Battling Baby Eczema: The Secret to Happy Baby Skin & How I Found the Holy Grail of Skincare for Sensitive Baby Skin

by | Aug 24, 2024

The Journey to Finding Safe and Soothing Baby Skincare

Are you a mama who has a precious baby with sensitive skin or eczema? Have you tried every product out there to calm and soothe your baby’s skin, but nothing seems to work? I can relate. I am you. Here’s my story.

My Story

After my son was born, he had to stay in the NICU for two weeks. The nurses gave him his first bath without my permission when he was less than 24 hours old, robbing me not only of the bonding experience but also removing his vernix caseosa, the waxy protective layer I had wanted to remain on him as long as possible. I wasn’t planning on bathing him for at least a week. His skin was left red, raw, and chapped looking. He had a rash from the tape that was connecting him to monitors.

I finally got special permission to bring my own healthy, safe, and non-toxic baby products in. I recall one of the nurses in the NICU who thought I was crazy and called my special baby wash “bougie.” But I knew better. I knew that what I put on my baby’s skin mattered.

Why Ingredients Matter

Did you know your skin is your largest organ? What you put on your skin matters! The ingredients seep into your skin and are stored in fat cells and vital organs within 26 seconds of applying the product! This fact alone was enough to make me rethink everything I was using on my baby’s delicate skin.

The FDA bans only a handful of harmful ingredients in the US, while the European Union (EU) holds much higher standards. The luxury line I use goes above and beyond, banning over 2,000 harmful ingredients! Knowing that products like mineral oil are similar to applying gasoline directly to your skin, I couldn’t ignore the importance of what I put on my precious baby’s body.

Common Newborn Skin Conditions

Peeling Skin: Newborns often experience dry and flaky skin as they adjust to life outside the womb. This peeling is normal and typically resolves within the first two weeks. If dryness persists, consider factors like weather, harsh skincare products, and bathing frequency. I recommend using this magic moisturizer after every bath and as daily/ as needed to keep your baby’s skin from dryness or to soothe peeling skin.

Baby Acne: Yes, even babies can get acne! It’s usually painless and appears on the cheeks, forehead, and back. A gentle cleansing routine with warm water and a tear-free baby wash can help reduce baby acne. Click here for the ONLY clean and gentle wash I let touch my baby’s skin!

Heat Rash: Babies’ folds and creases, combined with tight diapers and clothing, can lead to heat rash. Keep your baby cool and dry to prevent this condition.
Eczema: a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and redness of the skin. Think red, scaly rashes. It is actually very common in babies (more so than adults). Eczema is not contagious and can vary in severity from mild, occasional flare-ups to more persistent and severe cases requiring ongoing management. Treatment typically involves moisturizing the skin, avoiding triggers, and using medications (steroid creams and other topical solutions) to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

If your child suffers from eczema, like my son, then the key to understanding and treating your baby’s eczema is to get to the root cause!

So, what causes eczema?

 

  • Eczema can be triggered by various factors such as allergens, irritants, stress, and climate changes.
  • Allergens: Mostly foods ingested by babies and small children (see foods to avoid below). Could also be: pet dander (sorry Fido), dust, pollen, or mold.
  • Irritants: Harsh soaps, detergents, dryer sheets, shampoos, perfumes, scented candles/ plug-in air fresheners, and even some fabrics (like wool or synthetic fibers). *Note, I use hypoallergenic or homemade laundry detergents [click here for my crunchy clean mama laundry detergent recipe] and wool balls [Amazon link] instead of dryer sheets, and diffuse essential oils as safe fragrance alternatives instead of candles/plug-ins.
  • Dry Skin: Maintaining proper moisturization is crucial in managing eczema. ] Click here for my very favorite moisturizer] (aka the holy grail and the ONLY one I will let touch my child’s sensitive skin)!
  • Temperature and Humidity Changes: Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold)- great, I live in AZ (and both of my kids were born in record breaking heat temperature summers). Low humidity levels can also trigger eczema. Dry, cold air in winter and excessive sweating in hot weather can worsen symptoms. *Remember, tiny babies and small children have a hard time regulating their body temperatures.

