Baby Skin

At Marble Hill we guarantee all our skincare products are 100% Natural using only Pure Plant oils and Butters

Dr Maria McGee MBChB

Even ‘so-called’ natural skin care ranges from other companies could be harmful to your baby or child. Skin care products need only 1% natural ingredients to be called ‘natural’, meaning that some may contain a mix of man-made chemicals and water to make up the remaining 99%.

As rates of eczema and allergies among children continue to rise many have pointed to the early introduction of ‘toxic toiletries’ as a major factor.

Skin care for babies

Babies can be messy, from runny noses to full nappies. Because of this, you might think that frequent baths are a good thing. However, this can actually cause a baby to develop skin complaints, such as eczema and itching. In fact, most babies do not need a bath every day. At least, not until they begin to crawl.

So, how do you tend to your baby’s skin in the early years?

A top tip is to keep the skin as clean and dry as possible. On bath days, use only natural products, or simply bathe your baby in pure water without a cleanser. When your baby gets older, try using a gentle baby soap or an oil-rich cold process soap – such as our Neem Oil Soap.

Common baby skin problems

Because baby skin is so delicate, skin problems can easily arise. Common complaints include –

• Cradle cap
• Nappy rash
• Teething rash
• Eczema

Cradle cap

Cradle cap is a thick, yellow layer which appears on the baby’s scalp. In minor cases, cradle cap can be managed by applying an oily moisturiser an hour or so before bathing. You may prefer to use natural, chemical-free plant oils, rather than petroleum-based products such as baby oil, mineral oil or petroleum jelly. If so, shea butter is an excellent choice.

Shea butter has been used in Africa for cradle cap for hundreds of years. It can be highly effective and is non-toxic, meaning it can be applied repeatedly. Some claim that it also has anti-fungal properties, although this is still being researched.

Because of these benefits, we have created SheaSalve, made with 100% shea butter. It moisturises the skin, is entirely natural, and is edible – so it does not matter if your baby sticks their fingers in their mouth.

When using SheaSalve for cradle cap, let the shea butter soak into the scalp. Afterwards, wash with a baby-safe shampoo and dry thoroughly. If desired, gently brush the scalp to remove scales before and after washing.

Nappy rash

Almost all babies suffer from nappy rash at some point. To limit the problem, keep the area dry and expose the skin to as much fresh air as possible. This allows the skin to breathe. When changing a nappy, apply an emollient to moisturise the skin.

Every mother has her preferred product. If you are looking for a natural moisturiser, our SheaSalve is a good option. Shea butter forms a natural barrier against water and irritants. This builds with every application. It is also totally fragrance free, irritant free and edible, so it can be used with complete confidence. Simply apply as often as needed.

For very dry skin, we recommend SurgiSalve. This is an intense moisturiser suitable for use all over the body. Again, this can be applied as often as desired. If bathing further irritates your baby’s nappy rash, try our Neem Oil Soap as a cleanser. This soothes dry, itchy skin.

Remember, if your baby’s rash persists, looks unusual or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical advice straightaway. It could be something other than nappy rash, such as thrush or meningitis.

Teething rash

Teething often causes increased dribbling. This can cause soreness on the chin and under the neck. The shea butter in our SheaSalve acts as a barrier, protecting the skin from further erosion. Because it is 100% natural, it can be applied directly to the face and into the folds under the neck.

SheaSalve is also a good preventative tool. It can be used regularly to prevent the skin from becoming water-logged.

Eczema

Eczema often runs in families. Different triggers can set off an allergic reaction, with symptoms including inflammation of the skin, redness and itchiness.

Skin complaints such as eczema and dermatitis are increasingly being attributed to non-natural products. That is why many people are now searching for preservative-free options, such as plant oil-based moisturisers and cleansers.

If your baby’s skin is prone to eczema, apply generous amounts of moisturiser on a regular basis. Avoid products with a long list of ingredients, or you could expose your child to potential allergens.

We have a range of moisturisers suitable for babies. For dry skin, we produce a gentle range of shea butter-based moisturisers, including SurgiSalve and Moisture Veil, which condition even the driest of skin. Our Q-24 Natural Body Oil is suitable for general use, and is perfect for baby massage. SheaSalve is also a great all-round moisturiser.

Suitable products for babies

SheaSalve, Neem Oil Soap, Moisture Veil, Q-24 Body Oil, SurgiSalve

If you have any questions about what products are best for your baby, please contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions.