Each day, thousands of parents expose the fragile skin of their children to practices likely to cause them irritation, even lasting inflammation. And the worst part is that they think they are doing well.
The study questioned 700 parents of children under the age of four. Result: more than one in five practice every two or three days, even every day, gestures that weaken their child’s skin. Above all, more than a third of these parents ignore that these habits are harmful. They think they are doing well, following their instinct and yet these reflexes cause real damage. Redness, itching, plates … In 73 % of cases, parents had to consult a healthcare professional to treat skin irritations.
Indeed, too few parents take the time to read the labels of the products applied to their children. One in ten never checks the compositions. A quarter does not even know how many ingredients contains a baby product. And 21 % ignore that a link exists between these products and their child’s skin problems. This lack of vigilance has a cost. When irritation settles down, you have to treat, consult, sometimes completely change everyday routines.
However, there is a simple rule: less a product contains ingredients, the less likely it is to cause a reaction. “The skin of a baby is thinner and more delicate than that of an adult, and any additive can cause irritation”, Recalls Doctor Emer Gilligan. He insists: “As parents, we all want the best for our children, and it starts with the products we use on their skin.” This observation joins that of Nyrah Saleem, pharmacist and health educator, who notes: “Becoming a new parent is an overwhelming experience, but small adjustments can help improve the health of your child’s skin.”
The results of the study show that it is not one or two isolated gestures. Irritations have several causes, often combined. 23 % of the parents interviewed pointed out aggressive detergents. 22 % admitted not to change the diapers quite often. 18 % used creams made for adults without knowing it. 15 % applied products containing a long list of ingredients, without even knowing what they were used for.
But that’s not all. Too hot bath water also attacks the skin and eliminates its natural protection. Then, exposure to the sun. Even in the shade, even in covered weather, UVs pass. Then, the scented products. They like parents, but irritate children. And finally, adult care. A hand cream or a face soap is not suitable for babies, even if the texture seems soft. In short, you will understand, find out and stay vigilant.
