the conscious decision blog
What to expect when making the switch to a natural deodorant
You've learned the reasons to switch to natural deodorant, bid farewell to your antiperspirant and committed to going au naturel. So, what’s next? Here is a breakdown of what to expect when switching to natural deodorant and how to make the transition successful. The Detox After using an antiperspirant for a *long* time, there is a period of adjustment— the body needs to rebalance itself as it adapts to a natural formula. After all, it’s learning how to sweat again. You may find that you sweat more initially. You may even notice some armpit stains (that’s not typically with use of a non-antiperspirant) as your body eliminates aluminum build-up and other toxins from the pores in your underarms. During this purge the growth of odor-causing bacteria can increase, resulting in unpleasant body odor. You might even think your deodorant ‘isn’t working,’ but stick with it — it’s temporary. This ‘detox’ typically lasts about two to four weeks, based on your own body chemistry. How to get through it: No bacteria. No body odor. Keep your armpits clean and your BO in check with (more) frequent showers or body cleansing wipes for when you’re on-the-go. Hot baths or a sweat sesh opens-up underarm pores and help speed-up the ‘detox’ process. Wear loose clothing made with natural fibers, like cotton, silk or linen, to more comfortably allow your body to perspire. Drink more water to flush toxins out — a good move, detox or not! You may need to experiment with a different scents to land on the one that best complements and neutralizes your body’s natural scent. Keep a travel-size version of your deodorant in your bag, like the 2 oz travel-size version of our award winning spray deodorants, to freshen-up throughout the day.
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Why you should switch to a natural deodorant
One of the most important (but also intimidating!) clean personal care swaps you can make is to give up your antiperspirant. on the fence? here’s why you should *finally* take the plunge— because toxins are the pits. the truth about conventional deodorants antiperspirants rely on chemical ingredients, frequently aluminum, to prevent the body from sweating — by plugging the sweat ducts— to eliminate odor. but why the stink about sweat? sweat is the body’s natural cooling process (think of it like AC) and flushes toxins, too. In fact, sweat has no odor. underarm odor is caused when perspiration comes into contact with bacteria that can thrive in a warm, moist environment— like your pits! in addition to aluminum, antiperspirants are commonly formulated with parabens, triclosan, phthalates and propylene glycol. exposure to these toxic compounds has been linked to Alzheimer’s, certain cancers and reproductive/developmental issues. and because the skin is highly porous, anything that’s applied topically can be absorbed into the bloodstream and even potentially stored in the cells and tissue. while scents like ‘baby powder’ and ‘shower fresh’ sound appealing, they can be potentially harmful as chemical fragrance components in deodorants are largely unregulated due to an FDA loophole that classifies them as ‘trade secrets'. according to the Environmental Working Group, “The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. Among them are chemicals associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and many substances that have not been assessed for safety in personal care products.” take note, this goes for any personal care products and cosmetics. whether applied to the skin or sprayed these pollutants have been tied to numerous health conditions, including allergies and asthma, and can have an effect on endocrine and reproductive systems. this is especially worrisome during pregnancy, when the fetus is developing. the natural alternative So what's the main reason to switch to natural deodorant? chemical-free deodorants utilize plant-based essential oils to effectively fight underarm bacteria to minimize body odor. no bacteria? no odor. and by allowing the body to perspire— you keep cool, naturally. plus, your pits are less likely to be irritated. want to keep toxins out? the safest ingredients for topical use are (in most cases) closest to their natural form, so that they can be “integrated” into the body, absorbed and filtered without any health impact. so, read your labels and avoid the ingredients mentioned above! those same essential oils and natural ingredients that balance perspiration (and your underarm flora) also have a pleasant scent. erbaviva’s Lemon & Sage and Jasmine & Grapefruit deodorants rely on USDA certified organic essential oils, including lemon, tea tree and grapefruit, that possess powerful antibacterial properties. shop our USDA certified organic deodorants below.
