Baby shampoo
The appearance of a baby in the house is a very responsible and exciting period for all parents. Everyone asks questions about what a newborn needs. And this is the correct position of adults. The kid very well perceives everything that happens around him. Mom and dad need to think carefully about what things to surround him with, what food to feed him, how to bathe him properly. Not the last moment in matters of crumb hygiene is choosing the right shampoo.
Peculiarities
It is natural to assume that conventional cosmetics are not suitable for children's skin and hair care. They require the most careful attitude and gentle care, like the baby himself. The skin of a little man is very different from that of an adult. Her protection has not yet fully formed, the fat layer is very thin, we can say that it is practically non-existent. Because of this, the skin is sensitive and vulnerable, it is easy to damage.
With age, the skin will improve, skin cells will change their structure and adapt to environmental conditions. But this process will be completed only by the age of seven.
The delicate epidermis of the baby cannot fight the ingress of harmful microorganisms and aggressive chemicals. At the age of one year, adult hair washing products are extremely dangerous for him.The use of unsuitable products will lead to dryness of the skin, and, as a result, the appearance of dandruff, the formation of crusts, and possibly allergic manifestations.
Differences
Means for washing the head of a child can be divided into categories according to age. Conditionally, since no regulations define the exact distinction and its features. It all depends on the manufacturer's recommendations. Funds can be marked as "0+", "3+" and after 3 years.
There are special requirements for products for newborns:
- No aggressive detergents. They must be organic and act carefully. If this rule is observed, the shampoo will not be able to lather strongly.
- Exclusion of active allergens: fragrances, dyes and preservatives. Every 0+ product is hypoallergenic.
- The composition should not irritate delicate mucous membranes and eyes of the child.
The composition of the product for the baby should be as natural as possible. It is good if the product contains vitamin supplements and nutrients, because the skin of children is delicate and needs to be nourished and moisturized. As a source of nutrients, the shampoo may contain a herbal complex: extracts of herbs such as mint, lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, string and others. They will have a positive effect on the epidermis and hair.
The main difference between children's cosmetics should be a safe composition, the absence of harmful substances. Let's take a closer look at what exactly should not be in it.
Free of sulfates and parabens
It is reasonable when choosing a children's remedy to pay close attention to its composition. Let's look at what you can see on the list of ingredients, and what should not be there.
The standard ingredients of baby detergent are, in addition to water, mild foaming agents, glucosides, sodium chloride, surfactant lauramidopropyl betaine, extracts of beneficial plants. All these substances are safe and suitable for children's dermis and hair.
The following substances should be strictly avoided:
- Sodium salts of lauryl sulfuric acid (SLS, SLES or SDS). Sodium lauryl sulfate is not particularly dangerous for healthy adult epidermis. But for the skin of a child - one of the most irritating substances. When combined with other substances, it damages the bulbs, therefore, slows down hair growth, provokes hair loss and seborrhea. It is generally accepted that high-quality cosmetics for children should not contain a substance of this type.
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate - a carcinogen that can accumulate in the skin, stimulates the development of cancer cells. It is better to use products that contain herbal analogues that do not have such side effects. They are labeled as TEA Lauril.
- Triethinolamine (TEA) - a substance from the type of amino alcohols, often present in cosmetics as a concentrate. May disrupt the protective functions of the skin, adversely affect the water balance. Because of this, it causes dandruff, dry skin, itching and redness. When individual skin characteristics are also present, it can even cause a chemical burn.
- Diethanolamine (DEA) - a relative of the past ingredient, used as a foam stabilizer. By itself, it does not cause harm, but when combined with other components, it forms carcinogens and penetrates through the pores of the dermis. Scientists believe that it may be one of the causes of cancers of the stomach, esophagus and liver.
- Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) - a preservative dangerous for the human nervous system, often causes allergic reactions, burning, itching, crusting, as a result of allergic dermatitis.
- Parabens, such as isobutyl or isopropyl, can accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of developing mutated cells. Causes irritation, allergies, enhances the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the body. It is not recommended not only for children, but also for pregnant women. It has an estrogenic effect and can affect the development of the fetus and the very possibility of having children. In cosmetics, they can be referred to as E 214, 216, 218, 219, benzylparaben, sodium salts.
