Question 1

Why do babies need to use specific products?

Accepted Answer

Our fundamental research studies, conducted over the past ten years and the subject of patents and publications in internationally-respected journals, have demonstrated that your baby's skin is immature from birth until the age of 2 years: it has not yet acquired the resistance and qualities of adult skin. The skin barrier is therefore less effective, and more vulnerable and sensitive to external stresses (such as cold, wind, sun, rubbing, etc.). (The surface area to weight ratio in babies is 3 times higher than that of an adult, therefore requiring the use of different ingredients at different concentrations).Furthermore, depending on their skin type, your baby will have specific needs that Mustela can meet through its various product ranges.
Each of these products undergoes a specific safety and efficacy assessment to ensure they meet the strict requirements needed for babies' skin.
All of our formulas are associated with a toxicological evaluation based on the characteristics of babies’ and children's skin, as well as allergen and tolerance testing of the finished product. Our products meet the safety guarantees needed for the most fragile skins.

Question 2

Why don't you have any sun products that contain mineral filters? Are the filters you use safe?

Accepted Answer

Our sun protection products contains mineral filters (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide). We have opted to combine these with other organic solar filters to make the products easier to apply while still guaranteeing an appropriate level of sun protection for the fragile skin of young children. Our products have proven their tolerance and efficacy in all skin types, including atopic-prone or intolerant skin.The safety of Mustela products has been our top priority for over 65 years.
For more information on the Mustela brand’s commitment, go to the "Our Commitments" section on the Mustela website.

Question 3

Can I treat my baby's cradle cap using sweet almond oil?

Accepted Answer

Sweet almond oil may allow you to remove cradle cap from your baby’s scalp or face by softening the crusts. However, it will not act on its causes and cradle cap may thus reappear.
For more effective action, we recommend that you use a specific skin care product for cradle cap.

By regulating sebum secretion and purifying the skin, this skin care product will allow you to eliminate cradle cap that is already present and limit its reappearance.

If you would like to find out more about cradle cap, please consult our advice section.

Question 4

It is absolutely necessary to use specific baby skin cares?

Accepted Answer

From birth and during the first two years, your baby’s skin is immature; it doesn’t have yet the strength and the qualities of an adult’s skin. At the same time, it is rich in a unique capital of original cells but extremely vulnerable. It is therefore essential to use specific hygiene products and skin care to respect its balance.Babies also frequently have their own minor skin problems: irritated areas, cradle crap, diaper rash, extremely dry skin or very sensitive skin are frequent in the first years of life.
For each of these conditions Mustela provides you with safe, efficient and respectful skin care ranges, that perfectly adapt to baby’s fragile skin.

Question 5

What is the risk of using chemical filters on a baby's skin?

Accepted Answer

The solar filters we use are a combination of mineral and organic filters. They have been rigorously selected, with proven safety and efficacy.For more than 65 years, the safety of our products and their users has been our top priority. All of our formulas are associated with a toxicological evaluation based on the characteristics of babies’ and children's skin, as well as allergen and tolerance testing of the finished product.
To learn more, visit the "Our Commitments" section of the website.

Question 6

Is cradle cap due to poor hygiene?

Accepted Answer

No, hygiene is not a factor in the appearance of cradle cap. 
It is due to the excessive secretion of sebum and sweat and to the proliferation of a microscopic fungus on the surface of the skin (symptoms linked to the transfer of maternal hormones to the baby at the end of pregnancy).

If your baby has cradle cap, we advise you to wash their hair with a specific shampoo such as Mustela Bébé Foam Shampoo for Newborns and apply a suitable product to their scalp, such as Cradle Cap Cream : this skin care product encourages the elimination of cradle cap and limits its reappearance by acting directly on its causes.

If you would like to find out more about cradle cap, please consult our advice section.

Question 7

Can I wash my baby with my own cleansing products?

Accepted Answer

Products for adults are not tailored to the extremely delicate nature of babies’ skin: they are too acidic and too astringent.For cleansing your baby, it is therefore important to use specific products that are gentle on their immature skin and do not irritate it.