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THE BENEFITS OF USING NATURAL & ORGANIC DEODORANTS
Switching to natural deodorant is another step to eliminate more toxins from our daily lives and avoid more potentially harmful chemicals in the products that we consume. Erbaviva is a brand that has one of the industry’s best organic, all-natural deodorants, with a formula that includes active ingredients like organic lemon peel oil (naturally antibacterial) and sage oil (also antibacterial, and effective at controlling lipid production). The Truth About Commercial Deodorants Your skin is the largest organ of your body and absorbs everything you put on it, including the aluminum chloride, hexachlorophene, triclosan, phthalates and chlorofluorocarbons that are found in traditional deodorant and antiperspirant products. These chemicals are all absorbed through the epidermis, entering the bloodstream and ultimately ending up stored in our cells and tissue. While some of the chemicals in conventional deodorant formulas haven’t been directly linked to adverse health reactions, others have been flagged as potential carcinogens (namely aluminum chloride and phthalates). Others, like triclosan, have been linked to abnormal hormonal activity and impaired thyroid function. And the ‘fragrance’ included in many conventional deodorant formulas is a completely unregulated melange of chemicals: trade law loopholes mean that cosmetic companies don’t have to reveal their ‘fragrance’ formulas. These chemicals and toxins ultimately have a variety of negative impacts on our health, affecting everything from skin’s cellular DNA structure to our endocrine systems. Using natural and organic deodorants means avoiding these potential health risks. However, it’s worth noting that organic and natural formulas typically won’t eliminate perspiration to the same extent that chemical formulas will. Conventional antiperspirants and chemical-laden deodorants stop your sweat production through clogging your underarm pores, effectively preventing your body from properly releasing the sweat necessary to cool down and release toxins, which is a natural process when our bodies are under stress or highly active. Sweat is an essential mechanism for properly flushing toxins from the body and keeping your PH balance healthy. Moreover, sweat itself isn’t actually the culprit behind the smell associated with body odor. Sweat is comprised simply of salt and water, and a healthy person will have sweat that is scent-free (or that smells vaguely of saline). Body odor is produced when sweat comes into contact with the bacterial ecosystem that lives on our skin. Natural deodorant works to alter this reaction. The plant-based essential oils in Erbaviva deodorants work to remove bacteria from your underarm area, body odor is minimized and contained. Synthetic chemical ingredients are not necessary to create an effective deodorant For effective protection against body odor and moisture reduction, organic deodorants rely on a long list of effective organic and natural solutions. Making the switch to better products has the potential to increase your overall skin health, leaving you with a stabilized PH balance, eliminated allergic reactions, and un-clogged underarm pores. The safest ingredients for topical application should be closest to their natural form, so that they can be “integrated” into the body, absorbed, and filtered without any health side effects. Processed and lab-derived ingredients are usually designed for performance, but aren’t formulated with considerations of absorption and internal health in mind. In the case of deodorant, ‘ultra powerful’ formulas with purportedly long-lasting effects may seem like the most effective choice–but the reality is that in order for a deodorant to work for periods of up to 24 hours, the formula relies on compounds called phthalates, which are included to help the formula fragrance ‘stick’ to your skin on a chemical level. And phthalates, research suggests, disrupt healthy testosterone levels, meaning potentially impaired reproductive ability and impacted fetal development in pregnant women. For minimized risk, opt for a deodorant formula that’s less ‘heavy duty’. Fresh and effective Scents What’s more, compromise on scent and freshness is absolutely not necessary. Essential oils and other natural ingredients used in the the Erbaviva collection work as antibacterial agents while also having naturally energizing and floral scents–lemon oil brings brightness and tea-tree oil provides a clarifying note. In fact, natural scents are generally more effective at treating odor, and are often preferable to synthetic fragrances which can smell too strong, too “flowery,” or otherwise overpowering. No skin irritation Commercial deodorants are often formulated to plug the sweat glands and prevent moisture from escaping through your skin. This is effective for stopping sweat and odor, but can cause bumps (especially if you shave your underarms), skin irritation and clogged pores. Whatever your specific skin type, there’s an organic and plant-based solution that works for most people. Some organic deodorant formulas boast plant-based moisturizers to treat skin conditions like razor burn or eczema. No more stained clothes Deodorant stains on fabrics are the result of aluminum interacting on a chemical level with the proteins in perspiration. Natural deodorants av#oid this issue thanks to their gentle profile sans aluminum. A healthy perspiration cycle Sweating is a normal biological function that your body uses to cool itself and release toxins from your bloodstream. Conventional antiperspirants stop you from sweating entirely, while natural and organic deodorants naturally reduce the odor when sweat occurs. Using plant-based formulas to manage odor allows the normal function of the body to take place, keeping your skin healthy, cooled, and in a constant state of renewal. A natural deodorant is the best solution for your body odor and your long term health. Make the choice now to a healthy alternative.
