Is Organic Skin Care Essential For Our Babies?

July 15, 2011  | Posted in Health/Nutrition/Fitness, Lifestyle, Home Management/ Safety/Technology |  38 Comment(s)  |   Share Article |

 

by Keeli Cambourne

 

 

The skin is the largest organ of the human body – even when you’re only minutes old. It is also the first line of defence in protecting us from the onslaught of toxins that surround us every day. Cleaning and moisturising our skin and those of our little ones has been flagged as being paramount in keeping us free from disease and discomfort.

 

Unfortunately, research shows that the cocktail of chemicals in even those products that claim to be “natural” skin care products can actually be doing more harm than good. Mainstream scientists are recognising that what we put on our skins can affect our bodies’ ability to regenerate and function optimally. 

 

Photo (above): Keeli Cambourne

 

Benefits of keeping our children’s skin free from things like Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (found in most shampoos) or chemical preservatives found in moisturising creams, synthetic perfumes and colorants is becoming a much more recognised preventative measure to eliminate many childhood skin conditions such as eczema. The US-based research organisation, the Environmental Working Group has been highlighting to government agencies the lethal chemicals that for years have been put into skin care products, even those for children.

 

In 2004, a British study found Parabens, a major component of all personal care products, in tissue taken from women with breast cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all parabens – methyl, propyl, and butyl, preservatives used in many mass-market skin care products – have been shown to interfere with the endocrine system. Another commonly used ingredient, Phthalates, are also believed to interfere with hormone processes. It has been associated with developmental problems in infant boys and can be found in many common products such as perfume and nail polish.

 

Some chemicals to avoid are:

 

Petro-Chemicals

Derived from petroleum and absorbed by the body. They include mineral oils contained in many baby oils and skin care products and can be drying and irritating to the skin.

 

Laury and Lauryl Sulfate

Commonly used as foaming agents in facial cleansers, shampoos, bubble bath, body wash and toothpaste. When absorbed through the skin these can remain in the liver, heart, lungs and brain and can result in eye damage. They can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

 

Diethanolamine (DEA)

Used as a lathering agent in shampoos and body washes. Readily absorbed through the skin and may cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

 

Glycerine

Only use products which contain vegetable glycerine.

 

Paraben

Look for methyl, propyl and butyl parabens which are all potentially toxic and allergenic.

 

Caustics

Still used in most soaps to break down tallow (animal fat). They irritate the skin. Checking labels on personal care products is the first step in making sure that what you’re putting on your baby’s skin is natural and chemical free. Be wary of products that contain a recipe that reads like a chemical table. The only way customers can be assured that they are purchasing real organic products produced without the use of synthetic chemicals is to purchase products which have been organically certified with a leading independent certifying body such as:

 

                                                                                 

 

 

 

About the Author

Keeli Cambourne is a trained natural practitioner, mother of 3 children and the creator of Cherub Rubs, an organically certified skin care range formulated especially for newborns and sensitive skin.

 

Tags: organic, Keeli Cambourne

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