CHANGING THE LIVES OF 3 MILLION BABIES

The JOHNSON’S® Baby Healthy Skin Project is well on its way to improving the health of more than three million South African babies by 2020, and this is how...

DR CAROL HLELA (pictured above) is a paediatric dermatologist at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town, and a leading specialist in baby and child skincare. She has become a pioneer in dermatology and a leader in providing quality baby skincare to help reduce the rise of skin diseases in babies in Africa. JOHNSON’S® Baby is working with Dr Hlela as a skin science expert, for their new venture, The JOHNSON’S® Baby Healthy Skin Project, which aims to prevent and reduce the risk of skin infections in babies. “Skin health is often overlooked, as it is seen as non-life threatening and thus tends to be shrugged off. Healthy skin is critical to the development of healthier babies because they will be less vulnerable to infection and free from the discomfort and inhibitions of skin problems. The JOHNSON’S® Baby Healthy Skin Project recognises this and is helping educate mothers to take better care of baby skin,” says Dr Hlela.

HEALTHY SKIN = HEALTHIER BABIES

Most of us don’t realise that a baby’s skin acts as the first line of defence against infection. Small babies have developing immune systems, and skin plays a very important role in shielding them from germs and disease. But, babies’ skin is more vulnerable than adult skin because it’s 30% thinner and loses moisture up to five times faster. It needs very special care.

FOLLOW THESE SKIN CARE TIPS FOR HEALTHIER BABY SKIN

Avoid using adult products on your baby’s skin. These products may be too harsh and will dry out the skin, which may cause it to crack and make it more susceptible to infection. Rather use specialised baby brands that are formulated to protect baby’s delicate skin. Be mindful of the cloth that is used to apply the baby product. Make sure it is not too rough and do not scrub too hard. Avoid using anti-bacterial products, as these are not necessary and may irritate the skin. See a paediatric dermatologist if your baby has skin problems.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

To further empower mothers on these matters, JOHNSON’S® Baby are driving an aid and education initiative in partnership with NGO Unjani Clinics. By providing mothers with free access to the best quality primary healthcare for their babies, skincare advice and baby products for better everyday health, the project provides a platform for professional nurses to inform mothers on the importance of baby skin health with the aim to promote healthy skin for healthier babies.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Look out for The JOHNSON’S® Baby Healthy Skin Project on social media and share our message with other moms. Join the conversation and touch the lives of babies by using #johnsonsbabyhealth