Subtleties of choice
Many parameters, such as smell, color, shelf life, acidity level, affect the choice of product for a child.
In many ways, the choice will depend on age. The simplest thing is to rely on the manufacturer's statement about the recommended number of years. However, don't trust it blindly. It is better to independently analyze the composition of the product, and choose the most suitable option. What should you pay attention to when buying.
- Be sure to check the ingredients, find out if it contains the substances we discussed above. Try not to skip sulfates, parabens, preservatives, and other harmful artificial additives. It is better that the product contains natural plant extracts, oils, components of natural origin.
- European manufacturers, most often, more strictly monitor compliance with the rules and the use of only permitted components in the composition.
- Pay attention to the expiration date of the product. It is clear that it can only be used at this time, and not later. But he can say something else about the product.The longer cosmetics can be stored, the more preservatives and stabilizers in its composition.
- The basis of any shampoo - washing components. For the skin of a child, they should be gentle and not aggressive. Watch the pH of the product. It should be between 4.5 and 5.5 - these are acceptable safe limits.
- Color, smell, design bottles of cosmetics relate to the age of the child. For children under three, products are usually clear, colorless, odorless, or have a subtle fragrance. After reaching the age of three, you can pay attention to more interesting means. Flavors in children's products most often resemble various goodies, such as chocolate, strawberry, coconut or Coca-Cola. You can choose such products after 7 years, a very small child can try to drink a pleasantly smelling liquid.
- If a product says "No Tears" on the label, take another look at the ingredients. This effect can be achieved in two ways. It is great if the composition contains only soft natural ingredients that are gentle on mucous membranes, because of this they do not cause irritation and a burning sensation. However, some unscrupulous manufacturers may add mild anesthetics to the product to prevent pinching, but it is better not to bathe your baby with such a remedy.
After all the recommendations above, it should be noted that the best option is to visit a dermatologist and get a recommendation from the doctor on which remedy is preferable to use for the baby. What it should contain, perhaps for the type of hair, it is better to choose the content of extracts of some herbs, such as chamomile, burdock, string and others.
How to wash your child's hair
Children's hair gets dirty much less than adults. Therefore, it is often not recommended to use shampoos and gels for washing them. Too frequent use can dry out the delicate scalp and cause a violation of the water balance and the natural fatty membrane of the head. Depending on the contamination, the child's hair is washed every 5-7 days. Infant vellus hair can be washed with detergents once every 10 days. Simply wetting with water without the use of soap is not considered a complete wash and this procedure can be repeated every day.
Regular shampoo or shower gel is not suitable for bathing a child.
Use only proven products designed specifically for children.. Special products marked "2 in 1", are a shampoo combined with a conditioner. They are good to use for older children, they are especially suitable for girls with long curls. Conditioners do an excellent job of softening and nourishing, facilitate combing the strands, eliminate the possibility of their entanglement. It is enough for children to wash their hair with shampoo once, without repetition.. Contaminants will be removed during this time. Babies should gently moisten the head with water in the direction from the forehead to the back of the head. Lather the cleanser in the palms of your hands and gently apply to the hair, following the same direction. After that, the soap scum should be washed off with a sufficient amount of clean water.
Keep an eye on the water temperature, for kids, a temperature of 36-38 degrees is considered comfortable.
Due to the rapid growth of young children and their heads, in particular, skin cells have to intensively divide.Because of this, milky crusts are often formed on the epidermis of the head from dead cells and gland fat. From crusts, the procedure for lubricating the skin with oil before bathing helps well. You can put on a baby cap for a while to help the cells separate from the skin. After that, you need to gently comb the hair and remove the detached crusts. The procedure is repeated several times and then proceed to bathing.
The best stamps for babies
The rating of funds for babies for each mother may differ, because the priorities depend on many factors. Consider a few brands that are popular with modern parents.
- Bubchen- well-known German manufacturer of cosmetics for children. The company has been on the market for over 50 years, selecting the best natural substances for its products. The brand's baby shampoo is considered hypoallergenic and does not contain harmful substances. Gently affects the skin and hairline, does not cause discomfort even when it comes into contact with mucous membranes. A good product for the youngest age, according to many, even outside of our country.
