As a new parent you can watch your little one for hours and you naturally want to proudly introduce the little one to those around you. However, it can be shocking if your child's skin is suddenly full of pimples or red spots after a few weeks. Although you might think that pimples only appear during puberty, babies can also suffer from them. Fortunately, baby acne and eczema often go away on their own. It is important that you take proper care of your little one's skin to prevent it from getting worse. Curious how to do this? We'll tell you!
Why are babies extra sensitive to skin problems?
Baby skin is about 5 times thinner than adult skin, which means that your child's skin is quite vulnerable. Because the epidermis is so thin, babies still have a fragile skin barrier. Due to the thin epidermis, babies still have a fragile skin barrier, through which bacteria or harmful substances can easily pass through. So always wash your hands thoroughly before caring for your child! The skin of young children also dries out quickly because they lose a lot of moisture and produce little sebum, which makes baby skin extra sensitive to skin problems such as eczema and baby acne.
What is baby acne?
Just like teenagers and adults, newborn babies can also suffer from pimples and blackheads on the face, known as baby acne or neonatal acne. The exact cause is not yet known, but it is often linked to maternal hormones or a growth disorder of the sebaceous glands. Baby acne usually develops within 2 to 4 weeks after birth. Although it may look annoying, fortunately your child will not be bothered by it much. It is important that you do nothing about it. As tempting as it is, don't try to pop the pimples to avoid pain and scarring. After a few weeks or months, the pimples will disappear on their own.
What does eczema in babies look like?
Does your baby have red, itchy spots? Then that could be eczema, a skin problem that can occur shortly after birth and in toddlers and preschoolers. The most common variants are atopic eczema, contact eczema and seborrheic eczema.
Constitutional eczema (atopic eczema)
This form is the most common and can be recognized by red spots, itching and flaking of the skin. It often occurs a few months after birth, but your toddler or preschooler can also suffer from this eczema.
Contacteczeem
This can be caused by an allergic reaction, but also if your child's skin comes into contact with irritating substances. Think of soap, detergent, perfume, but also a rash from wearing a diaper .
Seborrheic dermatitis
Also known as mountain, with red patches and greasy, yellow flakes on the face, around the ears or on the scalp. Fortunately, this usually disappears on its own.
How do you care for baby acne or eczema?
Although baby acne and eczema often clear up on their own, you can reduce your baby's discomfort with proper care. Don't bathe your baby too often and use soap-free baby products. In addition, keep the skin well hydrated with a greasy cream or fine oil. Does your baby suffer from diaper rash? First let the skin dry thoroughly and then use a perfume-free diaper cream and natural baby wipes . Make sure your baby doesn't scratch himself by cutting his nails short or covering his hands with mittens or socks.
Use natural care products
Does your baby have acne or eczema? Then it is important to choose gentle care products. Synthetic ingredients such as parabens, alcohol and silicones can worsen the irritation and in some cases even be the cause of the problem, such as contact dermatitis. Yet even products from well-known baby brands sometimes contain these substances. Via Beat the microbead you can check whether microplastics have been added to products. Therefore, it is better to take care of your baby's sensitive skin with natural and microplastic-free baby & kids care . The ingredients of these products have a natural origin and are therefore extra nourishing and gentle for the vulnerable baby skin.
Do you want to care for your little one with mild and junk-free products? Happy Earth's baby care is 100% natural and therefore extra gentle for sensitive and vulnerable skin. Happy Baby, Happy You!
