inflamed. In addition, there are some babies whose skin is more sensitive than others. One way to overcome this is to choose a special baby soap for sensitive skin. How to choose?

Do you need to use a special soap for sensitive baby skin?

Quoting from Essential Baby, the difference between baby and adult skin is very visible. Michael Freeman, a dermatologist from The Skin Center explained that baby's skin is still developing in the first year of life and is very susceptible to skin infections.

The outer layer of the skin, or epidermis, has an important role as the front line of defense for the body. The epidermis is responsible for maintaining and protecting the organs in the body from being deprived of water.

But not only that, the epidermis also regulates the entry and exit of water content in the skin. This outer layer of skin also acts as a protector of organs in the body from various viruses and bacteria that cause disease.

Considering that the baby's skin is still in the process of development, the epidermis layer of the little one's skin is still very thin and no moisturizer from natural oils has been formed on the skin like adults.

For that, baby's skin is still very sensitive and requires special soap. Even though the skin is still very sensitive, it's best not to over-clean it. Caring for baby's skin also cannot be done carelessly and must be done in the right way.

Still according to Freeman, a common mistake parents make is to use baby soap and shampoo, which are too harsh for their little one's skin.

For example, it contains soap that contains alcohol or added fragrance. Even though this is not good for the health of your little one's skin.

How to choose soap for babies who have sensitive skin

Because baby's skin is still very sensitive, you have to be careful in choosing soap for your little one. To be more precise and in accordance with your baby's skin condition, here's how to choose a baby skin soap, quoting from WebMD:

Avoid antibacterial soaps

Maybe you are worried about bacteria and germs that are scattered outside and want to choose an antibacterial soap.

However, antibacterial soap is not necessary for the health of the baby's skin. The reason is, normal baby soap has the same function as antibacterial soap.

In addition, antibacterial soaps have chemical additives, such as triclosan. Triclosan is commonly used in adult soaps but not in baby soaps.

Avoid soaps that contain added fragrances

Baby soap has a refreshing and soothing aroma. However, soaps that smell too strong need to be watched out because they can contain additional fragrances.

Additional fragrances can cause allergies or allergens and make the baby's skin irritated, dry, to a rash, especially if your baby's skin condition is problematic.

For example, if your little one has skin that is too dry, sensitive, or eczema, you should use a special soap according to the doctor's recommendation for your baby.

To choose a soap without added fragrance but still has a pleasant aroma, you can choose a soap that contains essential oils or plant extracts.

Both ingredients are often used to cover up the unpleasant aroma of the original ingredients.

Avoid soaps containing SLS

SLS is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which is a detergent which is often added to various cleaning products, including baby soap.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) gives the effect of soap to be more foamy. If the soap you choose for your little one is still foamy, it could be that it contains SLS.

SLS can be irritating to the eyes and skin. Not only that, SLS can interfere with the natural oil levels in your little one's skin which play a role in maintaining moisture.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is also a carcinogenic or cancer-causing factor when used continuously.

Choose alcohol-free baby soap

How to choose baby soap for sensitive skin is alcohol free. This content is often used in adult soap products as a solvent.

However, this is not required in baby skin care products like soap as it can be irritating.

Even so, there is a type of alcohol that can be used for baby's skin called cetearyl alcohol. Usually this alcohol content is often used for several baby care products, for example, wet wipes.