Baby Skin Care – New Natural Baby Body Lotion

Mom’s Light Baby Moisturizer is a pure and gentle baby lotion for mom’s who know best. This light moisturizing baby body lotion is made from the purest natural oils and vitamin rich plant extracts to protect and nurture your baby’s skin – and your skin as well. Essential oils offer a pleasant natural scent of Rosemary, Lavender, and Chamomile.

Unconditional Love, Water, Aloe, Vegetable Glycerin, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Coconut Stearic Acid, Chamomile Flower Extract, Calendula Flower Extract, Cabbage Rose Water, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Avocado Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Allantoin, Beeswax, Xanthan Gum, Lavender Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Rosemary Oil, Carbomer, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (Salt Based Preservative)

Baby Skin Conditions in the Winter

First, remember that just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should overdress your baby. “I think new parents get a little freaked out about the cold temperature, so even if they’re just going out for a short walk, they’ll put their baby in a romper, and then a sweater, and then a jacket, and then they slide them into the little bundle me on the stroller and put a blanket over that…” says Hartshorn. “They only need one more layer than you’re wearing.” So, if you’re comfortable going out in a sweater and a jacket, dress baby the same way, plus one. Throw a blanket over their stroller and they’ll be just fine.

Pay special attention to your baby’s comfort at night. “Overheating at night is more of a serious issue,” says Hartshorn. “It doesn’t just cause a rash, it can make it hard for the baby to breathe.” Instead of covering your baby with a blanket, which can pose a suffocation risk as well, try dressing your baby in footed pajamas or a wearable blanket. These blankets, which have a zipper up the front and arm holes, allow free movement, but keep baby just warm enough so that he or she doesn’t overheat.

Many babies get rashes in the winter, and they often pop up if the baby is overheated. In the summer, letting your baby run around naked for a bit will help. In the winter, however, you don’t have this option because it’s too cold. When the air gets chilly, Hartshorn suggests, “A nice warm bath in just plain water, or something with a real mild baby wash.” Using an oatmeal-based formula will help take the itch away. After they’re warm and dry, apply a petroleum-based cream on the affected area. This acts as a barrier against the elements and helps the rash to heal.

Babies are also faced with chapped lips and faces in the winter. With their little nose running and their mouth drooling, a child’s face is both cold and wet, which can accelerate chapping. In addition to wiping their face often with a clean tissue or cloth, try applying a little diaper rash cream. This, while a little surprising, helps heal the chapped lips and face and prevents future chapping as well.

Protect your Baby’s Skin – Tips and Suggestions

It’s up to parents to protect their children from burn injuries. As a parent you have to know better how to protect your baby’s skin from getting too much sun exposure or skin burns. Be an educated parent and know how to care for your baby’s skin. Below are some suggestions and tips.

Protect your baby’s skin suggestions:

• Make sure your child isn’t too close when you are preparing hot foods or brewing hot liquids.
• Avoid using a tablecloth, as a toddler could pull it and be burned by falling hot objects.
• Don’t heat infant formula in the microwave, as it may heat unevenly and burn baby.
• For older children, check the temperature of microwaved foods to make sure they’re not too hot.
• Check the temperature of bath water before immersing your child. Set your water heater to no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Natural Common Baby Skin Care Ingredients

Acacia

5u34izhr2k – Many Acacia species have important uses in traditional medicine. Most all of the uses have been shown to have a scientific basis, since chemical compounds found in the various species have medicinal effects. The Acacia is used as a symbol in Freemasonry, to represent purity and endurance of the soul, and as funerary symbolism signifying resurrection and immortality. In Ayurvedic medicine, Acacia nilotica is considered a remedy that is helpful for treating premature ejaculation. A 19th century Ethiopian medical text describes a potion made from an Ethiopian species of Acacia (known as grar) mixed with the root of the tacha, then boiled, as a cure for rabies.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is alleged to be effective in treatment of wounds. In addition to topical use in wound or burn healing, internal intake of A. vera has been linked with improved blood glucose levels in diabetics, and with lower blood lipids in hyperlipidaemic patients. In other diseases, preliminary studies have suggested oral A. vera gel may reduce symptoms and inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis. Compounds extracted from A. vera have been used as an immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers in cats and dogs. A. vera extracts have antibacterial and antifungal activities.