5 foods to avoid:

  • Dairy – the proteins (casein and whey) have been found to me very inflammatory, thus can inflame and irritate the skin.
  • Eggs – the second most common food sensitivity in kids under 4. (Milk is first and peanuts are third, in case you were wondering). *Beware here, eggs are hidden in lots of food, so be sure to read labels or stick to whole, unprocessed foods. *See my blog post on making Homemade Organic Baby Foods!
  • Gluten – Also very inflammatory and hidden in many foods. Think wheat and fillers. Breads, cookies, crackers, snacks, etc. Pretty much unless it says gluten-free, it probably has gluten in it.
  • Tomatoes – very acidic and can be extremely inflammatory in young children.
  • Citrus – same as above.

Try eliminating from your child’s diet for 30 days to see if the eczema improves (this goes for breastfeeding mothers too). When I was breastfeeding my son and his skin was raw and rashed, I also cut- out dairy, gluten, eggs, tomatoes and citrus from my diet. This wasn’t as challenging for me, as it might be for other mamas. Due to my autoimmune conditions – type 1 diabetes and hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s), I try to stay away from dairy and gluten 80% of the time.

If your baby is struggling with eczema, and you’re ready to take control and say goodbye to trying cream after cream – then it’s time to explore the very best pure, safe, and beneficial gentle baby wash and moisturizing lotion, along with a few tips on what to avoid and even some helpful and effective natural remedies!

Tips for Baby Skincare & Natural ways you can help soothe and calm your baby’s red, dry, or itchy skin.

  • Oatmeal bath – I remember my mom did this for me when I had chicken pox as a kid. Don’t make the same mistake that I did though when bathing my kids with oatmeal. Use an old pair of pantyhose and steep 1 cup of GLUTEN-FREE quick oats in 1 liter of boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Let cool and add to bath. (In case you are wondering, I added the oatmeal directly to the tub and it made a huge mess! 10/10 don’t recommend doing that! Learn from my mistake my friend 😉
    • Also, bathe the least that you can. Definitely not daily, unless it feels good to your child. The entire wet to dry process, change of temperatures and friction of drying can be traumatic to your baby’s sensitive skin.
  • Keep Skin hydrated with Quality Moisturizer- Apply to skin regularly, especially the affected areas using a natural, petroleum-free moisturizer (remember that is like pouring gasoline directly onto the skin – see my previous blog post on Super Simple Skin Care). Keeping the skin’s barrier intact is absolutely essential! Look for moisturizers with the following ingredients: shea butter, Calendula and Aloe to help strength the skin and repair dryness.
  • Vitamin D – add this supplement to your child’s diet. Most pediatricians recommend adding it for breastfed babies anyway.
  • Probiotics (and Prebiotics) – add this to your baby’s routine as well! Studies show that probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus is the most effective probiotic for baby eczema and fructooligosaccharide is the most effective prebiotic. Click here for the kid pre/probiotic I use and love! *Bonus: my husband and daughter think it tastes like pixie stick candy!
  • Sun Protection: Keep your baby out of direct sunlight and use a baby-safe sunscreen if needed.
  • Clothing Choices: Opt for soft, breathable fabrics to prevent irritation.
  • Trim Nails: Regularly trim your baby’s nails to avoid scratching.
  • Avoid Overbathing: Too much bathing can strip natural oils from the skin.
  • Hydrate: Ensure your baby stays hydrated by breastfeeding or formula feeding. *Depending on your baby’s age, my pediatrician said it is okay to give them water and even chamomile tea (just nothing with sugar).
  • Watch for Allergies: Monitor for any allergic reactions to new products (or foods- consider removing the foods mentioned above that are known to be inflammatory).
  • Comfortable Diapers: Choose diapers that fit well and change them promptly. (My fav are Coterie- truly the best of the best!)
  • Consult a Pediatrician: If you notice persistent skin issues, seek professional advice.
  • Additional tips: reduce the chemicals you use around the house (cleaning, laundry, fragrance, perfumes, etc.). Lastly, get outside nature and breathe in the fresh air. (This also has grounding and calming effects as well as increases vitamin D at the same time). Ever heard of forest bathing? But seriously, different bacteria are found in nature and studies have shown that getting outside actually helps improve baby eczema!

