The birth of a baby brings joyous changes, which can often lead parents to overlook the importance of newborn skin care. This is crucial as a baby's immune system is extremely undeveloped and their skin, being the largest organ, primarily acts as a protective barrier.

Parents go above and beyond for their infants, yet it's effortless to overlook the difficulties babies face when leaving the cozy womb and getting accustomed to the external environment with its gravitational force, temperature changes, and humidity.

In this part, we want to remind parents about how amazing the first year of their baby's life will be. We will talk about which skincare products to use and the best skincare routine to make sure the baby's skin stays healthy and happy.

Phase 1: Newborn (Birth to 4 weeks)

The moment has arrived!

At birth, the tactile perception is one of the most developed senses. Prior to the baby's ability to see, they are already capable of feeling. Coupled with a heightened sense of smell, the newborn is prepared for the world. The baby's first experiences involve skin-to-skin contact with the mother -- not only does this provide warmth, it also initiates the transfer of helpful bacteria through skin interaction.

Skincare Guide:

The baby's skin is very fragile and paper-thin when they are first born and is still getting used to being outside the womb. It may have a white residue on it and look pink and wrinkly. It's a good idea for parents to use fragrance-free, organic skincare products on their baby and themselves. Not only do they prevent irritation, they also let the baby recognize their parents by smell.

• Cleansing: For the first few weeks, stay away from frequent bathing. It's recommended to bathe newborns 2-3 times per week to avoid drying out their skin and disrupting the natural balance of oils. Baths should be short (5-10 minutes) and gentle, using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free, preferably organic baby wash. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin vigorously.
• Moisturization: Apply a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free baby lotion after each bath and as needed to areas prone to dryness to lock in moisture.
• Diaper Care: Promptly replace diapers and apply a protective cream. Although non-nano zinc oxide is the traditional choice, organic brands like Shoosha use botanical ingredients such as Cacao, Coconut, Castor, and Evening Primrose oils which are safer for everyday use and more enjoyable to use.
• Scalp Care: Babies as young as 3 weeks could develop cradle cap. For prevention massage the scalp with baby oil - organic calendula oil for example - and gently brush before shampooing.
• Sun Protection: Keep newborns out of direct sunlight both to protect their delicate skin and to prevent them from over-heating as their ability to regulate their body heat is very weak at this point.
• Massage: Infant massage helps babies’ bodies work and feel better. It can improve digestion, immunity, hormones, and circulation. Massaging your baby can also make them more aware of their body and help them move better. You can start massaging your baby right after they're born, but make sure to wait until any wounds have healed. Use gentle preferably organic baby oils for the massage and start with short massages. As your baby grows, you can massage them for longer and use a little more pressure.