Babies require a completely different approach to products than adults do. Their skin is still developing and is more likely not to withstand the harsh environmental conditions around it.

Their skincare products cannot be formulated to mimic those used daily by adults or parents. Unlike adults, who have 7-step skincare routines, they only require basic skincare products and practices.

A few chemical ingredients, such as sulphates, could be unsafe for the skin. For them, skincare should be curated with gentle, non-irritating products.

With over 15 years of experience as a hair and skincare professional, Dr Parash Shrestha is specialised in clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, laser treatments, and hair-transplant surgery. He is a consultant dermatologist and venereologist. Here, he shares the importance of having minimal but research-backed skincare habits for babies.

Do babies actually need a skincare routine, or is basic hygiene enough?

Babies have sensitive skin. They need extra care. Babies require protection from environmental pollution and various external factors that they are exposed to after birth, such as dust, harsh weather, germs, chemicals, friction, and sunlight.

Hygiene is one of the main factors in maintaining skincare. Compromising hygiene can be harmful not only to their skin but also to their overall health. In their skincare, ingredients such as ceramides and glycerin help strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture. These are some of the skincare habits that I recommend for babies:

• Avoid exposing babies to direct sunlight; mild early morning sunlight and a shaded environment are generally better

• ⁠Changing clothes frequently, especially on summer days

• Cleaning with wet towels instead of chemical wipes

• ⁠Natural oil application

• ⁠Good feeding habits with fruits and protein-rich foods that help to build up skin barriers and immunity

• ⁠Use of fragrance-free items is very helpful

• Use only physical sunscreen

How is baby skin different from adult skin?

Babies’ skin is new and has relatively fewer skin barriers, making them more prone to dryness, irritation and rashes. It is approximately 30 percent thinner than that of adults. So they are not much stronger than adult skin in terms of immunity, permeability, and protection.

Baby skin loses more water (Trans Epidermal Water Loss–TEWL) than adult skin. Always remember that a baby’s skin function is immature and still developing, so parents must approach baby skincare with caution. In particular, the outer protective layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, is thinner and weaker in babies, and they also produce less melanin, the pigment that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Can using too many skincare products harm a baby’s skin barrier?

Yes, products for adults and babies are quite different. ‘Too many products’ is not recommended for babies, as it can disrupt their skin’s well-being. Using harsh exfoliants damages their natural skin barrier. Putting too many products on can easily cause allergies, infections and intense itching. While using moisturisers and sunscreen is recommended, including beauty products in their skincare routine is a big no.

What are the most common misconceptions about using baby skincare products?

A salesperson who mostly uses herbal and natural terminology might sometimes lead parents to choose the wrong products. Often, when parents are buying skincare products, the herbal tag seems to work like a charm. But that tag alone doesn’t mean it is good for your baby’s skin. Parents should not rely on marketing terms; they should see for themselves what kind of ingredients are being used. If necessary, they should consult a dermatologist or check whether they are using genuine, appropriate products for their child.

What ingredients should parents avoid in baby skincare products?

Products containing parabens and sulphates are commonly known to be harmful and should be avoided. The term ‘paraben-free’ refers to a product that does not contain synthetic preservatives. Formaldehyde, a chemical used in manufacturing skincare and hair products, was also once banned in skincare for children. Chemical sunscreens are a no; babies’ skin is thinner and more absorbent than adults’. These sunscreens are more likely to trigger skin irritations. Also, I recommend avoiding harsh chemicals and exfoliating agents.

What are the traditional skincare practices that are recommended?

Our traditional baby-massaging practice and care are very effective in children. I wouldn’t precisely say mustard oil is good or bad for massaging. Coconut oils and mustard oils can be used equally until babies show a reaction or irritation. But coconut oils are easily absorbed into the skin, whereas mustard oils have been shown to cause transepidermal heat loss in babies.

Also, its cleanliness makes a huge difference to how skin reacts. But coconut oil and mustard both help to lock in the moisture in children’s skin and promote better sleep and physical flexibility.