Skin requires different care at different ages and for different skin conditions. A teenager’s skin doesn’t need the same care as that of a mature adult, and a baby’s skin doesn’t need the same care as that of a teen. But chronological age is not the only factor to consider when determining the age of skin and the care it needs. The real age of the skin that determines the care it needs is based on other factors. For example, a woman in her twenties who has skin that has suffered major sun damage may very well see her skin wrinkling. She would benefit from wrinkle-reducing skin care products that are usually marketed to older people.

Any illness or surgery that alters the body’s chemistry also alters skin care needs, regardless of the chronological age of the body. Women who go through early menopause or must have a hysterectomy at a young age for whatever reason will find that their skin benefits from the use
of topical estrogen creams.

The first thing that you need to know about the type of skin care products that you need to use is the type skin that you have. Skin is classified into several different groups according to the production of sebum:

Normal skin is neither dry nor oily. Normal skin is clear, soft, and smooth with a healthy glow. (Normal skin is what all of us are striving for.)

Oily skin is exactly what the name implies. Oily skin is indicative of overproductive sebaceous glands. Oily skin appears coarser because the pores are usually enlarged, and oily skin is also more prone to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne.

Dry skin is the opposite of oily skin. The sebaceous glands do not produce enough oil and the skin does not retain enough moisture. The skin appears to be dry and flaky.

Combination skin is skin that has both oily patches and dry patches.

The products that you purchase for skin care need to be age-appropriate, but the age that you need to consider isn’t your chronological age, but rather the “true” age of your skin.

By: Dante Rambaldi

It is miserable to watch your child crying or scratching because of eczema, especially when nothing you do seems to help. There are many things that you as an adult may try, but he products probably would not be recommended for your baby, simply because they are too potent for your baby’s sensitive skin. So what are you to do? If your are like any concerned parent, letting your child suffer is simply not an option. Below are a few safe ways to care for your baby’s skin and eliminate their eczema naturally.

Shea Butter

100% natural unrefined shea butter does not look the way it feels at all. Scoop a finger full into your hand and it instantly warms and melts right in your palm. It is barely greasy and it immediately softens and nourishes the skin. Shea butter has been known to completely eliminate a child’s eczema on its own. It also is an effective diaper rash cream.

Jojoba Oil

This oil closely resembles human sebum, so it will absorb very easily into your baby’s delicate skin. You can apply this as often as you like to your baby’s skin. If your baby has crusty or dry skin on the scalp, gently massage some on the scalp and it will help loosen the dry or flaky skin. It is not greasy at all, and can be used on a mothers nipples if she has eczema and is nursing.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has a soothing scent and it calms the nerves. Placing 1-2 drops into your baby’s shea butter, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, or on the pillow or blankets can soothe/relax your child and help get him or her to sleep. You can also add a couple of drops to a vaporizer.

Black Soap

This soap is recommended for babies with very dry skin and for those with skin conditions like eczema, rashes, acne, etc. It is very gentle and non-drying to the skin, and this is the only soap used on infants by many mothers in Africa because of is healing and moisturizing properties. In Ghana and Togo, black soap is nearly the only soap used by mothers to wash their newborns, as its purity makes it gentle and non-drying. This soap has also been known to get rid of eczema naturally.

Everything you put on your skin is absorbed into the bloodstream, so it is extremely important that you pay attention to all the chemicals in the products that you are putting on your baby’s skin. Your baby’s skin does not need chemicals of fragrance which dry out and irritate their already sensitive skin. It needs products that nourish the skin. Nature has provided all that you need to treat and get rid of your baby’s eczema naturally.

By: Lavenia Price

Skin care in general is very important in this highly polluted environment we live in today. But one cannot treat an adult and a baby in the same way. Babies skin is more sensitive than any other adult person. It cannot withstand excessive or in adequate heat or cold environments.

A Babies skin does not let out excessive water and toxins in the form of sweat in order to maintain inner body temperature. Because of less sweating, the inner temperature is not properly taken care of. To top it, Babies skin is very thin when compared to an adult’s skin and formation or attack of bacteria is more probable when there are rashes on it.

Proper skin care has to be ensured to protect Baby from harmful allergens. For a new born baby, several changes occur in the first few months. Some changes might appear like a rash, which eventually disappear with time. however, there are some skin problems that you cannot ignore. Few Skin conditions that’s common in a baby are Heat rash, Infant Acne, Cradle Cap, Chafing and Eczema.

Heat rash generally erupts due to intense heat or humidity and undeveloped sweat glands. They appear in the form of small pink pimples. In hot environment or weather, do not dress baby with heavy clothes, try to keep clothes light and loose.

Infant acne also is a very common problem in Babies. When an infant is born, he retains the hormones of the mother and hence such acne develops. Though no external medication is required, yet if these remain for long time, then consult a doctor immediately.

Cradle cap is nothing but small patch formation on the scalp. This happens due to over active glands in Baby’s scalp. Simple solution to this would be wiping gently with baby oil regularly and leaving it for few minutes. Also brush or comb the baby once done.

Chafing results when there is friction between the baby and his clothes. Try to remove or change the clothes to ensure that friction is not created. Even if such chafing occurs, you can apply regular baby cream to subside it.

Lastly, Eczema is a genetically determined common skin condition which is also known as atopic dermatitis. Keep the skin dry and clean. Consult pediatrician or health care professional for proper medication.

By: Tom Schavo