Healthy skin for healthier babies

April is World Health Month, and The JOHNSON’S Baby Healthy Skin Project is well on its way to improving the health of more than three million babies by 2020, by educating moms and dads about baby’s skin

HEALTHY SKIN FOR HEALTHIER BABIES While we all love the softness of babies’ skin, most of us don’t realise that this amazing organ acts as the first line of defense against infection. Small babies have still-developing immune systems, and skin plays a very important role in shielding them from germs and disease. However, babies’ skin is more vulnerable than adult skin because it is 30% thinner and loses moisture up to five times faster than adult skin. It needs very special care.

TAKE PROPER CARE OF BABY’S SKIN Incorrect baby skincare routines such as using an adult bar of soap, adding antiseptic liquid to the water, or scrubbing with a sponge many times a day, are harmful to your baby’s skin, as his skin barrier is compromised and irritated by the harsh cleansers. Poor socioeconomic conditions make skin problems more difficult to confront. Babies are more exposed to the elements and conditions such as dry itchy skin can get out of control, letting in bacteria that will be bad for baby’s health as he grows. Your baby’s skin is very fragile and not fully developed. It needs very special care to keep it healthy. Remember, healthy skin keeps moisture in and makes your baby less vulnerable to infection.

BOND WITH BABY JOHNSON’S Baby products are specially formulated to cater to baby’s delicate skin. And because your baby’s skin is so sensitive, he’s also more sensitive to touch. Massages, cuddles and strokes all help your baby to release the love hormone oxytocin, which helps with bonding. The JOHNSON’S Baby Healthy Skin Project has introduced baby massage classes to educate mothers in underprivileged communities on how to give their babies massages. The JOHNSON’S Baby Healthy Skin Project invites you to join the conversation and touch the lives of babies with #johnsonsbabyhealth. “Johnson & Johnson cares deeply about the health of South Africa’s babies and The JOHNSON’S Baby Healthy Skin Project is one of the ways in which we seek to help more parents give their babies the best possible care. It’s fascinating how a simple healthcare routine can improve the health of babies and their skin,” says Benjamin Peters, marketing director, SSA.