Question 8

What sun protection factor do babies and children need?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended you use sun protection products with a high factor, given the vulnerability of children's skin to the sun.Products that are SPF 50 or 50+ are recommended.
For optimum safety, try to choose hypoallergenic formulas that are free from fragrances, colorant and alcohol, based on mineral or organic-mineral screens.
If you would like to know more about the sun and your child's skin, read our expert report on the topic.

Question 9

What is extremely dry skin?

Accepted Answer

Extremely dry skin affects 1 in 5 children. It is a disorder of the skin barrier disorder that can appear from the age of 2 months, and subsides until disappearing completely usually around the age of 5-6 years. It manifests as extreme skin dryness on the body and the face, and alternates between eczema flare-ups with localized red patches, and periods of respite.If these signs appear, consult a doctor for a thorough diagnosis. Mustela® proposes its new generation of care Stelatopia®: a range of 4 products of hygiene and care, specifically designed to soothe and replenish atopic-prone skin of babies and children. It guarantees clinically proven efficacy and high tolerance from birth2, tested under dermatological and pediatric control.

Question 10

I read that Mustela Bébé products protect the integrity of a baby’s skin. How do they protect its “integrity”?

Accepted Answer

Our research has revealed that a baby’s skin contains a precious wealth of original cells at birth. Unique to every individual, these cells last a lifetime. It’s important to protect the “integrity” of these original cells because they play an important role in keeping a person’s skin healthy throughout their life. They help to regenerate the skin, maintain its overall balance and protect it from daily stress factors.To learn more, please read About Mustela Bébé’s new care products

Question 11

Can I cleanse my baby’s face and eyes with wipes?

Accepted Answer

Mustela Facial cleansing cloths have been specially developed to clean gently cleanse your baby’s face, including around the eyes where little secretions are often deposited. They will leave their delicate skin clean, moisturised and soothed.If you would like to find out more about hygiene for your baby, please consult our advice section.

Question 12

Can I use my own sun protection to protect my baby?

Accepted Answer

No, sun products for adults are not suitable for babies’ immature skin: often perfumed or based on chemical filters, they also usually have an insufficient sun protection index.
For infants’ skin it is therefore essential to use special sun protection, with a very high protection index.

Mustela Sun Protection skincares respect your child’s skin and guarantee optimal protection and safety against the harmful effects of the sun. Designed for children, they are water and perspiration resistant and visible on application.

If you would like to know more about sun protection, please consult our advice section on this subject.

Question 13

My child has extremely dry skin. Should I use specific products for cleansing their skin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s indispensable: products designed for normal skin could be poorly tolerated by Extremely dry skin .On the other hand, tailored dermocosmetic skin care products will make it possible to improve the comfort of your child’s skin and limit the risks of complications and recourse to medication.
- For their everyday hygiene, we advise you to use a soap-free cleansing base such as Stelatopia Cleansing Cream. You can also use Stelatopia No-Rinse Cleansing Water every day, which gently cleanses your child's face, body and diaper area in a single step.
- During flare-ups, we recommend that you use Stelatopia Milky Bath Oil, which cleanses the skin without irritating it.
- Then carefully apply a skin care product such as Stelatopia Emollient Cream, which will make it possible to rapidly soothe sensations of irritation and naturally relaunch the synthesis of lipids that are lacking thanks to Sunflower Oil Distillate.
Consult your doctor in the case of infection or intense itching: they will prescribe you a suitable treatment.
If you would like to find out more about dry skin with an atopic tendency, please consult our advice section.

Question 14

Is babies’ skin finer than that of adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In newborns, the dermis (deep layer of the skin) is three to four times thinner than in adults, and the stratum corneum (upper layer of the skin) is also finer.
Finally, the hydrolipid film that covers the skin and protects it is virtually non-existent in babies.

Question 15

Should I rinse my baby’s face and bottom after cleansing them?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the product that you use to cleanse your baby’s face or bottom:- If you choose the velvety feel and softness of Mustela Bébé Cleansing Milk to simultaneously cleanse and moisturise your baby's dry skin, you are recommended to rinse it in order to limit the risks of maceration in diapers, for example.
- If you prefer fresh and delicate skin care, use the No-rinse cleansing water for Normal Skin or the No rinse soothing cleansing water for very sensitive skin, which leaves the skin clean and clear in a single step and does not require any rinsing.
If you would like to find out more about hygiene for your baby, please consult our advice section.
Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur la toilette de votre bébé, nous vous invitons à consulter notre fiche conseil sur ce thème.