Choosing Safe Baby Skincare Products

  • Look for products specifically formulated for newborns.
  • Look for moisturizers with the following ingredients: shea butter, Calendula and Aloe
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and artificial colors.
  • Opt for hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested options.
  • Test new products in small amounts to monitor any reactions.

The Perfect Solution: Arbonne Baby Care

After a long search and countless trials, I found the perfect solution for my baby’s sensitive skin: Arbonne’s baby care products. Here’s why I love them and why they’ve been a game-changer for us:
  • Clean, Hypoallergenic Ingredients
Arbonne’s commitment to clean, hypoallergenic ingredients immediately won me over. Why would I want to use a product like Johnson & Johnson’s, which was told to eliminate known carcinogens like formaldehyde, parabens, triclosan, and phthalates from all baby products or face removal from shelves?
  • B Corp Certified and Cruelty-Free
Falling even more in love with Arbonne, I discovered they are B Corp certified, vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Knowing the company aligns with my values makes me feel even better about using their products.
  • 2-in-1 Tear-Free Wash
The 2-in-1 tear-free wash is a dream. The lightweight formula includes gentle cleansers and skin softeners and is mildly scented with a natural essential oil blend of cottonseed, hibiscus, and sandalwood. It’s pediatrician-tested and perfect for sensitive skin. I don’t want to use a product that has to add a numbing agent, so the toxic ingredients don’t sting my kids’ eyes. The product I chose to use is so gentle that it doesn’t sting at all!
  • Immediate Relief
Arbonne’s baby care products immediately soothed and calmed my son’s skin, which was red and rashed due to the tape and harsh cleansers from the hospital. The special soap is like liquid gold and smells light, gentle, fresh, and clean. It’s seriously the BEST thing since Coterie diapers were invented, well before.

Remember, your baby’s skin is precious, what we put on our skin matters! Safe skincare practices are essential for your baby’s well-being. Let’s choose wisely and give our babies the purest, safest start possible. Enjoy this beautiful journey of caring for your little one!

Share Your Sensitive Baby Skin Experience

I hope my story and these tips help you find the relief your baby deserves. Every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Your experiences and insights are invaluable! Please leave a comment below to share what has worked for your baby’s sensitive skin or ask any questions you might have! Together, we can support each other and find the best solutions for our precious little ones. Let’s create a safe and soothing skincare routine for our babies, one step at a time.

Try It for Yourself

If your baby has sensitive skin or eczema, you owe it to yourself and your little one to try these magical life-changing baby wash and lotion products. Use the code Arbonne10 to get a 10% discount on your purchase. Click here to buy the miracle baby soap products now.

My Type 1 Diabetes Story: 28 Years of Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between

Disclaimer: The content you’re about to read may contain affiliate links to products I love and recommend. Which means, I may earn a small commission from items purchased through these links (at no additional cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you 😊 I appreciate your support!

Hey friends! It’s November, which means it’s Diabetes Awareness Month, and I’m excited to celebrate it with you all by sharing my own story. This Christmas Eve, I’ll be marking my 28th “diaversary” — yep, 28 years since my diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). It’s wild to think I’ve had diabetes for over half of my life! I can barely even remember what my life was like pre-diabetes. It’s been a journey full of ups, downs, a few epic rescues, some truly “sweet” adventures, and a lifetime of unexpected lessons.  

So, grab your favorite snack, maybe a juice box if you’re really feeling the T1D vibe, and let’s dive into my story! 

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Where It All Began - The Diagnosis: Christmas Eve Surprise

Every story has a beginning, so here’s mine. It was Christmas Eve, and I had just turned 12 a couple of weeks prior. I was in sixth grade, feeling as miserable as any kid who should be enjoying holiday break but instead couldn’t seem to shake feeling pretty lousy—constantly thirsty, running to the bathroom a million times a day, and losing weight like crazy. I didn’t know it then, but these are classic symptoms of diabetes.  

