Pure Natural Organic Baby Skincare

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1 Pure Natural Organic Baby Skincare

2 Caring for Baby s Skin The function of skin remains the same at all phases of life and maintaining the health of your skin is important. It offers a barrier and photo protection, thermoregulation, immune surveillance, hormonal synthesis, insensible fluid loss prevention, and sensory perception. However there are several important structural differences between the skin of babies and adults. Infants are born with a developing epidermal barrier that is more permeable and more reactive to the environment through the first 2 years of their lives. The infant skin barrier does not fully mature until at least 1 year of age, meaning the distribution and transport of water through the superficial layers of the skin creates a need for protection of infant skin. As all babies are different, they have different needs when it comes their skin. Some have dry, flaky skin, others encounter irritations and nappy rash that needs comfort and soothing, and some mums simply want a quality product to massage their baby. One thing all babies need is skincare products that are gentle, non-irritating, moisturising and soothing. Water alone is not enough to effectively cleanse baby s skin from the build up of dirt and bacteria caused by urine, faeces, food and everyday living. If the skin is not cleansed properly, bacteria and debris can cause irritation, especially in the skin folds and nappy area, making it more prone to problems such as nappy rash. And when using cleansers with soap and harsh chemicals, dryness and other skin issues are more likely to occur.

3 GAIA Natural Baby GAIA Natural Baby was launched in 2002 to provide parents with a natural and organic alternative to gently cleanse, moisturise and care for baby s delicate skin from birth. Our carefully formulated products use natural and organic ingredients proven to benefit skin, and by not including ingredients known to dry or irritate skin, GAIA Natural Baby has been able to provide parents with products to help maintain their baby s skin integrity every day. It is the most widely available natural baby skincare brand, sold through major supermarkets, pharmacies, baby stores and other retailers, as well as our provisions through hospitals and medical centres across Australia. You are being provided with this information because GAIA is so widely available that parents may ask you about our products and the suitability for their child s skin. We would like you to be able to answer their questions and/or give them information to them so they can make an informed choice on the suitability for their child.

4 The GAIA Story GAIA Natural Baby was born out of a need. Aussie mum Michelle Vogrinec couldn t find suitable products to cleanse and care for her son Joshua s skin, who had very sensitive skin and developed eczema at just 8 weeks of age. She tried many different products and found nothing seemed to work in fact, many made his skin worse. She was so frustrated that she researched skincare ingredients and learnt to hand make her own products, which successfully cleansed, soothed and cared for Josh s skin without causing further irritation. She then developed the GAIA Natural Baby range. Over the past 9 years GAIA Natural Baby s usage has grown at an amazing rate, the products are used and loved by a lot of mums and dads, as well as health care professionals, because of their gentle nature and because they work well in keeping babies skin soft and healthy. Some of our loyal customers are children with eczema who have professed to being able to now minimise the use of cortisone creams through a carefully maintained skincare routine. It is important to note that GAIA Natural Baby cannot treat or cure baby eczema. We simply offer an alternative product that is free from ingredients known to trigger dryness, irritations and flare-ups, and this may provide suitable skincare products for those with sensitivities.

5 What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate? There are many ingredients known to cause dryness or irritation, which leads to itchiness and scratching. A lot of parents are often looking for natural products that do not include these ingredients - soap, sulphates and artificial fragrance, to try to prevent dryness or irritation to their baby s skin. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate has the highest skin irritation score out of the 10 surfactants tested (as indicated in the graph below) and is used in majority of conventional baby skincare products. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate has the highest skin irritation score out of the 10 surfactants tested (as indicated in the graph right) and is used in majority of conventional baby skincare products. The surfactants used by GAIA Natural Baby are Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside and Cocoamphodiacetate, which have the lowest irritation score (as indicated right) but still effectively cleanse baby s skin. They are also FREE from: soap, sulphates or other drying agents in our cleansers artificial fragrance, petrochemicals and mineral oil paraben preservatives, propylene glycol and other commonly used ingredients that can be irritating or drying to skin It is not just what is put in, but what is left out that makes all the difference!

6 Natural Ingredient Alternatives Through our research we know that a lot of parents prefer to use natural alternatives, are more educated about products and ingredients, and are more concerned about using unnecessary chemicals in their home and on their baby. GAIA chooses to use natural ingredient alternatives: INGREDIENT BENEFIT INSTEAD OF Cornstarch Powder Gently absorbs excess moisture Talcum powder Sweet Almond Oil Avocado Oil Rosehip Oil Zinc Castor Oil Beeswax Emollients that provide intensive moisturisation while still allowing the skin to breathe Provides a natural barrier from the elements that still allows the skin to breathe Mineral oil Petrochemicals Tea Tree Extract Anti-bacterial Alcohol Glycine Derived Amino Acids Mild preservative Parabens and other harsh and potentially dangerous preservatives Pure Essential Oils (in small concentration, less than.4%) Beautiful smell and known benefits Artificial fragrance / perfume (the highest rating irritant in skincare)