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When Can I Use Baby Shampoo on My Newborn?
Baby is finally here (yay!), but he didn’t come with an instruction booklet (oof) — everything needs to be figured out. From feeding, to dressing, to bathing, some things can be learned from trial and error, and others, like bathing, require a bit more research. A newborn’s skin is sensitive and delicate but so is newborn’s hair. Can you use baby shampoo on your newborn? Here’s some info to get you started. Week 1-2 According to the Mayo Clinic, for the first week or two, or until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off, it’s best to give your your newborn sponge baths every three days. Why sponge baths? Avoiding full immersion in water will help to avoid infecting the sensitive area surrounding the stump. How To: Ready a bowl of clean, warm water (cool trick: place your elbow under the water to check temperature), two clean washcloths, and mild baby soap (like Erbaviva’s Organic Baby Body Wash), and gather all within reach before you begin. Lay baby down on a safe, padded surface in a warm room — a changing pad covered in a towel on a changing table or on the floor is perfect. Keeping baby wrapped in a towel, expose only the parts of his body you are actively washing. Wash your baby's head last so that his head does not get too cold during the bath. Pay special attention to all of his creases: neck, belly, underarms, ears, and the genital area (which should be washed with its own washcloth in order to avoid any potential cross-contamination). When washing the belly, take extra care to keep baby's umbilical cord dry. Baby born with a headful of hair? a mild baby shampoo is entirely safe for use from day one, just stick to an ultra gentle mild baby hair product like erbaviva’s baby shampoo, which is formulated with an ultra-mild blend of organic essential oils of lavender, chamomile and oregon grape extract and is completely free of laurel sulfates and unwanted chemicals. Week 3+ Once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, it is safe to immerse baby in the tub, sink, baby tub, or basin. Keep baths to a max of three baths a week until he turns one to avoid drying out his sensitive skin, and stick to mild baby soaps, as regular soap contains heavy surfactants, deodorants, and fragrances, all of which will dry out baby’s silky skin. How To: Gather a few clean washcloths, a cup to pour water over baby’s body, mild baby soap like Erbaviva’s Baby Soap, handcrafted with pure milk, honey and nutrient-rich oils or Erbaviva’s super gentle Baby Body Wash, and a mild baby shampoo and have all within reach before you begin. Fill the basin with 2 inches of water that feels warm to your elbow. Undress baby and place him in the water feet first using one of your hands to support his head and the other to guide him in. To be safe, most of his body and face should be kept well above water level, so you’ll need to pour warm water over his body frequently to keep him warm. Stick to using soap on the areas that actually get dirty (bottom, genitals, armpits, kneepits), and rinse the rest of him with warm water. Shampoo once or twice a week by gently massaging baby’s scalp, including the area over his fontanelles (soft spots). When you rinse the shampoo from his head, cup your hand across his forehead so the suds run off the sides of his head and not into his eyes. Bravo! How did your baby’s first bath go? Sound off in the comments below!
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Is Cocoa Butter Safe For Babies' Skin?
One of the most common concerns that new parents face with their babies is taking care of their sensitive skin, and with the daily changes that newborns experience, it is tough to know exactly what baby body butters to use and when they are safe. Newborn skin can be a conundrum of mysterious rashes and unpredictable dry spots, so it’s important to know what is safe to apply on your baby. There are many different moisturizing options out there and cocoa butter is quickly becoming an industry favorite. From butters to chap sticks, cocoa butter is making its way into a wide variety of skincare products. But is cocoa butter safe for babies’ skin? What is cocoa butter? Cocoa butter is a fat that is extracted from the cocoa bean. Like coconut oil, it is a healthy fat that is edible and can also be used topically. It’s used in foods such as chocolate and used in skin care products. Because it’s high in fatty aids, has a creamy texture and is easily absorbed (it melts at body temperature), cocoa butter can be good to use for baby’s dry skin. Cocoa butter can have a very thick consistency and it is often used as a thickener for other cosmetic products. If your baby has oily skin, cocoa butter may not be a great option for them, as it will be too heavy and oily for their skin type. In this case, you can choose a lighter option such as a lotion or cream. Benefits In addition to providing deep moisture, cocoa butter has many benefits for skin and body. Good for sensitive skin Cocoa butter is a natural ingredient and can therefore be a good option for those with sensitive skin who want to avoid any additives. Good for hair Cocoa butter has healing properties not only for skin but for hair! You can use it as a deep conditioner or hair mask and it’s great to help tame flyaways. Rich in antioxidants Cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants which help fight free-radicals that