Mustela has an entire range of products devoted solely to addressing baby acne. But before we jump into these, all mamas have to make sure that the red bumps on their baby’s cheeks and back are actually acne.
Because babies are prone to many other similar skin conditions, you should consult a pediatrician. After you rule out other issues like rashes, cradle cap, and eczema, amongst others, you can zone in on the right Mustela range.
The Mustela range for baby acne consists of No Rinse Cleansing Water for Normal Skin, the Certified Organic Micellar Water with Olive Oil and Aloe, and the No Rinse Soothing Cleansing Water for very sensitive skin.
Are Mustela products for baby acne toxic?
The Mustela range designed for baby acne uses mostly safe and benign ingredients. There are pros and cons to using them.
All three products in this range are tested by dermatologists and pediatricians. They contain 98-99% natural ingredients such as aloe vera, avocado, and soapwort extracts. These are soothing and cooling, and the soapwort also has gentle lathering properties.
Aloe vera has antibacterial properties that zap acne, while avocado has repair and restorative properties to heal the skin. Together they pacify any skin aggravations and give your baby smooth, worry-free skin.
All three products are also 100% paraben, phthalate, and phenoxyethanol free. These additives and preservatives are safe at under-regulated levels, but excess amounts have been linked to pretty nasty health issues. These include hormone fluctuation, developmental disorders, eczema, and nervous system issues amongst others. Even though these linkages have not been proven, better safe than sorry!
The Certified Organic Micellar Water with Olive Oil and Aloe and the No Rinse Soothing Cleansing Water for very sensitive skin is EWG verified. This means they contain ingredients that have passed the most stringent safety and transparency measures.
They don’t contain any ingredients of concern highlighted by the EWG, as evidenced in assessments like these.
These two products are also fragrance-free as an additional protective measure. The No Rinse Soothing Cleansing Water is designed for hypersensitive, delicate skin that is prone to dryness, itchiness, or general breakouts.
So if your baby has this type of skin, using the No Rinse water for normal skin will cause issues, more so because it has added fragrances as well.
The No Rinse Cleansing Water from normal skin might also be quite drying for some babies. So make sure you figure out your tot’s skin needs before choosing one.
Mustela exclusively uses Micellar water for its baby products. Micellar water is a cleansing solution that doesn’t require any lathering or rinsing. It contains small molecules called micelles that attract and remove dirt, grease, and grime.
Mustela uses a gentle micellar water formulation; but because it isn’t just clear water, some babies may not react very well to it. Most times, though, it is an efficient and easy way to wipe your little one clean while not using any harsh soap.
Excessive water exposure can also dry your baby’s skin out, making Mustela cleansers a good alternative. This is especially true if you live in an area with hard water that can cause reactions.
Mustela cleansers also use hydrating and nourishing ingredients such as olive oil which has Vitamin E and antioxidants.
They also use Schizandra berry extract to retain moisture and protect the skin. This component is also an astringent and can create a tingling or stinging sensation on your baby’s skin.
Is Mustela effective for baby acne?
New moms should also be aware that sensitivity and skin conditions are not the same thing. If your infant suffers from skin issues like eczema, cradle cap, erythema toxicum, or diaper rash, the acne-targeted products might not work.
Similarly, seemingly harmless products could cause allergic reactions as well. So consulting a pediatrician on the suitability of a product, and the nature of your baby’s skin staves off future flare-ups and worsening of the problem.
On the whole, Mustela works well to clear up acne from newborns and slightly older babies as well. It can be a bit drying and cause irritation if you use the normal variant on a sensitive baby.
Not all infant skin is the same; some babies may react badly to the composition of these products. In such cases, stop use to see if the symptoms subside. If they don’t, your baby may have an underlying skin problem.
Use a light cotton wad or soft washcloth and spritz the cleanser onto the surface. Make sure the cloth isn’t saturated or dripping wet. Then gently pat the baby’s face, hands, or diaper area, leaving the wet fabric on the skin for a few seconds.
Wipe very gently without any friction, and you’re done! No need to wash with water or wipe with a dry cloth. You can repeat the micellar water rub a few times too, disposing of the cotton or replacing the cloth for each body part.
References:
- https://www.mustelausa.com/collections/baby-acne
- https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/936294-Mustela_BabyChild_Micellar_Water_with_Olive_Oil_and_Aloe_Fragrance_Free/
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