More than half of us proclaim to have sensitive skin, so should we be using gentle skincare designed for newborns? Here's why beauty editor Stephanie Maylor thinks baby buys might be the best thing for grown up skin.
Picture a baby’s skin. It’s smooth, peachy and completely poreless. And women often spend a lot of time, money and effort trying to emulate it. You might have tried skincare tips for tired mums and everything you can to get rid of dark circles, but still not have achieved the plump perfection of a baby's skin. But could this be down to the products you're using?
With a rise in skin allergies and sensitive skin (studies show that 60-70 per cent of women have some degree of sensitive skin), many adult women are turning their backs on high-tech creams and rigorous regimes in favour of a gentler approach to their sensitive skin.
After having my little girl, I was so impressed with the rich, buttery texture of her Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream, available at Amazon, that I started using it on my face before bed in place of my usual serum and night cream. By morning, fine lines weren’t as noticeable and my face felt replenished.
If your sensitive skin needs maximum moisture with minimum force, then it could be time to hit the baby aisle and seek out baby skincare products. Here’s why…
They're simple
Here on the beauty desk, we’re inundated with new products every week. From essences and toners to serums, ampoules and masks, we’re encouraged to add multiple steps to our everyday skincare regimes, which makes it hard to work out what our skin really needs. Look at the selection for babies, on the other hand, and it’s refreshingly simple – think gentle cleansing, hydration and sun protection. Make sure you opt for one of the best sunscreens for kids to ensure they are well protected.
A streamlined routine doesn’t have to be permanent. A holiday from more potent creams and superfluous add-ons can reboot and de-stress skin, by stimulating natural healing properties. Think of it like a skincare diet for a few weeks. Strip your regime right back to cleanser, moisturiser and SPF.
Childs Farm, whose user base is 27 per cent adult, has a bestselling SPF 50+ Sun Lotion Cream, available on Amazon. It’s unfragranced and made using organic UV filters so a safe bet for young, old, sensitive and eczema-prone skin in the sun.
For moisture, try Weleda Calendular Baby Face Cream, available at Holland & Barratt. With skin-friendly lanolin, organic almond oil and calendula extract, this cream will leave your skin feeling soothed and velvety soft.
They're gentle
According to Dr Jennifer Crawley, Consultant Dermatologist for Childs Farm, one of the primary causes of sensitive skin is using cosmetics with irritating ingredients. ‘We’re using more products on our skin and more regularly than ever before, leading to an increase in people experiencing reactions such as redness, dryness and rashes.’ she says. Fragrance, in particular, is a big beauty no-no for many people, causing dry skin and inflammation, but products designed for children tend to contain fewer irritants.
Dr Crawley recommends looking out for ranges that have naturally derived ingredients. Organic Babies Baby Wash & Shampoo, available at Amazon and Green People, is scent-free, while soothing camomile and aloe vera make for a gentle cleanse.
They're effective
Newborns’ skin is 30 per cent thinner than adult skin, and therefore more prone to moisture loss. So it’s no surprise then that mini-me ranges are pretty adept at locking in hydration, protecting the outer layer of skin, and making sure it doesn’t dry out. This is what makes it so good for older complexions.
‘As our skin matures, it becomes thinner and in some respects it becomes like the skin of a baby, so that by the time we are in our 70s or beyond we may feel it is “paper thin” and bruises badly. Our veins appear more prominent, and skin is slower to heal,’ explains Jayn Sterland, Weleda’s Managing Director.
She suggests slathering your body in baby lotion after washing. We love Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Lotion, available at Holland & Barratt. ‘Another good move is to use a baby body wash in the shower,’ she advises. Also available from Holland & Barratt, Weleda Baby Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash is made with nourishing plant oils to pamper skin, making it a big hit with adults suffering sensitivities.
Also try La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm from LookFantastic, which can be shared among the whole family to soothe myriad skin strops, from nappy rash and eczema flare-ups to chapped lips and insect bites.
They're complementary
While baby booty can help with dryness and sensitivity, there are issues it can’t tackle, like deep-set wrinkles, sagging and pigmentation. For these, you’ll need your anti-ageing heavyweights, such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamin C. However, as baby creams focus solely on hydration, they make a great foundation on which to add targeted treatments based on your skin’s needs.
Try something truly neutral like Petit Pai Apple & Mallow Blossom Face & Body Cream from LookFantastic, which delivers long-lasting hydration and calms flare-ups. We also like Kiehl’s Baby Nurturing Baby Cream for Face & Body from Sephora, with shea butter and fruit oils. And as Jayn says, ‘My advice is to keep skincare simple and follow your instincts. Listen to your skin – it doesn’t need dozens of expensive lotions and potions.’ But the baby aisle seems like a great place to start!'
For more skincare tips that are perfect for mums, check out this hack for super soft feet, our tips on how to look and feel fresh, and our guide to the best sunscreen for your face.