Avocado Oil

This extract of the nutritious avocado flesh is rich in phytosterols, antioxidants including vitamins A and E, as well as a high content of unsaponifiable oils. Avocado extract is soothing and nurturing to dry skin.

Beeswax (Natural Cera Flava)

Beeswax has an open structure that provides a breathable barrier against the elements. It also serves as an emulsifier and consistency regulator.

Calendula

An important healing herb, calendula is high in carotenes, flavonoids, mucilage, saponins, tannins and essential oils. The sun-like marigold contains soothing, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic and regenerating properties and is therefore used to promote wound healing and discourage infection.  Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically to treat acne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding and soothing irritated tissue.

Camellia Oil

A Tea seed oil resembles olive oil and grape seed oil in its excellent storage qualities and low content of saturated fat. Monounsaturated oleic acid may comprise up to 88% of the fatty acids. It is high in vitamin E and other antioxidants.

Canola Oil

Primarily derived from rapeseed (Brassica napus), also known as rape, oilseed rape, rapa, rapaseed and (in the case of one particular group of cultivars) canola, is a bright yellow flowering member of the family Brassicaceae (mustard or cabbage family.

Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (coconut source)

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, a mixed triester of caprylic and capric acids, is a highly refined medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil possessing excellent oxidation stability with an almost indefinite shelf life. CCT is a desirable emollient with quick skin penetration and has no color, odor or taste. Great as a dispersing agent and useful as a solvent for vitamins and actives. Excellent as a superfatting oil in soapmaking and improves spreading of skincare formulas. Used in massage, it will not stain sheets. Also called Fractionated Coconut Oil.

Capryloyl Glycine

The amino acid glycine and the fatty acid caprine from plant oils are combined by simple processes creating an emulsifier and stabilizer with anti-microbial properties. Capryloyl glycine is non-irritating and helps maintain the skin’s acid mantle (protective layer).

Carrot Seed

Carrot seed oil is an oily extract which is rich in provitamin A (carotenoids) and other flavonoids. This extract cares for the skin and makes it soft and supple. It can give cosmetic products a natural yellow color.  This must be one of the most underrated essential oils in aromatherapy. It has a soft earthy smell and not only helps to relieve stress and exhaustion, but is a powerful detoxifier and liver booster, while stimulating and rejuvenating the skin in general, thereby adding elasticity to any skin. At the same time it fights any skin problems, such as psoriasis, eczema, weeping sores, ulcers, boils and carbuncles. The formative action on the epidermal cells help to keep wrinkles at bay and is also helpful when fighting liver spots (age spots). The therapeutic properties of carrot seed oil are antiseptic, carminative, cytophylactic, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, stimulant, tonic and vermifuge.

Castor Bean Oil (Organic Ricinus Communis)

Externally Castor Oil is used to treat ringworm and itch. In the Canary Islands, fresh Castor leaves are used externally by nursing mothers to increase the flow of milk. Castor Oil is a natural emollient and can be applied to the skin and hair as a softener.

Cellulose Gum (Hydroxyethylcellulose)

It is also a constituent of many non-food products, such as K-Y Jelly, toothpaste, laxatives, diet pills, water-based paints, detergents, and various paper products. It is used primarily because of it has high viscosity, is non-toxic, and is generally non-allergenic.

Cetyl Esters (coconut source)

A wax mixture consisting primarily of esters of saturated fatty alcohols and saturated fatty acids. It can be used in emulsions and anhydrous products to impart a lubricous feel and soft gloss to these formulations. It can also increase viscosity and improve stability.

Chamomile extract

Chamomile is considered to be an antiseptic, antibiotic, disinfectant, bactericidal & Vermifuge. The main constituents of the flowers include several phenolic compounds, primarily the flavonoids apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin and their glucosides. Flavonoids have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. The main components of the essential oil extracted from chamomile flowers are the terpenoids alpha-bisabolol and its oxides and azulenes, including chamazulene.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is excellent as a skin moisturizer and softener. A study shows that extra virgin coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer, with absence of adverse reactions.