can cause aging. It helps protect your skin and keeps it healthy. Ingredients to avoid We always recommend using organic products and cocoa butter is no exception. If you’re unsure if the cocoa butter in your product is organic, check the product label to confirm. Be aware that even though something is labeled as natural, companies can sneak toxic ingredients into their products. Erbaviva’s organic baby butter cream is usda certified and is scented with organic essential oils of chamomile and lavender. Here is a list of ingredients to look out for and avoid: Parabens, which can include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butlyparaben and benzylparaben are toxic for the body and should be avoided. Propylene glycol is another ingredient that will show up in moisturizing products and to give you an idea of its toxicity level, it is also included in anti-freeze, hydraulic fluid and brake fluid. According to the MSDS, this chemical causes irritation and should not come in contact with the skin, eyes or clothing. Synthetic fragrances are chemicals that are easily absorbed into the skin and may build up in the fat cells of the body and become harmful to health. There are literally thousands of different chemicals that qualify as fragrances and are toxic to the body. If you see the word fragrance anywhere in your product, know that this product is not safe for your baby. If you are considering using cocoa butter on your baby, here are a couple of things to think about first. We always recommend trying the baby body butter on a small area of the skin first, to make sure your child doesn’t have a reaction to it. Babies should have a limited exposure to products before six months but if you are experiencing skin issues, it’s always best to check with your primary care provider about the products you intend to use on young children. If you and/or your babe have dry or sensitive skin, using all-natural cocoa butter skincare can be an organic solution for the family.
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Does Organic Deodorant Work?
A product that many people apply in the morning before heading out the door is deodorant. Some of us sweat more than others and some give off more body odor so we depend on deodorant to help control these concerns. When shopping for a deodorant, we want to find one that smells good but also gets the job done. If you’re trying to clean your beauty and skincare routine, you may be on the lookout for an organic deodorant – but does natural organic deodorant work? Toxic Ingredients Deodorant has been around for years but unfortunately, a lot of deodorants or more specifically, antiperspirants, contain harmful ingredients such as aluminum. Aluminum is used to block sweat glands to keep your pits dry. There have been some questions about aluminum and its connection with cancer and other health detriments and though there is not a lot of scientific data to support this, we prefer staying on the safe side and taking the natural route. Other potentially harmful ingredients to keep an eye for are parabens, phthalates, talc, propylene glycol, silica, and fragrance. Organic and Natural Deodorants Luckily for us, with the green beauty movement, there has been a wave of organic and natural deodorants released in the market that help keep the underarm fresh. There are a variety of organic deodorant bars, sticks, pastes, and even sprays that you can choose from. These deodorants use ingredients such as baking soda, corn starch, coconut oil, and essential oils to combat sweat and odor. There are definitely benefits of using natural deodorants, but do they actually work?? And where should you start?? Erbaviva Organic Deodorants Skin Care Ox - one of the largest resources for the best natural and organic research and products - spent months trying over 80 different so-called organic/natural deodorants to narrow down their list of 18 Best Organic and All-Natural Deodorants of 2018 -- That Actually Work! In the end, Erbaviva's Organic Jasmine & Grapefruit and Lemon & Sage Deodorants were amongst the best they tested. Diane Elizabeth, Founder of Skin Care Ox has written a custom post for us telling why she loved the products and how they came to select Erbaviva deodorants over other competitors. Of course we had to share the great news - here's what she had to say: Finding a truly organic, non-toxic, and effective deodorant can be quite the challenge. Not only is it imperative for the product to be free from potentially toxic and irritating ingredients like parabens, aluminum, triclosan, propylene glycol, talc, steareths, and a host of other undesirable ingredients, but it is also very important that the product actually work. That’s why I set out to tackle the stinky job of testing over 80 so-called natural and organic deodorants on the market to find the absolute best. Let me tell you, there are a lot of not-so-great deodorant products out there which overpromise and, sadly, underdeliver. One deodorant that really stood out from the rest was Erbaviva’s USDA Certified Organic Deodorant sprays. Going into the testing, I was extremely hesitant. Could a spray deodorant made with just organic essential oils really control odor as well as an arrowroot or baking soda powder-based deodorant sticks? Since I’m prone to underarm irritation due to baking soda, I was definitely open minded and had high hopes. As a part of the test, I applied 2-3 light mists of the Jasmine & Grapefruit organic