- Johnson's Baby Products can be found in most stores. The brand produces a line of children's cosmetics: shampoos, bathing foams, oils. The products are conveniently packaged. According to the promises of the manufacturers, they are hypoallergenic, but cases of irritation were still recorded.
- Shampoo for children from Mustela suitable for both children and pregnant women. It does not impair the water balance of the epidermis, nourishes it, the hair becomes shiny, soft, and combs well.
- Neva cosmetics "Eared babysitter" - a line designed specifically for children. Suitable for all ages, does not cause allergies.Helps soften baby skin, does not provoke irritation, perfectly removes crusts.
- Means for babies brand "Our mom" contains natural herbal extracts. Well softens and soothes even irritated skin, thanks to calendula. Chamomile and string in the composition gently disinfect and nourish. Recommended for use by allergy sufferers, gently cares for children's hair.
- Weleda in the production of its gel shampoo, it also focused on plant ingredients. Thanks to the content of calendula extract, it heals and prevents inflammation. Glycerin, almond and sesame oils actively care for the skin. After using it, it is easy to comb your hair. It does not sting the eyes and does not irritate the mucous membranes.
- Company "My Sunshine" produces shampoos for both babies and older children. Having a small price, attracts buyers. But not many are satisfied with the results from its use. It contains a fairly aggressive surfactant and other not very useful components.
- Shampoo "La Cree" It contains mainly herbal ingredients. Recommended for dry and sensitive epidermis. Suitable for children from three years old.
- baby line - means, the birthplace of which is Germany. Contains a full range of cosmetics for baby care. Advertising is based on the legendary German quality, modern composition and strict control.
- Babycoccole from Italy enriched with lotus extract, contains natural ingredients. Regulates sebum production, gently soothes due to chamomile, oat component nourishes the skin.
- Series "Karapuz" contains shampoos with active ingredients based on medicinal herbs such as chamomile, calendula.The product is packaged interestingly for children - in a bottle with a rattle. Some note dry hair after it.
- "Dragon" - Shampoos for older children with various fruit flavors, kids will definitely like it. The shampoo base is made from chicory root, does not contain dyes, does not cause irritation of the mucous membranes. Russian scientists confirm its safety.
Can adults use
Doctors and stylists have not yet agreed on whether it is right for adults to use children's shampoos. They have advantages over conventional means: natural composition, absence of harmful components, hypoallergenicity.
The softness of the natural detergent components included in the composition allows you not to use conditioner or balm after shampoo. Hair becomes soft and manageable. But a children's product not designed for the use of styling products is unlikely to cope with serious pollution.
There are also some disadvantages in using such tools. They make the curls silky and airy, it will be difficult to style them, fix them, and add volume. Children's products will not be able to provide proper care for hair that will be exposed to styling and styling cosmetics. Cosmetics for babies are simply not designed for this.
All children have normal skin type. Therefore, those who have certain problems should not use such shampoos. They will also not help in the fight against diseases of the skin, with seborrhea or hair loss.
For those who have a normal type of epidermis and no problems with hair, cosmetologists give the green light to the use of children's cosmetics.With short haircuts, it is also advisable to use such care - the skin needs gentle moisturizing and maintaining hydrobalance. You can also use baby cleansers as a face wash.
Reviews
Parents leave various reviews after using baby shampoos. Many are satisfied with their work. Most brands carefully monitor the production of children's cosmetics, control all stages of the process. Moms and dads note the absence of allergic manifestations after using foreign brands, German, Israeli, Italian. Many Russian manufacturers also deserve positive comments. However, there are shampoos that have received powerful anti-advertising from their parents.
For example, products "My Sunshine"contain preservatives and aggressive substances, pinch eyes, irritate the skin during washing. Series "little fairy"almost make accusations of hair loss after washing. And this, as everyone understands, is really unpleasant consequences.
So, do not pay much attention to the advertising of the product, it is better to carefully analyze its composition. And it never hurts to consult with a specialist before buying a new product.
See below for details.