7 Maintaining A Suitable Daily Skincare Routine GAIA Natural Baby is gentle enough to use from birth without causing negative long-term effects so are they are ideal to use for baby s daily skincare regime. The range includes non-drying cleansers, skin-softening moisturisers, soothing nappy time products and bamboo baby wipes to help mums and dads provide gentle care for baby's everyday needs we believe prevention is better than a cure. The key steps in maintaining fresh, clean, soft, healthy skin are: Cleansing Moisturising Nappy Care Using non-drying products that are soap and sulphate free for washing, bathing and keeping baby s skin fresh and clean. Using plant oils to help maintain hydration and protect against dryness rather than petrochemicals and mineral that can cause irritation. Using wipes with natural antibacterial properties rather than solvents will help to prevent irritation and dryness on the skin in baby s nappy area. Following up with a product that provides protective barrier properties can help to keep baby s bottom soft and smooth or using natural cornstarch powder to remove excess moisture. Troubleshooting It is a good idea to keep products on hand to calm and soothe any irritation, redness or nappy rash baby encounters.

8 Cleansing - Baby Bath Products Kind on skin and eyes and very gently cleanses and cares for baby s skin. No soap or harsh sulphates that can cause dryness and irritation ph neutral so they won t strip baby s natural protective oils (ph between ) Organic plant oils to keep baby s skin moisturised Eczema friendly less likely to cause irritation Hair& Body Wash Bath & Body Wash Sleeptime Bath Baby Shampoo A gentle all in-one wash for baby s skin, hair and scalp. Ideal for newborns and babies who don't have much hair or for top and tailing day or night. Enriched with organic aloe and oat extract for their moisturising and soothing properties. A mild wash for daily bathing. Gentle coconut derived surfactants (foaming agents) leave baby s skin clean and fresh without causing dryness or irritation. Naturally scented with Organic lavender, chamomile and sweet orange pure essential oils provide a fresh, natural scent, leaving baby smelling beautiful. The same gentle formula as our Bath & Body Wash only naturally scented with organic lavender and ylang ylang, to encourage a restful night s sleep. Our aim is to help parents establish a bedtime routine for their baby by providing a sleep association signal, which has been proven effective in helping baby settle. Gentle coconut derived surfactants effectively clean baby s hair and scalp without washing away their natural protective oils. Added organic plant oils to help prevent dryness, minimising cradle cap. Spray in conditioning detangler is also available.

9 Moisturising and Massage Products Light but nourishing to effectively prevent dryness and keep baby skin soft and smooth No mineral oil and petrochemicals that can cause dryness and irritation Organic plant oils to keep baby s skin naturally soft and hydrated Eczema friendly less likely to cause irritation Baby Moisturiser A good everyday all-over moisturiser to protect against dryness. Ideal for rough, dry, flaky patches of skin, this light but nourishing moisturiser leaves baby's skin extra soft and smooth without feeling greasy. Contains organic evening primrose oil and organic shea butter, making it very nourishing and softening for skin, with organic wheat germ oil to assist with skin elasticity. Can be used on face, body and nappy area. Baby Massage Oil Pure sweet almond oil is nutrient-rich that absorbs beautifully into baby's skin and won't clog pores or cause irritation. Formulated in consultation with therapists from Infant Massage Australia. Organic lavender and organic chamomile pure essential oils provide a beautiful, natural scent that is calming and soothing. Handy Hint: Ideal for cradle cap Massage into cradle cap to loosen and soften scale and it is also ideal as a general moisturiser.

10 Nappy Care and Troubleshooting Products No mineral oil, petrochemicals or alcohol that can cause dryness and irritation Organic plant oils to keep baby s skin naturally soft and hydrated Eczema friendly less likely to cause irritation Skin Soothing Lotion A multipurpose lotion for use on newborns, babies and toddlers. Apply from topto-toe to calm, soothe and protect skin. This thick cream contains beeswax, zinc and castor oil, all ideal for protecting skin, while organic calendula and chamomile extracts to soothe any irritations or redness. Suitable to soften and soothe skin affected by irritations, eczema and nappy rash. Use at every nappy change to keep baby s bottom soft and protected. Natural Baby Powder Made with talc-free cornstarch power, sprinkle onto baby s skin to absorb excess moisture or use at nappy change time to freshen and calm skin. It helps to keep baby drier for longer - to avoid nappy rash and skin irritations. Organic lavender and chamomile pure essential oils soothe and calm skin nappy rash and irritation may be comforted by GAIA Natural Baby Powder. Bamboo Baby Wipes An eco and skin friendly baby wipe made from ultra soft bamboo cloth that is 100% biodegradable and USDA certified organic. Containing organic aloe vera, chamomile and lavender flower extract to gently cleanse, soothe and care for your baby s skin at change time. GAIA s sensitive skin formula has a light natural scent to cover the smell of soiled nappy at change time. Gentle enough to use on your little one s face, hands and nappy area.