Comfrey Extract (Symphytum Officinale)

Contemporary herbalists view comfrey as an ambivalent and controversial herb that may offer therapeutic benefits but at the potential risk of liver toxicity. The herb contains allantoin, a cell proliferant that speeds up the natural replacement of body cells. Comfrey was used to treat a wide variety of ailments ranging from bronchial problems, broken bones, sprains, arthritis, gastric and varicose ulcers, severe burns, acne and other skin conditions. It was reputed to have bone and teeth building properties in children, and have value in treating ‘many female disorders’. Constituents of comfrey also include mucilage, steroidal saponins, tannins, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, inulin, vitamin B12 and proteins.

Cucumber

Cucumber extract has many benefits for the skin. It actually is a member of the same family as also. The juice from cucumber has both strong moisturizing abilities as well as mild astringent effects. Cucumber extract is soothing and helps relieve the puffiness of the skin. It also helps remove dead skin cells and tightens skin. Cucumber is a great ingredient to help revitalize the skin.

Geranium

Geranium oil can be used to help in the treatment of acne, bruises, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, hemorrhoids, lice, as a mosquito repellant, ringworm, ulcers, breast engorgement, edema, poor circulation, sore throat, tonsillitis, PMS, menopausal problems, stress and neuralgia. Geranium oil does not cause any side effects, since it is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, yet can cause sensitivity in some people and due to the fact that it balances the hormonal system, it might not be a good idea to use it during pregnancy.”

Glucose Lactoperoxidase

An emulsifier and natural preservative made from the fatty acids derived from plant oils, which helps the consistency of creams and lotions.

Glycerol

Glycerol is used in medical and pharmaceutical and personal care preparations, mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as a humectant. It is also used as a substitute for ethanol as a solvent in preparing herbal extractions. It is less extractive and is approximately 30% less able to be absorbed by the body.

Honey

Bees produce a light honey from the vibrant clover. Rich in enzymes and minerals, honey is a traditional home remedy to revitalize and regenerate the skin by encouraging the natural process of cellular renewal. Also helps to calm and cool red, irritated and sensitive skin.

Irish Moss

Expectorant, demulcent, anti-inflammatory characteristics, traditionally the main use of Irish Moss is in respiratory illness where it is often the core of prescriptions to treat irritating coughs, bronchitis and many other lung problems. It may be freely used in digestive conditions where a demulcent is called for.

Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)

Jojoba oil is an exceptional moisturizer. Jojoba oil is edible, but acaloric and non-digestible, meaning the oil will pass through the intestines unchanged and can cause an unpleasant result called steatorrhea.  Jojoba oil is also used as a replacement for whale oil and its derivatives, such as cetyl alcohol. Jojoba oil is popular with stretched lobes. The make up of the oil is very similar to that of human sebum. It aids in the healing process.

Lavander Oil

Lavender aroma is well known for its gentle, soothing, relaxing and balancing effects. Lavender essential oil calms burns and other skin irritations and has antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties.

Lemon oil

Acne Treatment – Applying lemon juice to facial blemishes is a popular form of treating acne. Skin bleach – Lemon juice is also believed by many to lighten the skin when applied topically, as it has been suggested that the acids it contains inhibits melanin production.  The effectiveness, however, is largely a subject of debate.  Lemon is used in facial masks for refreshing the skin. Natural deodorants are generally made from lemon extracts. Raw lemon can be used as a short term deodorant. Aromatherapy – Researchers at Ohio State University reveals that lemon oil aroma may enhance your mood, and relax you.

Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil

Macadamia oil’s rich, cushiony skinfeel and high oxidative stability make it especially suitable for heavy creams and suncare formulations. Derivatives of Macadamia oil in cosmetics include the light emollient Ethyl Macadamiate and water soluble PEG-16 Macadamia Glycerides.  Macadamia oil is an excellent botanical replacement for mink oil in most applications.

Manukka

The essential oil has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-parasitic properties. It has been used for a host of skin problems including acne, blemishes, rashes, minor cuts and fungal infections. Though not related to tea tree oil (Australian Melaleuca species), it has similar properties.

Melaleuca

An essential oil extracted from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. It has antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal and wound healing properties. This oil is used to treat acne, cuts, burns and insect bites. Tea tree and manuca oil provide antimicrobial qualities.

Mica

A mineral that provides natural glitter and shimmer in make-up. The silica-rich composition of mica is thought to support the formative processes in the connective tissue and bring vitality to the skin.  Some brands of toothpaste include powdered white mica. This acts as a mild abrasive to aid polishing of the tooth surface, and also adds a cosmetically-pleasing glittery shimmer to the paste. The shimmer from mica is also used in makeup, as it gives a translucent “glow” to the skin or helps to mask imperfections.

