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Taking care of babies' skin 👶
The main principles
Baby has just been born: his skin is brand new, but not yet ready to face all external aggressions.
Its skin barrier and protective hydrolipidic film are still being formed. It is therefore more permeable than that of adults, which means that it is more exposed to allergens and pollution particles. Finer and more vulnerable, it is also drier.
Our advice: when washing your newborn, look for products developed specifically for babies. They generally have a suitable pH (around 7) to prevent drying and irritation. They also exclude potentially sensitizing ingredients. Choose formulas that are as minimalist as possible and limit the number of products used.
- Essential oils: these are very powerful active ingredients of natural origin and appreciated in cosmetics for adults. However, they are too “strong” for newborns. Some of them also pose a risk of neurotoxicity in babies.
- Allergenic compounds: among them, let us mention aromatic molecules and terpene derivatives (camphor, menthol and eucalyptol). It happens (not always!) that certain allergenic compounds are also present in perfumes added to cosmetics.
- Alcohol: it is too “strong” for the sensitive skin of our infants and can aggravate their natural dryness. Be careful, do not confuse it with fatty alcohols (cetearyl alcohol, for example): they are emollients, welcome substances for dry skin!
Some ingredients to avoid in natural cosmetics
Products we recommend
Gaspard cleansing treatment from Umaï : usable from birth, this very gentle solid cleansing cream cleanses the body and hair while preserving their natural hydration.
Cut by Fred baby cleansing gel: ideal for mothers who prefer liquid formulas, this 2-in-1 treatment (skin + hair) is enriched with protective sweet almond oil.
The raw cocoa solid lotion from Savon Stories: it is formulated with only 4 ingredients, all organic: cocoa butter, shea butter, squalane and vitamin E. It nourishes the driest and irritated areas of skin.
Taking care of children's skin 👧
The main principles
It is generally from the age of 3 that we can begin to introduce a little more flexibility in the choice of care for our children. That being said, remember that their pre-pubescent skin remains thin and delicate. His protective shield is still not at peak effectiveness. It may therefore have a tendency to become dehydrated or show signs of atopy in certain situations.
Our advice: keep the principles of minimalism recommended in the previous paragraph for 0-3 year olds. Also start teaching them the right sun protection practices. The skin of young children is normally very beautiful, soft and uniform. Try to pay attention to the appearance of redness or possible signs of dryness to constantly adapt.
- Certain essential oils: some can be used in children, but many are not recommended (sometimes up to the age of around 7 for the most “delicate” ones to use). Ex.: peppermint, bergamot, grapefruit, oregano, pine, etc.
- Alcohol, for the same reasons as in babies.
- Terpene derivatives: camphor, menthol and eucalyptol. They are traditionally found in products with a refreshing and toning effect, such as massage oils for athletes or heavy leg gels.
Some ingredients to avoid in natural cosmetics
Products we recommend
What Matters makeup remover water: use to cleanse your face (and yours 😉) at the end of the day. Enriched with aloe vera, it leaves the skin supple and soothed.
The universal oil from What Matters: it's the restorative oil for the whole family! 100% of natural origin, it stands out for its non-greasy texture without sticky effect.
Solara's Clean Freak SPF30 sunscreen: children's skin remains very sensitive to the sun. This zinc oxide sunscreen (non-nano) has been validated by pediatricians.
Taking care of adolescent skin 🧒
The main principles
It's puberty! Our teenagers' hormonal systems are slowly getting started. In both girls and boys, androgen surges increase sebum secretion. This hyperproduction generally results in oily skin that appears to ooze and shine. Excess sebum often causes the appearance of imperfections, even juvenile acne in certain cases.
Our advice: support your teenager through this sometimes uncomfortable ordeal by teaching them how to take care of their skin. The right gestures: a purifying cleansing (without being stripping) followed by the application of a non-comedogenic moisturizing cream to preserve skin balance. Encourage him to be patient: good results take time to establish.
- Retinol: it is a powerful active ingredient, known for its anti-aging effects, but also anti-imperfections. However, it has a fault: it requires a lot of rigor in application (prohibition of going out without sun protection). It's a bit restrictive for our young people.
- If your teenager is under medical anti-acne treatment: be aware that certain cosmetic active ingredients (even natural) may be incompatible with their medication. Contact your doctor before introducing a new product into your routine.
- Otherwise, our teenagers are grown up and can afford almost anything (within the limits, of course, of their individual particularities, for example in the event of a known allergy).
Some ingredients to avoid in natural cosmetics
Products we recommend
La Canopée's black cleansing jelly: original with its black color (due to bin cho tan charcoal powder), it dissolves excess sebum and provides a pleasant freshness effect.
Z&MA's anti-imperfection cream: ideal for young and unruly skin, this certified organic cream hydrates, purifies and regulates without leaving a greasy feeling on the skin.
Indie Lee's anti-redness corrector: halfway between skincare and makeup, it changes from green to beige upon application to reduce redness (pimples, rosacea, etc.)