baby skin care. is it really "gentle"

As long as it says "gentle" and "made for babies" means it should be okay, right? WRONG!!

Johnson & Johnson

Aveeno

Etc....

Just because it says "gentle" or "baby" does NOT mean it is safe. So many of these so called safe brands made just for babies turn out to be, well, not so safe at all.  The bottom line is to READ THE INGREDIENTS!! I cannot stress that more! Many of these items contain harmful chemicals (that I have mentioned further on in this article that you should avoid), so keep reading. Your babies skin is the largest organ of their (and our) body. What you put on their little bodies is easily absorbed  into their blood stream instantly. Over time these ingredients can cause allergies, cancer and may other sicknesses. Now days many of our regular grocery or drug stores have natural healthy sections available. You will pay a higher price tag, but isn't it worth it? I mean, this is your child, your own flesh. I'm guessing you want the best for them!! I'm sure a lot of your pediatricians have recommended Cetaphil for you baby's rash, or eczema...well, go read the ingredients in that, nothing gentle!  I love my boys' doctor, but just because it is from a doctor does not mean it is safe. Do your own homework and read, read, read!!

Other health food stores like Down To Earth or Whole Foods have tons of options for natural baby skin care. Even though it is from a health food store, be sure to still read the ingredients because there still may be ingredients in there you don't want. Here are some brands I like and use that contain great natural, chemical-free goodness!!

~Burt's Bees

~Jason

~Avalon Organics

~Healthy Times

I love Burt's Bees products. They have a shampoo/body wash I use for my boys and it smells DELICIOUS!! I also use the baby body lotion!

Here is a list of ingredients to avoid when selecting baby skin care:

• If you can't pronounce or understand the ingredients, keep looking.
  If the manufacturer doesn't bother to put it in (simple terms) it is likely something included to benefit their bottom line, not your baby's bottom.
  In most cases, these mystery ingredients preserve the shelf life and make the product look and smell more appealing so you'll want to buy it.
  
• Mineral oil/Petrolatum/paraffin are byproducts of crude oil, and they are cheap to use.
  Baby oil is 100% mineral oil. It holds in moisture, but prevents your body from releasing unwanted toxins. Mineral oil can also block the body's absorption of essential vitamins and nutrients.
  
• Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl).
  These preservatives and antibacterials are used in shampoos, creams and baby lotions to extend product shelf life. They are petroleum-based and can cause dermatitis and other allergic reactions.
  Parabens are thought to alter estrogen levels and the Environmental Protection Agency issued a report expressing concern about parabens showing up in our sewage systems (from humans) and posing a risk to aquatic life.
  
• Talc powder.
  The Cancer Coalition states that talc is a toxic carcinogen that can cause ovarian and lung cancer with repeated exposure. It is also used in soaps, deodorants and in food processing.
  
• Phthalates
  These have been in the news lately. They are found in fragrances in shampoos, lotions and powders, but their true intention is to make plastic soft. They can leach out of plastics so why would anyone want them on their skin?
  According to TIME.com, studies have been done on phthalates in urine from babies' diapers. They are toxic, carcinogenic and have been linked to infertility.
  Note that companies are not required to list the ingredients of fragrances, so the product could have them and they not show up on the label.
  
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Suflfate are foaming agents found in many shampoos and hair conditioners.
  They can be disguised in labels as "comes from coconut" You can find these in other garage floor cleaners and engine de-greasers. They have been linked to eye injury as well as cell membrane and immune system damage.
  
• Isopropyl alcohol SD 40.
  It is not only drying, but it strips the skin of natural acids, making the skin more vulnerable to bacteria, molds and viruses. SD 40 comes from propylene and may promote brown spots and premature aging of skin.
  
• Glycol is used as a humectant.
  It comes in several forms and is carcinogenic and mutagenic.
  
• FD&C Color Pigments are synthetic colors made from coal tar.
  They contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins in the skin. Animal studies have shown them to be carcinogenic (causes cancer).
  
• Here are some more ingredients to avoid.
  Aerosol propellants
  Aluminum by-products
  Benzoates
  Diethanolamine (DEA, TEA)
  DMDM hydantoin or MDM (a form of formaldehyde)
  Flouride
  Nitrates, nitrosamins and sulfur compounds
  Quaternium 15 (also a form of formaldehyde)
  Toluene
  Triclosan
  1, 4-Dioxane (a known carcinogen)