Nettle extract

The stinging nettle plant has been used historically as a mild diuretic; to treat infections of the lower urinary tract, anemia, hemorrhoids, asthma, hay fever, and other allergies; to stop bleeding; and to heal wounds. American Indians use nettles to treat rheumatic conditions, such as arthritis. Nettle tea has also been used for eczema and other chronic skin conditions.

Olive Oil Extra Virgin  (Organic Olea Europaea)

Olive oil is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, and as such is used in preparations for lipophilic drug ingredients. It does have demulcent properties, and mild laxative properties, acting as a stool softener. It is also used at room temperature as an ear wax softener. Olive oil is also a potent blocker of intestinal contractions, and can be used to treat excessive Borborygmus

Orange oil

Orange oil is an essential oil produced by glands inside the rind of an orange fruit. It is extracted or steam distilled as a by-product of orange juice production.

Orange wax

Orange Wax is an excellent emollient, as well as containing phytosterols. These phytosterols are excellent co-emulsifiers which aid in stabilizing emulsions. The orange wax is also reputed to possess anti-microbial properties as well.

Potassium Sorbate Preservative

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. Its primary use is as a preservative. Potassium sorbate is effective in a variety of applications including food, wine, and personal care.

Rosa Flower Water

Also known rose petal extract which contains many compounds beneficial to the skin as they help the skin to achieve balance and harmony. Roses are considered a picture of harmony, a perfectly balanced plant in root, stem and blossom.

Rosemary leaf extract

Compounds in rosemary strengthen capillaries and stimulate circulation of scalp and hair follicles, encouraging vigorous hair growth. Rosemary in culinary or therapeutic doses is generally safe; however, precaution is necessary for those displaying allergic reaction or prone to epileptic seizures.  Rosemary essential oil is potentially toxic if ingested.

Royal jelly

A Rhythmitised dilution of this special, highly nutritious food supports and enhances the skin’s vitality and ability to regenerate. Our Royal jelly is obtained through ecological bee keeping practices. There is only preliminary evidence that it may have some cholesterol-lowering effects, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antibiotic effects, though the last three of these effects are unlikely to be realized if ingested (destruction of the substances involved through digestion, or neutralization via changes in pH). There are also some preliminary experiments (on cells and lab animals) in which royal jelly may have some benefit regarding certain other diseases, although there is no solid evidence for those claims, and further experimentation and validation is urgently needed. It can also be found in various beauty products. It is widely recognized that royal jelly may cause allergies in humans ranging from hives, asthma, to even fatal anaphylaxis

Sage extract

Sage belongs to the mint family, which consists of several fragrant herbs whose volatile oils are valued by those who appreciate their healing value. Sage also works in decreasing perspiration. This is of value to people who live in extremely warm climates and also in deodorant preparations. The essential oil in sage is comprised of camphor, cineole, thujone and borneol. These put together are antimicrobial, which destroys or stops the growth of disease causing microorganisms, and antispasmodic, which relieves or prevents spasms. An antioxidant compound called a flavonoid is present to add to the antimicrobial action in sage extract. Phenolic acids are also present as strong antioxidants and explain sage’s ability to preserve.

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)

Shea butter is known especially for its cosmetic properties as a moisturizer and emollient. It is also a known anti-inflammatory agent. Shea butter is marketed as being effective at treating the following conditions: fading scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, stretchmarks, wrinkles, and in lessening the irritation of psoriasis. Due to its emollient properties it helps in relaxing the tension in the face skin thus easing skin respiration.

Safflower Seed Oil (Carthamus Tinctorius)

It has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids but should be mixed with anothercarrier oil with good antioxidant qualities to increase the shelf life of this oil, since it can go rancid quickly. Safflower oil would be a suitable base to work from, but it is recommended to add other carrier oils to it. Safflower massage oil has great moisturizing qualities which makes it a good choice to include when mixing a massage oil or preparing a carrier oil blend.

