Morethanhalfofusproclaimto
have sensitive skin, so should we
be using gentle skincare designed
for newborns? We investigate
why baby buys might be the
best thing for mature skin
Picture a baby’s skin. It’s smooth,
peachy and completely poreless. It’s this
kind of plump perfection, timed with a
rise in skin allergies and sensitivities,
that has got grown-up women turning
their backs on high-tech creams and
rigorous regimes in favour of a gentler
approach. Beauty Editor Stephanie
admits she’s done just that. ‘After having
my little girl, I was so impressed with
the rich, buttery texture of her Weleda
Calendula Nappy Change Cream, £7.25,
weleda.co.uk, that I started using it on
my face before bed in place of my usual
serum and night cream,’ she says. ‘By
morning, fine lines weren’t as noticeable
and my face felt replenished.’ If your
skin needs maximum moisture with
minimum force, then it could be time
tohitthe baby aisle. Here’s why...WORDS: STEPHANIE MAYLOR. PHOTO: GETTY
18 womansweekly.com
CHILD ’ S PL AY!
Now great skin is
IT’S SIMPLE
Here on the beauty desk, we’re
inundated with new products
every week. From essences and
toners to serums, ampoules and
masks, we’re encouraged to add
multiple steps to our everyday
regimes, which makes it hard to
work out what our skin really needs.
Look at the selection for babies, on
the other hand, and it’s refreshingly
simple – think gentle cleansing,
hydration and sun protection.
A streamlined routine doesn’t
have to be permanent. A holidayfrom
more potent creams and superfluous
add-ons can reboot and de-stress
skin, by stimulating natural healing
properties. Think of it like a skincarediet
for a few weeks. Strip your regimeright
back to cleanser, moisturiser andSPF.
Childs Farm, whose user baseis27%
adult, has just launched SPF 30 Sun Lotion
Cream, £12. It’s unfragranced and made using
organic UV filters so a safe bet for young, old,
sensitive and eczema-prone skin in the sun.
For moisture, try Sophie La Girafe Face Cream,
£13.99, harrods.com. The silky lotion absorbs
quickly, leaving your face quenched and pampered.IT’S GENTLE
According to Dr Jennifer
Crawley, Consultant
Dermatologist for Childs
Farm, one of the primary
causes of sensitive skin
is using cosmetics with
irritating ingredients. ‘We’re
using more products on our
skin and more regularly
than ever before, leading
to an increase in people
experiencing reactions such
as redness, dryness and
rashes,’ she says. Fragrance,
in particular, is a big beautyno-no for many people,
causing dry skin and
inflammation, but products
designed for children tend
to contain fewer irritants.
Dr Crawley recommends
looking out for ranges
that have naturally derived
ingredients. Organic
Babies Baby Wash
& Shampoo, £8.50,
greenpeople.co.uk, is
scent-free, while soothing
camomile and aloe vera
make for a gentle cleanse.