deodorant to each underarm every morning for one week. Erbaviva did not let me down! I was pleasantly surprised at how the spray’s 100% organic essential oils (like ginger root, jasmine, lemon, orange, grapefruit, and sage) worked to effectively eliminate bacteria and odor all day long. Not to mention, these oils create a wonderful light citrus scent. The organic grain alcohol is a real anti-bacterial powerhouse which also creates a slight drying effect on the pits. Even when I broke into a sweat from working out, the deodorant was highly effective at keeping any odor at bay. Out of all of the products that I tested, Erbaviva’s was one of the few that I ended up reordering for my own personal use. Who knew that a simple organic oil spray could be so effective as a non-toxic deodorant solution? After testing almost every natural deodorant under the sun, I can confidently recommend Erbaviva’s spray deodorants to anyone looking for a truly organic solution. If you’re making the transition to organic deodorant, remember that every person's body chemistry is different and we all react differently to ingredients so you have to experiment to find the right deodorant that works for you. Your body also goes through a process of adjusting when making the natural switch so you have to be patient. To help with the process and help clear buildup, exfoliate your underarms twice weekly. If you haven’t made the switch to organic deodorant, give it a try and let us know how it works out for you. If you already have, share with us a deodorant you love in the comments below. We want to know!
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Can You Wash Baby Bottles with Dish Soap?
Navigating all of baby’s firsts — from first swaddle, to first diaper change, to that first night of sleep — can be a daunting endeavor, and feeding baby his first bottle is no exception. Whether you are serving your little one breast milk or formula, it’s wise to follow a strict cleaning regime in order to keep bacterial contamination at bay. Follow our step by-step-guide for safely cleaning baby’s bottle, from the very first use and beyond. Choosing A Baby-Safe Dishwashing Soap With so many products on the market aimed at parents and caregivers, it can sometimes feel like a full time job just navigating the grocery store shelves, especially when it comes to products that come in close contact with your children. You can get overwhelmed and ask yourself how to clean baby bottles and if you can wash them with regular dish soap. In fact, you will want to avoid many of the ingredients found standard in dish soaps, including surfactants, preservatives, and fragrance. Here are a few ingredients to avoid: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A detergent/surfactant used to break down surfaces so cleansers can work more effectively. Linked to Nitrosamines, a strong carcinogen that allows your body to absorb nitrates, another known carcinogen. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Can become contaminated with Dioxane, a possible carcinogen, which the liver has a difficult time metabolizing and so it remains in the body for an extended period of time. Artificial Fragrance: A major cause of allergic reactions, fragrances can contain thousands of chemicals, including phthalates. Phthalates are man-made chemicals that can have a negative effect on hormone levels. Because fragrances are protected as a “trade secret”, their ingredients are not required to be listed on the label. Many of these potentially harmful ingredients are found in conventional dish soaps and other cleaning liquids. Knowing this, it may not be safe to wash baby bottles with dish soap. While many products are targeted at caring for baby, this doesn’t at all guarantee a mild, baby-safe solution can be found inside that pastel package. Rather than opting for products marketed as “baby-safe,” a better bet is to use The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment, as a tool to select a dishwashing soap that has been awarded an A-rating. First Use: Sterilize Bottles In Boiling Water While it’s not necessary to sterilize bottles after each use, it’s highly recommended to do so before the first use. It’s easy: simply boil all bottle parts in water for five minutes. There is one exception to this rule, however: if you have well water, you may want to consider sterilizing more frequently. Manual Cleaning: Soap, Hot Water, And A Bottle Brush Separate all parts. To wash baby bottles, dismantle nipples, caps, rings, bottles, and attachments to rinse and clean. Prepare water. Rinse all parts, then fill a large, clean bowl in the sink with hot water and add mild dishwashing liquid, allowing all pieces to soak for a minute or two. Clean thoroughly with a bottle brush. Invest in a bottle brush that will be used exclusively for washing baby’s bottles — no contaminating sponges here. Spin the baby bottle brush inside each bottle and nipple, then run the soapy water through the nipple hole to flush out any lingering residue. Rinse and dry. Rinse all parts under running water and place them on a bottle rack to drain and dry. Dishwasher Cleaning Check the manufacturer’s labels on all of your bottle parts to make sure each item is dishwasher safe. If so, washing and drying in a dishwasher is safe as long as you use a heated wash cycle and heated drying cycle. Is there a safe dish soap, bottle brush, or drying rack you swear by? Sound off in the comments below!
