Are you unknowingly harming your child’s skin? Take our quiz to see if bathing habits such as water that is too hot or the ingredients in the products you use might cause a skin reaction. The test comes after recent findings suggest parents could be accidentally damaging their children’s skin through common mistakes like excessive sun exposure or using perfumed products.
A study involving 700 parents of youngsters up to the age of four revealed that 21% inadvertently harm their child’s skin frequently, at times on a daily basis. Yet over a third (35%) were unaware that their routine care could be detrimental.
Pharmacist Nyrah Saleem, in collaboration with WaterWipes who sponsored the study, advised: “Becoming a new parent is overwhelming but small tweaks can help improve your child’s skin health.”
She disclosed that nappy rash plagues two-fifths of parents. Saleem warned: “Each added ingredient in skin products increases the chance of a skin reaction, so check labels and use products with minimal ingredients to reduce the risk.”
Additionally, the study uncovered that 73% of parents have had to seek medical advice for their offspring due to skin issues, which for 24% was caused by too much time in the sun. For 23%, problematic washing detergents were to blame and for another 22%, a simple increase in nappy changes was needed.
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A recent survey has revealed that 18% of parents noticed skin reactions in their children due to the use of creams, moisturisers or other skin care products designed for adults, not young skin; meanwhile, 15% found irritations caused by products with a long list of ingredients.
About one in 10 (12%) parents admitted they rarely or never scrutinise the ingredients in products purchased for their offspring. More than a quarter (27%) confessed to not being particularly conscious of the number of ingredients these products contain. While a worrying 21% were unaware of the connection between skincare items and skin reactions in their children.
Over half (55%) of the parents surveyed typically remain loyal to the same brands for their children’s skincare needs, the OnePoll.com research indicates. Yet, only 20% prioritise selecting products with minimal ingredients for their little ones.
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Dr Emer Gilligan from WaterWipes, known for their simple formulation of 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract, emphasised: “As parents, we all want the very best for our children, and that starts with the products we use on their skin. A baby’s skin is thinner and more delicate than an adult’s and any additive has the potential to cause irritation.”
He further advised: “Choosing skincare formulations with fewer ingredients can help to minimise the risk of a skin reaction, so be sure to check labels and choose products with minimal ingredients.”
The report comes alongside skin tips from pharmacist and health and wellness educator Nyrah Saleem.
LESS IS MORE: Select products with minimal ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation.
AVOID FRAGRANCES: Perfumed baby items might smell pleasant but are often responsible for allergic skin reactions.
DITCH HARSH WIPES: Opt out of using wipes that contain alcohol or essential oils, as these can dehydrate sensitive skin.
CHECK LABELS CAREFULLY: Products labelled as “natural” can still include aggravating substances – always inspect the ingredients list thoroughly.
WISELY MONITOR FOR REDNESS OR DRYNESS: These symptoms typically indicate damage to the skin barrier. Change your skincare choices at once to fragrance-free, pH-balanced alternatives.
MAINTAIN CLEANLINESS WITHOUT EXCESS: Excessive bathing may lead to dryness in infant skin. Limit tub time and use temperate water, steering clear of foamy soaps.
MOISTURISE PROMPTLY POST-BATH: Secure skin moisture by applying a mild, scentless moisturiser to slightly wet skin within five minutes after a bath.