Sorbitan Olivate

This is an olive oil derived ingredient used as an emulsifier (helps blend ingredients that can’t usually blend together) or to make a gel-like formula. It is usually used together with cetearyl olivate Sorbitan olivate can cause an allergic reaction for some

Stearic Acid (coconut source)

A fatty acid derived solely from vegetable oils that help the consistency of emulsions

Sucrose distearate (sugar emulsifier)

Plant sugars combined with plant oil fatty acids by simple, non-toxic processes to make a biodegradable surfactant and emulsifier. It is gentle to the skin with a softening, cooling, moisturizing and anti-microbial effect. Naturally, BSE and GMO free.

Sucrose / Glycerlyl stearate (sugar emulsifier)

Plant sugars combined with plant oil fatty acids by simple, non-toxic processes to make a biodegradable surfactant and emulsifier. It is gentle to the skin with a softening, cooling, moisturizing and anti-microbial effect. Naturally, BSE and GMO free.

Sunflower oil

In cosmetics, it has smoothing properties and is considered noncomedogenic. Only the high-oleic variety possesses shelf life sufficient for commercial cosmetic formulation.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Natural Vitamin E and related tocopherols can be derived from many plant oils, especially wheat and soy. Vitamin E has antioxidant effects, which help to support the stability of other ingredients (oils, fats) in a cosmetic product. Especially effective is a combination of tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate. Ascorbyl palmitate has a synergistic effect and increases the efficacy of tocopherol.

Undecylenoyl Glycine

Undecylenoyl glycine (UG) is an esterified derivative of glycine, its chemical structure is similar to natural lipo-amino acid such as lipoprotein in live biological body. UG is an important ingredient in cosmetics. It can keep skin natural ecosystem, effectively eliminate acne and kill a lot of G+ and G- bacteria. It is suitable to oily and neutral skin.

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerine is used in cosmetics and body care products to assist in retaining moisture and is helpful in pulling oxygen into the skin. Vegetable glycerine is a natural emollient that adds a cooling effect on the skin and has become a predominant ingredient in most skin care products and soaps. Vegetable glycerine is also the principal medium for the manufacturing of non-alcohol based herbal extracts, which are called glycerites. This makes for a sweet alcohol free extract that can be easily administered to children, animals and those with alcohol sensitivities.

Xantham gum

A natural carbohydrate gum produced by a yeast-like organism. Used as an emulsifier and thickener to help with consistency and stability of creams. Xanthan gum is not affected by temperature, salt, pH or enzymes In cosmetics xanthan gum is used to prepare water gels usually in conjunction with bentonite clays. Is also used in oil-in-water emulsions to help stabilise the oil droplets against coalescence. It has some skin hydrating properties.

Ylang ylang oil

The essential oil of ylang-ylang is used in aromatherapy. It is believed to relieve high blood pressure, normalize sebum secretion for skin problems, and is considered to be an aphrodisiac.

Melanoma – Sun Care to Avoid Melanoma

Melanoma 101

Melanoma is considered the most serious type of skin cancer. Though it doesn’t affect as many people as other skin cancers, melanoma causes the most deaths, reports the Mayo Clinic.

• How it occurs. Melanoma occurs in cells called melanocytes. These cells create melanin, which is responsible for skin pigment and helps protect against UV rays. When skin is exposed to UV light, melanocytes produce more melanin, tanning the skin.

Sometimes, these cells mutate, growing and dividing quicker than normal cells, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. These cells clump together, forming tumors. If tumors are malignant, they can attack the healthy tissue. They also can spread and form new tumors throughout the body, which is common with melanoma — if it isn’t treated early enough.

• Who’s at risk. The following people are at increased risk for melanoma and need to be extra diligent about sun safety:
  • People with fair skin, because they have lower amounts of melanin and need greater protection
  • People living in southwestern states where sun exposure is strong
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People who have a family history of melanoma
  • People who’ve suffered severe sunburn in childhood or recent years

Moles: Unusual vs. normal moles

You should see a dermatologist once a year to have your moles checked. In addition, keeping tabs on your moles is key to catching melanoma in its early stages.

Here’s a look at the differences between irregular moles (or dysplastic nevi, which can lead to melanoma) and regular moles.

