Coconut Oil vs. Shea Butter: Which is Better for Baby’s Skin?
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
Baby skincare can be a concern for many parents due to the many products on the market for babies. Babies, however, deserve the best care for their skin to avoid health concerns and common skin conditions. Their gentle and delicate skin requires gentle skincare products to offer premium protection of the skin barrier. So, how do parents figure out the best product? I believe the best materials for babies’ skin are natural products due to their gentle effects on the skin. I would recommend coconut oil or shea butter any day over any random moisturiser. Why? Coconut oil and shea butter are harmless skincare and they are suitable for babies skin. Not only are they suitable, but they also possess powerful benefits that soothe and nourish babies’ skin.
Now, our discussion is picking the best choice between coconut oil and shea butter for babies’ skin. Coconut oil and shea butter are two natural moisturisers that can be used on babies’ skin without questioning their effect on the skin as long as they are purely natural. Lots of parents overlook this natural product, opting for off-the-counter moisturisers, which is not bad. However, coconut oil and shea butter might just become an all-purpose skincare material for babies if parents give them a chance.
Now, how do you explore your choice between coconut oil and shea butter?
Why Babies’ Skin Requires the Best Care
Babies’ skin is delicate and tender; this makes their skin susceptible to many skin conditions that can tamper with their skin’s topmost layer, making it thinner and more sensitive. Babies require the best care because they have:
- Higher Sensitivity: babies’ skin is still really soft and sensitive, making it susceptible to breakouts, dryness, rashes and irritation compared to adult skin.
- Immature Skin Barrier: Babies are generally still developing, and so are their skin organs. This makes their skin barrier immature, which makes it require extra care.
- Increased Moisture Loss: Babies suffer moisture loss, making their skin prone to dryness. In this case, optimum hydration and moisture are required to keep their skin moisturised. Both coconut oil and shea butter can deeply moisturise the babies’ skin.
Coconut Oil: Lightweight and Versatile
Coconut oil is a powerful oil that nourishes the skin, including babies’. It is processed from the meat of a mature coconut. Coconut oil is not a new moisturiser; it has been used for thousands of years for the skin and other things.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Baby’s Skin
- Deep Hydration
Coconut oil is packed with essential properties beneficial to the skin. It is packed with antibacterial and antifungal properties as well as lauric acid, which offers deep moisture penetration for long-lasting moisture. This helps keep babies’ skin moisturised and smooth.
- Antimicrobial Properties
Coconut oil is effective for treating common baby skin infections as it contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. Skin conditions like rash and cradle cap can be relieved by applying coconut oil to the affected area.
- Soothing Irritations
Coconut oil helps soothe irritations like psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and so on. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe redness and calm sensitive skin.
- Lightweight and Non-Greasy
Coconut oil is lightweight and non-greasy, making it suitable for daily use. It softens and moisturises the baby’s skin without clogging it when used appropriately. Using coconut oil daily on babies’ skin is safe and effective.
- Mild Natural Scent
Coconut oil has a mild natural scent suitable for babies. Its mild scent also gives a relaxing sensation, making babies tension-free while enjoying a non-overpowering scent that might be harmful to babies’ respiration.
Best Uses of Coconut Oil for Babies
Diaper Rash Relief: Coconut oil on babies’ skin relieves all kinds of rash, including diaper rash.
Baby Massage: Coconut oil can be used as a massage oil as it promotes relaxation and offers moisture to the skin.
Cradle Cap Treatment: It may serve as a cradle cap removal when massaged into the air. This softens cradle caps and aids their removal.
Things to Consider
Coconut oil is no doubt gentle and safe on the skin. However, it is always important to check the quality standard of every product, including natural ones. For the best and safest result, choose a virgin and cold-pressed coconut oil. To further test compatibility on babies’ skin, perform a patch test before overall application.
Shea Butter: Thick and Nourishing
Shea butter is a natural emollient from the nut of the shea tree. It deeply moisturises the skin preventing dryness and flakiness. It is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins that nourish the skin. It is also a suitable skin care product for babies’ skin as it seals in moisture and prevents moisture loss.
Benefits of Shea Butter for Baby’s Skin
- Intense Moisture
Shea butter provides intense moisture to the skin as it is rich in oleic and stearic acids which deeply hydrates the skin. It provides intensive moisture to babies’ skin, protecting their skin from irritation, eczema, dryness and so on.
- Healing and Repair
Shea butter is packed with vitamins A and E, aiding skin repair and healing. It relieves eczema and other inflammatory skin infections. It aids skin restoration by strengthening the skin barrier. Shea butter may be used as a protective balm from dryness and flakiness.
- Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Despite its thick and creamy texture, shea butter is non-comedogenic. It is suitable for sensitive skin as it prevents irritation. It does not clog the pores, making it ideal for babies’ skin.
- Protects Against Harsh Weather
Shea butter’s rich and creamy texture may serve as protection against harsh weather. For instance, during harmattan, shea butter protects the skin from dryness and prevents moisture loss. This can leave babies skin deeply moisturised even in dry air protecting them from broken skin.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Shea butter possesses powerful anti inflammatory that helps in reducing inflammations like rosacea, redness, swelling and many more. Its soothing and calm sensitive skin, which makes it suitable for babies.
Best Uses of Shea Butter for Babies
Daily Moisturizer: shea butter can be used as a daily moisturiser for babies, offering an intensive moisture.
Eczema Relief: shea butter can be used to relieve eczema and other common inflammatory skin infections.
Cold Weather Protection: shea butter can be used to reduce flakiness and prevent chapping. Targeting dry areas on babies skin like the lips, hands, legs can protect tgese parts from excessive dryness.
Things to Consider
Shea butter is naturally extracted from the nut of shea tree. It is important to check for nut allergies to avoid emergency situations for babies.
The best shea butter is a pure, unrefined and 100% natural one. This will provide optimal benefits on babies’ skin.
For shea butter, little goes a long way for optimal hydration. It is essential to watch the quantity of shea butter on the skin to avoid greasiness.
Key Differences Between Coconut Oil and Shea Butter
After mentioning the crucial benefits of these two powerful natural materials, it might be a little overwhelming to decide on the best choice for babies. Coconut oil and shea butter are both powerful, they can however be used in specific situations for optimal results.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is especially lightweight when compared to shea butter. It is recommended for lightweight hydration and quick absorption. It can be used to treat minor skin infections.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is thicker and creamy, which makes it heavier than coconut oil. It offers deeper hydration, which is highly recommended for people with really dry skin. It is perfect for cold weather, to prevent moisture loss.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best one for your baby will depend on their skin needs.
Choose Coconut Oil If:
Your baby’s skin has a normal skin type, I.E it is not dry nor oily for lightweight moisture. You want a fast absorbing skincare moisturiser for your baby.
You want a lightweight moisturiser for your baby’s mild rash.
Choose Shea Butter If:
Your baby has a sensitive and dry skin type.
You live in an environment with low humidity
The area you live in is in a colder season.
You want intensive and longer lasting moisture
However you can mix both for double action and balance for your bab
Coconut Oil and shea butter has been trusted by many generations without fail. They’re are popular moisturisers retracing their step into every household. Although the numerous moisturisers in the market have made lots of parents overlook the powerful benefits of these materials.They are regaining popularity as their benefits are spreading all over the world both for adults and babies. To select a rich and pure shea butter and coconut oil visit our website avilanaturalle.com