11 Common Problems - Nappy Rash Nappy Rash is a red, raw spotty rash that can be caused by excess moisture when baby s nappy has not been changed frequently enough and this is further irritated by bacteria, yeasts (eg candida or thrush), detergents, urine, and faeces. Effective ways of minimising nappy rash include: Frequent nappy changes - don t let baby sit in a wet nappy Encourage daily free nappy time - this allows the skin in baby s nappy area to breathe When using wipes, choose a gentle, alcohol-free wipe that contains moisturising agents (using plain water can further dry the skin) During bathing, ensure baby s nappy area is properly cleansed, especially in the skinfolds, with a gentle soap-free wash Applying a thick barrier cream at each nappy change - the RCH recommend using a cream containing zinc and castor oil to help provide a protective barrier. This is ideal for highly acidic types of nappy rash that have burnt the skin For moisturise related nappy rash, an alternative is to use talc-free baby powder to absorb excess moisture. It may help to keep baby drier for longer, minimising nappy rash and skin irritations

12 Common Problems - Cradle Cap Seborrheic Dermatitis, also known as cradle cap, is common in newborns and young babies and is usually caused by overactive sebaceous (oil) glands. This can be made worse by using a using shampoo that strips the natural protective oils and dries the scalp, which causes the glands produce an over abundance of sebum that cakes on the skin. Predominantly on the crown of the head, it can also be found on the forehead, in the eyebrows, and behind the ears and neck. If the cradle cap seems severe, encourage consultation with a doctor as it may be infected. Effective ways of treating and minimising cradle cap include: To loosen scales, use a vegetable oil, like almond oil on the affected area, leave in for 5-10 minutes or sometimes longer. You are aiming for the crust to be soggy like milky cornflakes Loosen crusts with soft brush (or soft toothbrush), without vigorous rubbing to protect the soft fontanelles of a newborn and young infant Comb the flakes out of the hair and wash baby s scalp and hair with a soap and sulfate-free shampoo to remove excess oil and loose flakes. Repeat a few times weekly if required. If cradle cap occurs on other areas of the body, try using a different cleansing product that is free from petrochemicals, soaps and sulphates.

13 Common Problems - Baby Eczema Baby eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a recurring, non-infectious, inflammatory skin condition that can flare and subside when exposed to things that trigger an allergic reaction. Common causes of eczema include being in contact with soap, harsh chemicals, pollens, food and environmental causes. Although eczema affects all ages, it usually appears in early childhood (in babies between two-to-six months of age). Most children grow out of the condition, but a small percentage may experience severe eczema into adulthood. According to The Eczema Association of Australasia, the prevalence of eczema has increased two-to-three fold in recent years with Australia having one of the highest incidences of eczema world-wide, affecting up to one in three children, with up to 90 per cent of cases developing symptoms by age five. When a baby develops eczema, not only does it cause discomfort for the baby, it also causes an enormous stress to a parent and usually cortisone is prescribed without identifying the reasons why the eczema has occurred in the first place. By identifying the triggers, managing eczema can be a fairly simple process, minimising discomfort for baby and stress for parents. This can take time and patience but will bring long term rewards.

14 Common Problems - Baby Eczema Healthy Skin vs Eczema Skin Our skin provides a strong, effective barrier that protects the body from infection or irritation. It is made up of a thin outer layer (the epidermis), a fairly elastic one in the middle (the dermis) and a fatty layer at the deepest level (the hypodermis). Each layer contains skin cells, water and fats, all of which help maintain and protect the condition of the skin. Healthy skin cells are plumped up with water, forming a protective barrier against damage and infection. Fats and oils in the skin help retain moisture, maintain body temperature and also prevent harmful substances or bacteria from entering our bodies. This forms what is called the acid mantle. With eczema, skin breaks down more easily, quickly becoming irritated, cracked and inflamed. The protective barrier is therefore not as good as it should be and gaps open up between the skin cells because they are not sufficiently plumped up with water. Moisture is then lost from the deeper layers of the skin, allowing bacteria or irritants to pass through more easily.

15 Common Problems - Baby Eczema There is no cure for eczema, however it is important to have an effective Eczema Management Plan, which can greatly reduce the severity of flare-ups. What can you do to help? Assist parents with identifying and avoid triggering factors, which will result in a reduction of cortisone usage. Common triggers include soap, sulphates, harsh surfactants, artificial fragrance, petrochemicals, mineral oil, paraben preservatives and propylene glycol Use a non-soap based wash or oil in the bath or shower Recommend regular application of moisturisers (especially after bathing) to replace the oil content of the skin Find a suitable lotion or ointment for flare-ups Assist parents with the understanding of the importance of maintenance measures and regular moisturisation. Information is available from the Eczema Association of Australasia s website as well as who have downloadable information. References for information contained in the Common Problems section include: Eczema Association of Australasia Australian Society of clinical Immunology and Allergy Royal Children s Hospital St Vincent s Hospital Dr Peter Dingle, Toxicologist and Environmental Scientist

16 We are more than happy to provide you with further education, general information, displays, posters, brochures and sachet samples for you to try and give out to your customers. Further info about GAIA Natural Baby is available by contacting GAIA Skin Naturals on or