On Christmas Eve, while most kids were dreaming of presents, I was lying listlessly in bed, barely conscious. My parents had taken me to the doctor earlier, and I’d been prescribed antibiotics for what we thought was a standard winter bug. But things just kept getting worse, and when my dad checked in on me that evening, he knew something was very wrong. One ambulance ride later, we were at the University of Michigan Children’s Hospital, where I spent the rest of the holiday learning about Type 1 Diabetes. It was a shocker, for sure. Suddenly, life as I knew it was forever changed. 

Growing Up with Diabetes - More than Just Shots and Juice Boxes

The early years with T1D were tough. I avoided talking about it with friends, partly because I couldn’t get through a conversation without tearing up and partly because I just hated it. Playing basketball was a challenge because of the constant blood sugar swings, and I quickly became known for carrying glucose tabs and juice boxes everywhere. I hated feeling shaky, dizzy, and out of control. And let’s be honest, I hated feeling “different.” 

Sleepovers and dinner outings? Pure anxiety! Back in the pre-pump days, I was giving myself insulin shots. I couldn’t stand when friends’ parents would say, “I don’t know how you do it. I could never poke myself like that!” It was hard enough without people pointing it out. It’s not like I had a choice! The reality was, I either learned to give myself injections or… well, let’s not go there. The constant comments and awkward questions left me feeling embarrassed, and eventually, I got tired of explaining myself. So, I stopped testing and giving shots as often as I should. 

Then, in 1999, I got my first insulin pump. It was a Medtronic MiniMed 508, and that little device changed the game for me. No more injections, but it also meant this beeping device on my hip drew lots of attention. Teachers thought it was a pager going off in class (this was the ‘90s after all), and one friend’s older sister teased me for wearing it at the beach, asking, “Why’d you bring your pager? You think you’re that cool?” Let me tell you, that was a tough time to be a teen with T1D. 

College & Finding My Way

Heading to college was another huge milestone. I had to learn to manage my diabetes independently, without the close monitoring and support of my mom.  

Of course, I made some rookie mistakes along the way. I once totally miscalculated my supply order and ran out of pump infusion sets. Luckily, I remembered a friend from high school and diabetes camp who also went to Michigan State. A quick message to her, and I was running across campus to her dorm for a few backup infusion sets to hold me over. That’s the thing about the diabetes community—we’re all in this together, and support each other. 

Managing T1D in college wasn’t just about supplies; I also had to navigate social situations that challenged my comfort zone. Drinking was a whole new ballgame. Figuring out that alcohol, when mixed with T1D, is just…well, complicated. I had to learn what worked for me through trial and error, and sometimes that meant midnight trips for snacks to keep my blood sugar up after a night out. It was a balancing act I learned the hard way a few times, but I got the hang of it, carrying glucose tabs and juice boxes like part of the outfit. 

Dating with T1D: From Hiding to Confidence

Dating with T1D was nerve-wracking at first. My high school boyfriend was understanding, but when I’d go out with him, I’d disconnect my pump just to avoid talking about it. I’d convinced myself that people wouldn’t want to “deal with” my diabetes. That feeling intensified when a friend’s boyfriend saw my pump infusion site at the pool one day and whispered, “What’s that thing on her stomach?” I was mortified. From then on, every time I went to the beach or pool, I’d pull off my infusion site, determined to avoid more awkward questions. I didn’t want anyone to think I was “sick” or “different,” so I went to ridiculous lengths to hide my T1D, even if it meant sky-high glucose levels. 

By the time I met my now-husband, I realized that the right person wouldn’t care. When I told him about my T1D, he didn’t flinch. In fact, he became my biggest support, carrying juice boxes and reminding me to pack low snacks for hikes. He even helps change my infusion site when it’s hard to reach—now that’s love. 