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How to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Baby
When warmer weather comes around, many of us start planning barbeques, trips to the lake, camp outs and hikes to find swimming holes. But with all that sunshine and adventure comes some challenges, one of those being avoiding pesky bugs. One of the most dreaded bugs we want to avoid are mosquitoes. Most of us are familiar with the perils of mosquitoes and we are sure that there have been countless conversations amongst the more vulnerable discussing theories about why they have become the target of these pests. While studies are typically inconclusive, one thing is for certain, mosquito bites are awful. More importantly, mosquitoes are sometimes dangerous as they can be carriers to diseases such as the Zika virus, Malaria, West Nile virus and Dengue fever. With this information, we definitely want to take precautions for all our loved ones and ourselves! Since young ones can’t fend for themselves, you have to figure out how to keep mosquitoes away from your baby. Doctors have yet to find a cure for mosquito bites, so it is best to try and avoid exposure altogether. Here are some ways to stay safe: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so keep your baby indoors during these times. Mosquitoes are unable to fly against strong winds, so being near a fan is an effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, dress your baby in light colors and avoid exposing any skin. Stay away from any standing water where mosquitoes are more likely to breed. If you find yourself in a situation where you know you and your family may be more susceptible to mosquitoes, you should use an insect repellent. Chemically synthetic insect repellents contain potentially harmful ingredients that are highly controversial. DEET or diethyltoluamide, is the most common ingredient in most insect repellents and while effective, high amounts of DEET can be harmful, so opting for a natural, effective solution is always more advisable. The American Academy of Pediatrics firmly states that all bug repellents, even DEET-free ones, should not be used on babies younger than 2 months old. What is the best insect repellent for babies? Erbaviva Children’s Buzz Spray is a great alternative to ordinary repellents. It is made with a medley of organic and biodynamic ingredients that specialize in repelling bugs. With catnip, lemongrass oil and citronella as its most active ingredients, this spray is a wonderful and an all-natural bug remedy. The product also contains 95% certified organic ingredients. We love the fun packaging of the Children’s Buzz Spray bottle but Erbaviva also offers the Buzz Spray in a more simple and clean bottle. No differences in ingredients or efficiency, just a different look. According to Science Daily, catnip is approximately ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than the chemical DEET. And while studies sometimes conflict regarding the efficacy of citronella, the oil has stood the test of time and is still widely used in many cultures. Citronella has been used in the united states as a plant-based insect repellent for nearly 70 years and has been registered by the environmental protection agency as a non-toxic biopesticide. To ensure that repellents work properly, we recommend reapplying every 30 minutes especially during sun down, sun up and early evenings, when mosquitoes are the most active. The frequent application of repellent is why we strongly recommend that you opt for a natural, plant-based option for the body's largest organ, the skin.
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When Can You Put Lotion on a Baby?
