First published: 12 October 2022 @ 6:00 pm
Babies rarely need skin-lightening products. However, we often catch them experimenting with their mom’s cosmetics and whitening products.
If you’re wondering whether babies can use these products, read on to find out!
What is the Purpose of Whitening Creams?
Whitening creams help lighten dark spots, acne scars and discoloration. They are made with high concentrations of various ingredients that help improve the skin’s texture and tone.
These creams also have some antibacterial properties, making them ideal for preventing breakouts on the skin.
How Do Whitening Creams Work?
Some of these products contain retinoids which are effective in lightening dark spots and controlling sebum production in the skin.
They also contain vitamin C, which is effective in treating acne and reducing inflammation of the skin.
These products are known for being able to increase the rate of skin cell turnover. It allows them to help remove dead cells from your skin that lead to acne breakouts.
Many skin types can use these products, including those with sensitive skin. These products are also safe for use around the eyes and the lips of adults.
What are the Effects of Whitening Creams on Baby’s Skin?
Most of these products contain retinoids that can be potentially harmful to babies. Retinoids cause birth defects and affect the developing fetus in the womb.
Therefore, pregnant women should avoid using these products. The levels of mercury and other chemicals present in these products can also be harmful to your baby‘s health.
So if you’re wondering whether your baby is safe to use these products, it’s best to check with your doctor first before applying them on your baby’s face!
Babies should also be discouraged from using creams containing benzoyl peroxide as well. This ingredient is known for being potentially dangerous for infants’ sensitive skin.
Benzoyl peroxide can lead to serious skin reactions, such as dry skin, skin rashes, contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, and contact urticaria (hives).
Photo by Kampus Production on Pexels.
How to Treat Your Baby’s Irritated Skin?
If your baby’s skin is feeling irritated or it’s developing rashes from using these cosmetic products, it’s best to discontinue use and consult with your doctor.
In addition, here are some tips on how to treat your baby’s irritated skin:
- Wash your baby’s face and neck with warm water. Use mild soap to cleanse your baby’s face.
- Pat dry your baby’s face with a clean towel and pat dry his/her neck as well.
- Give your baby a warm bath using the mildest soap that is safe for babies and children to use.
- After the bath, dry your baby’s skin using a clean towel. Pat dry the area gently so that it does not pull on the skin or scratch it.
- Do not use a hair dryer, as this can make it harder for the skin to breathe.
Keeping your baby healthy and happy is very important, but more so when you have a newborn.
It‘s best to consult with your doctor about any cosmetic products that you‘re using on your baby.
Always Consider the Health Risks
While baby skin can tolerate some of these cosmetic products, you should still consider the potential risks that they may cause.
Make sure that you are always checking with your doctor first before applying any of these products on your baby’s face.
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We provide parenting tips, articles and information about children’s development and well-being. Check out our blog and share your thoughts on the topic!