The Power of Camp and Giving Back

One of the best parts of my diabetes journey was attending diabetes camp. Going to camp surrounded by other kids who understood what I was going through was a game-changer. It helped me build confidence, feel normal, and learn that I wasn’t alone. I loved it so much that, later on, I returned as a counselor. Giving back to these kids as they navigated their own journeys was so rewarding. Helping them feel empowered with T1D brought me so much joy, and honestly, being a counselor allowed me to grow too. 

The diabetes camp I attended as a camper back in Michigan was called Camp Midicha, and the camp I attended as an adult diabetes counselor (DC) in Arizona is called Camp AZDA. Some of the long-time T1D community members, often called the ‘Betic Army’ branched off and created The Diabetes Network of AZ, in hopes of bringing the magic of camp back into families and communities all year long! I am proud to be aligned with this exceptional organization!  

Click here to read more about daibetes camps and support groups on my blog post!

Plus, it led me to try some seriously cool new things like zip-lining, white-water rafting, and skydiving! Diabetes has never held me back from adventure. Just ask me about the time I got choppered off Superstition Mountain — there’s always a good story waiting! 

Walking Down the Aisle with T1D

Getting married was one of the most beautiful days of my life, and I chose to keep my pump and diabetes gear out of sight on my wedding day (you can read about that here on my wedding dress blog post). I had a custom pocket sewn into my dress, and I skipped the CGM sensor. I checked my blood sugars on my own time, and everything went off without a hitch! It was a day to focus on love and joy — diabetes was present, but it didn’t get center stage. 

The Journey to Motherhood Pregnancy with T1D: A Whole New Level

And then came pregnancy, which is a whole journey in itself! It could fill a blog post of its own (and someday it will!), but let me just say that navigating pregnancy with T1D was hands down the hardest thing I’ve ever done.  

I suffered two miscarriages before successfully delivering my daughter early at 36 weeks, which made every day of each pregnancy feel precious and high-stakes. I stayed laser-focused and checked my blood sugar non-stop, adjusted my insulin doses like a full-time job, and dialed my A1C in to 5.8 (the lowest it’s ever been in my life) check, even when it felt impossible. 

It paid off with the birth of my two beautiful children, who are everything to me. We faced some challenges, like NICU stays, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The postpartum period brought its own diabetes challenges, too. Adjusting basal rates, breastfeeding, and pumping were exhausting but rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the first time you’re alone with the baby and experience low blood sugar — talk about a panic moment! But I got through it, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. 

Embracing Today and Looking Ahead to the Future

These days, I’m living in the present, grateful for every step of this journey. T1D has taught me resilience, compassion, and strength. I’ve accomplished things I never thought possible, and while diabetes isn’t always easy, it’s part of what makes me me. I’ve learned to approach each day with gratitude and hope for the future. 

Looking back on nearly three decades with diabetes, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be who I am without it. Sure, it’s tough. It requires constant attention, planning, and patience (especially on low-sugar days). But it’s also introduced me to the most incredible people and made me feel more empowered. I’ve got a community that feels like family, and every shared story reminds me that I’m not in this alone. 

Today, I manage my T1D with a combo of technology, experience, and a lot of humor. I rock a Omnipod insulin pump and Freestyle Libre 3 continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which has been a game-changer. My A1C is better than ever, and I feel more in control. But T1D will always keep me on my toes. I’ve learned that the only constant is change, and I’m okay with that. 

As I look forward, I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next. And if you’re wondering how I navigate the big stuff (like life insurance, traveling with T1D,  and the secrect benefit of diabetes), I’ve got some blog posts on that, too! My goal is to help others with T1D live their best lives — to dream BIG and never let diabetes hold them back. 

So, here’s to all the “Betics” out there— let’s keep lifting each other up, pushing each other to take on new adventures, and share our stories to show the world what T1D warriors look like! 

Thank you so much for reading and being a part of my story. If you’ve got a diabetes journey of your own, I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Let’s keep sharing, learning, and celebrating this community that has lifted me up for the past 28 years. Happy Diabetes Awareness Month, friends! 

About Allison Gorman

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