I guess the simplest definition of natural skin care is care of the skin using natural ingredients such as herbs, roots, and essential oils—things found in nature. No unpronounceable synthetics that turn out to be carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.

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The first article on infant skin care was apparently a big hit with you guys--over one thousand page views and counting! Well I thought I'd dig a little deeper and talk about common skin issues babies have.

Babies are weird little creatures. Having spent nine months swimming in Mom's hormones, they're sometimes born with nipples leaking milk and/or acne. Don't panic, it's normal. Then there's the cradle cap, diaper rash, etc. Yes, babies have skin issues too.

A few years back a friend had a baby boy. She called me one night crying because she said his penis was falling off. I rushed over and we compared his equipment to the picture in the baby book of what a recently circumcised penis should look like. His looked much angrier--definitely emergency room worthy--so off we went. They were already laughing when we got there. Are you the lady with the baby whose penis is falling off? the nurse asked.

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Natural skin care products made with Rosa Mosqueta are a great choice. This romantically named wild rose grows throughout the Americas. It has several other names—Rosa Silvestre, Rosa Montes, and Rosa Coral. While it can be found primarily throughout the Midwest in the U.S., it also grows in Wyoming and Nebraska.

Oil from the Rosa Mosqueta is normally extracted using organic solvents—ethanol, water, and vinegar. What remains are brown-yellow crystals that are identical to Vitamin A. This came as a surprise to scientists because Rose Hips, the seeds of the rose, are popular for their Vitamin C content.

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Needless to say a baby's soft and delicate skin needs special care. Generally it is best to use products made especially for babies that are free of preservatives and chemicals. Products for adults may be too harsh for a baby and may contain irritants or allergens. Many parents like to use lotions for the sweet baby smell; however, perfumes can be irritating to an infant's skin and cause allergic reactions. Generally speaking powders should be avoided, but if you do use a powder put the powder in your hand and then apply it to the baby's skin. Shaking powder into the air releases dust and talc which can make it hard for the baby to breathe.


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