• Dysplastic nevi can appear as a combination of tan, brown, red/pink moles and are often larger than 5 millimeters across, about ¼ inch.
• Ordinary moles are round or oval and have a concise edge that separates them from the rest of the skin. Dysplastic nevi have irregular edges and blend into the skin.
• Regular moles start as smooth spots on the skin and may become raised, creating a tiny bump. Dysplastic nevi tend to have a scaly, rough or rocky surface but also can be smooth.
• The typical number of moles is usually between 10 and 40 on a person’s body. Dysplastic nevi are found in large numbers (100 or more), although someone might have just a few.
• In men, harmful moles are often found between the shoulders and hips and neck and head areas. In women, they typically appear on the lower legs, shoulders and hips.

The ABCDEs of monitoring your moles

Here’s a quick way to check old moles that become irregular and new moles that develop, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you answer yes to any of the questions below, see a doctor immediately.

• A (Asymmetry): If you were to split the mole in two, are the sides unequal?
• B (Border): Are the edges of the mole jagged or blurry?
• C (Color): Has the mole changed color (i.e., has the color spread or darkened? Is there a loss of color? Does the mole have multiple colors?)
• D (Diameter): Is the mole larger than ¼ in diameter?
• E (Elevation): Is the mole raised above the skin and rough?

Sun safety

Use these tips to keep your skin safe from melanoma and other skin cancers and sun damage.

• Don’t tan outdoors or use tanning beds. Remember that any sun exposure is damaging to skin, so there’s no safe way to tan (including that “base tan”).
• Wear sunscreen every day and apply it correctly. Though everyone knows that sunscreen is necessary, the majority of people don’t apply enough of it or as often as they should — creating a false sense of security, where you don’t get the full SPF but think you’re protected. Here’s how to ensure you’re fully protecting your skin.
  • Make sure to apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
  • Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater. Look for ingredients such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone (Parsol 1789), which provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Use at least one ounce (a shot glass or two tablespoons) of sunscreen every time you apply.
  • Reapply every two hours even if a sunscreen is labeled “water-resistant.”These sunscreens can lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water.
• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Seek the shade. However, being in the shade should never substitute for sunscreen, because the sand and concrete reflect UV rays. The sun also reflects off of water and snow, so be especially careful around these areas.

Baby Sun Care Benefits

Sunlight consists of a wide range of different wavelengths of radiation. Some of these we can sense – the warmth we feel in sunlight comes from Infra-Red radiation, and the light we can see comes from radiation in the visible spectrum. There are other wavelengths in sunlight that we can’t see, and chief among these are those in the Ultra Violet group. There are at least three different types of Ultra-Violet radiation and these are generally referred to as UVA, UVB and UVC.

UVC Radiation

Taking these in reverse order, UVC has the shortest wavelength and although it is potentially very harmful to our skin, it is completely filtered out by the earth’s atmosphere and so does not affect us.

UVB Radiation

UVB radiation is the one that causes the appearance of a tan after sun exposure. It does this by stimulating the formation of the pigment ‘melanin’ in the deeper layers of the skin and activates it’s movement to the outer skin layers. Here it acts as an antioxidant and skin protector – it is in fact part of our natural defence against sun damage.

UVB radiation also causes thickening of the outer layers of the skin, and if exposure is taken to excess is what causes sun-burn. This should be avoided at all costs, particularly by children, as it is thought that sun-burn in early years may lead to an increased risk of skin cancer later in life.

UVA Radiation

UVA radiation is potentially the most damaging form as it penetrates deeper into the skin. In the deep basal layers of the skin UVA can damage the DNA that makes up the blueprint of each cell, and can result in mutated cells that no longer reproduce properly. This in turn may be a primary cause of some skin cancers, although they may take years or even decades to manifest themselves.

UVA also damages structures made from or containing collagen and elastin and this is one of the main causes of wrinkles and premature ageing in skin that is often exposed to sunlight.

General Advice

The general advice given to adults who are going to be exposed to sunlight can be summed up in the now famous Australian adage of ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ – Slip on a Shirt, Slop on a Hat, Slap on some Sun-cream. Clearly, all three of these actions are designed to reduce exposure to sunlight and therefore minimise the risks involved.

Further advice is to avoid exposure to the sun when it as its strongest – between mid-day and three in the afternoon. When you think about it, this is the traditional time when many Mediterranean countries have lunch followed by a Siesta – both taken indoors thereby avoiding the worst effects of the sun.

Keeping my baby from getting a sunburn?