Despite the silky nature of newborn skin, babies can experience dry skin and can also develop a variety of skin ailments from dryness to rashes. it’s important to know what products are healthy to use and when you can put lotion on your newborn baby’s skin. Newborns' immune systems develop in their early months. Newborn skin needs dye-free, fragrance free baby skincare products. Understanding Newborn Skin According to Kaiser Pemanente, many newborns usually will not need to use a moisturizer. Newborns may have peeling skin but this is normal, and finding the best lotion for their needs will help. If it seems like your baby suffers from dry skin or eczema, a moisturizer should be used. Your baby can also develop dry patches that may go away on their own but if dry skin persists, we recommend consulting your physician before starting any skin regimen on your baby, especially if you’re treating a skin condition. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that infants with a daily application of moisturizer had a 32 percent risk for developing eczema compared to 47 percent of the control group. If you get the okay to start using lotion on your newborn, we always recommend organic products, and definitely ones that don’t contain any synthetic dyes or fragrances, as baby’s skin is very sensitive. As a way to stay on top of your baby’s dry skin, it’s always helpful to carry a travel-sized lotion around as well. Benefits of Erbaviva Organic Lotion Erbaviva offers a variety of moisturizers formulated for baby. When choosing which type of moisturizer to use, it can depend on the desired consistency and level of hydration needed. When comparing Erbaviva’s baby moisturizers, the lotion would be the lightest, followed by the cream, then the butter and balm, with the oil being the heaviest and providing the most moisture. Easy to apply, Erbaviva's Baby Lotion is carefully crafted with natural emulsifiers and organic oils to moisturize sensitive skin. It's scented with a custom blend of mandarin and chamomile essential oils. Erbaviva's organic baby butter cream is crafted with fair trade cocoa butter with calming oils of lavender and chamomile. the butter contains ingredients that deliver moisture and benefits to the skin. It’s also USDA Organic, which is a food grade certification where ingredients used are 95% certified organic, free from synthetic additives – this means it’s so clean that you can eat it! If you're looking for deep hydration, check out the Baby Oil. It's perfect for a moisturizing massage and keeping skin balanced. It's infused with Vitamin E in a beneficial base of almond, jojoba, and safflower oils. Why is my baby’s skin dry? Don't worry if your newborn's skin looks dry and flaky—that's completely normal! Newborns have a thinner, more delicate skin barrier than older kids, making them more prone to losing moisture quickly. This can lead to dry, itchy, and peeling skin. Cold weather, low humidity, and dry indoor heating can all make your little one’s skin even drier. Here are some ways to reduce dry skin on your baby: Try to limit the amount of baths you give your newborn because bathing dries out the skin. Because bathing dries the skin, moisturize after every bath. Avoid using drying soap while bathing your baby because this can further take moisture out from their skin. So if your newborn is prone to dry skin, it is safe to use lotion to moisturize the skin unless otherwise directed by your physician. No matter what you use on your baby, just make sure it’s free from harmful ingredients! Read the label carefully and stick to natural and gentle products. Baby’s skin is not fully developed so it needs special care – don’t put anything on it that you don’t trust. Each baby is different and will react differently to products so be on the lookout for any irritation that may occur. Essential Newborn Skin Care Tips Bathing For the first few months, bathe your baby 2-3 times a week. Use lukewarm tap water with or without nondrying baby soap. Keep the water level below the navel until the umbilical cord falls off to prevent infection. Clean your baby’s face, hands, and genital area daily with warm water. Avoid using soap on the female genital area and always wipe front to back. Changing Diapers Rinse your baby’s bottom with warm water after a soiled diaper. Use a wet washcloth or diaper wipe for wet diapers. Clean from front to back to avoid rashes and infections. Shampoo Wash your baby’s hair once or twice a week with tear-free baby shampoo. The soft spot on the head is well protected, so don’t worry about hurting it. Lotions, Ointments, and Powder Avoid using ointments or greasy substances on newborn skin. If the skin is dry, use baby lotion or moisturizing cream twice a day. Apply within 3 minutes after a bath to lock in moisture. Use cornstarch powder in areas of friction, but avoid talcum powder. Umbilical Cord Keep the cord dry and apply rubbing alcohol to its base twice a day until a week after it falls off. Fold diapers below the cord area to expose it to air and keep it dry. Fingernails and Toenails Trim toenails straight across and fingernails with rounded corners once a week after a bath. Use clippers or special baby scissors, preferably with help or while your baby is asleep. Other Ways to Keep Your Baby’s Skin Healthy Keeping your baby’s skin soft and healthy can be simple with a few easy steps. Brief and infrequent lukewarm baths followed by moisturizing are great starters. Here are some additional tips to ensure your baby’s skin stays soft and healthy: Skip the Bubble Baths. While bubble baths may seem fun, they often contain detergents that can strip your baby’s skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Pat, Don’t Rub. After a bath, gently pat your baby dry with a soft cotton towel. Rubbing can strip even more oils from their sensitive skin, causing irritation. Say No to Soap. Non-soap cleansers are a gentler alternative and less drying. Just be sure to choose a fragrance-free option to avoid irritation. Opt for Organic Cotton. Dress your baby in organic cotton after applying moisturizer. This helps lock in the moisture and prevents the moisturizer from rubbing off. Plus, 100% organic cotton is soft, breathable, and less likely to contain potential allergens or harmful chemicals. It’s perfect for your baby’s delicate skin. Use Skin-Friendly Sheets. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends soft cotton sheets, which breathe well and are less irritating to your baby’s skin. Consider using sheets that are 100% GOTS certified organic cotton for the best results.
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