The best way to protect your baby is to keep your baby out of direct sunlight as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Routinely dress him in a hat, lightweight pants, and a long-sleeved shirt for outings during the middle of the day. Tightly woven clothing protects better than loosely woven fabrics (to see how tight the weave is, hold the fabric up to a light — the less light that shines through, the better). Add UV-protective sunglasses if your baby will wear them. Use an umbrella, stroller canopy, or sun-protective tent to protect your baby while he’s outside.

Until August 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended against using any type of sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months, because their skin’s ability to metabolize and excrete chemicals may not be fully developed. This recommendation has been revised somewhat. You can use sunscreen on babies under 6 months if adequate clothing and shade aren’t available, but check with your pediatrician first. That doesn’t mean you should slather your baby in sunblock, though. Just apply a small amount of lotion to exposed areas.

For babies over 6 months, use a waterproof sunscreen designed for children. Choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it protects against both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens are good to use on particularly sensitive spots, such as the nose and lips.

The AAP and American Academy of Dermatology recommend an SPF of at least 15, but many experts recommend SPF 30 or higher for babies, and many baby sunscreen formulas have even higher SPFs. If possible, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it at least every two hours, especially if your baby has been playing in the water or has been sweating (even if the sunscreen is waterproof).

When trying a new sunscreen, do a patch test on your child’s back to make sure he doesn’t have a reaction to it. If he does develop a rash or redness at the test site, choose a hypoallergenic formula instead.

Baby Sun Skin Care for the Summer

The hot days of summer are getting more intense with every year. Especially if you’re in the Northeast where we have a a sun-driven heatwave. Regardless of what zone you live in, smart skin protection is the best medicine to keep your child skin safe in the sun.

You probably remember your first sunburn and maybe even your latest one because it’s so easy for adults to splash sun screen on their kids, and forget to put it on themselves.  As you know, infant skin burns much more easily than adult skin. That’s why it’s important to take extra care with infants and toddlers when they are out in the sun.

UV Rays
It’s no secret that the depletion of the ozone layer has changed our way of thinking about sun protection. There is no doubt that the sun rays today are stronger and more intense those of 60 years ago.

Extended exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun causes skin damage and premature aging. However, it is important to remember that sunlight is important to good health. Small amounts of ultraviolet rays stimulate the body to produce vitamin D, an essential vitamin for good health. Deficiency of vitamin D is a serious health concern and leads to conditions such as rickets in children. In short, moderate sun is healthy, but sunburns are not.
Too much exposure to sunlight can result in immediate pain and long-term harm. Without getting too scientific here, sunburn is caused by extended exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Short-term results can be pain, allergic reactions and heat stroke.  In the long term, researchers say that victims of sunburn can suffer from lupus, cataracts, premature skin aging and an increased risk for skin cancer.

Skin Type
A person’s sensitivity to the sun is related to his or her skin type. An individual’s skin type determines how easily that person can become sunburned. Those with fair skin, freckles, blue eyes and/or blonde or red hair sunburn much easier than those with darker skin, eyes and hair.

Children younger than 6 years of age and adults older than 60 years are at an increased risk for sunburn. Skin type affects how easily you become sunburned. People with fair or freckled skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes usually sunburn easily. Your age also affects how your skin reacts to the sun.

Young Skin is Sensitive
The skin of children under age 6 and adults over age 60 is more sensitive to sunlight. Premature aging from sunlight can affect people of all skin shades. A sunburn can be caused by the sun or by artificial tanning sources, including tanning beds and sun tanning lights. You can even get sunburned not only in the summer, but also in the winter.

Here are some basic sun care tips:

• Sunlight is most intense between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so avoid exposure during these times
• Avoid exposing babies younger than six months of age to direct sunlight
• Dress your child in light, loose clothing that covers the whole body
• Use a sun hat or bonnet, and keep the sunshade up on the stroller up This is good advice for young babies
• Toddlers often resent the restrictions of clothing, and feel it’s best to run around naked. For these free little spirits, use a gentle, natural sunscreen with organic ingredients, available at your health food store
• Slather on sunscreen generously and reapply, even on cloudy hazy days
• Never put sunscreen too close to children’s eyes or on their hands, as they might rub their eyes and cause irritation
• Keep your child and yourself well hydrated. Keep water bottles handy or nearby
• Bring a beach umbrella to the beach or park(if there are no shady trees nearby)

Have fun in the sun this summer, but do take care of the tender skin.