Question 16

What is the difference between UVA and UVB?

Accepted Answer

UVA and UVB are ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. They enable the skin to tan but are also very harmful. 
They differ in intensity and wavelengths:

•UVB rays have medium wavelengths and act on the skin’s surface. They are responsible for sunburn and burning.

•UVA rays have higher wavelengths and penetrate the skin in depth; they lead to accelerated aging and reduce the skin’s elasticity.

In the long term,  UVA and UVB rays may be responsible for a range of skin cancers.

It is therefore indispensable to use dual sun protection (against UVA and UVB rays), in particular for children.

Question 17

My baby has extremely dry skin. To care for them, is it enough to eliminate the red patches that appear on their body?

Accepted Answer

It is necessary to take care of their whole body with suitable dermocosmetic products, such as the Stelatopia range. To improve the comfort of your child’s skin, these skin care products must be used every day even if the red patches disappear.If necessary, your doctor will also be able to prescribe you a medicated treatment, especially during flare-ups.
If you would like to find out more about atopic-prone skin, please consult our advice section

Question 18

How is baby's skin different?

Accepted Answer

Thinner than adults’ skin, baby’s skin is in constant development: the skin barrier is incomplete at birth, and does not reach its first stage of maturity until the age of two. Between the ages of 0 and 2 years, the skin is unable to maintain a good level of hydration which is key for its cells to be able to work properly. As a result, your baby’s skin cannot act as a fully protective barrier, and is highly vulnerable to everyday stressors.Mustela’s researchers have also revealed that the skin of a newborn has a surprising source of strength: a unique, lifelong cellular reserve that is at its maximum at birth, yet remains vulnerable during the first few years of life. These original cells play a major role for the skin: they ensure that the skin is able to regenerate and are responsible for maintaining its overall balance against everyday stressors.

To preserve this unique cellular richness and to support its development, baby’s skin absolutely needs to be reinforced and protected on a daily basis by using appropriate skin care products.

Question 19

Can I wash my baby’s face with just water?

Accepted Answer

Water is not enough to remove the dirty marks that may be found on your baby’s skin (regurgitations, milk, etc.).It is therefore recommended that you use a specific cleansing product, such as the No-rinse cleansing water for normal Skin, the Cleansing Milk for dry skin or the No rinse soothing cleansing water for very sensitive skin
These skin care products specifically formulated to remain gentle on babies' delicate skin will leave their skin perfectly clean without drying it out or irritating it.
If you would like to find out more about hygiene for your baby, please consult our advice section

Question 20

How do sun products protect the skin?

Accepted Answer

Sun products protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays by means of filters and / or screens. 
• Chemical filters act by absorbing the energy transmitted by luminous radiations. 
They are not always photostable and as they can be absorbed by the epidermis, there is a risk of phototoxicity and allergy.

• Mineral screens reflect and diffuse UV rays. 
They are inert, photostable and form a film on the skin’s surface which limits any risk of penetration.

• Organo-mineral screens absorb and reflect UV rays. 
They are photostable and have good staying power on the skin’s surface.

If you would like to know more about sun protection, please consult our advice section on this subject.

Question 21

What should I do in the event of persistent redness on my baby’s bottom?

Accepted Answer

Persistent redness in the diaper area is a common occurrence, even if you scrupulously follow the rules of hygiene (regular diaper changes, gentle and careful cleansing and drying, application of a barrier cream, etc.).In this case, we recommend that you apply a specific product to take care of diaper rash on your baby's bottom, such as Vitamin Barrier Cream : by neutralising the enzymes responsible for redness in the diaper area, this product will reduce its intensity and favour its disappearance.
If the redness does not fade away after a few days or if it is weeping or infected, we recommend that you consult your doctor.
If you would like to find out more about redness in the diaper area, please consult our advice section.

Question 22

Why is the skin drier in winter?

Accepted Answer

Some babies and children have naturally dry skin, which requires specific care all year round. During the winter, the skin is constantly under attack from the cold, wind and central heating: it tends to dry out more easily. 
This phenomenon is particularly intense in babies and children, whose epidermis is more fragile and still immature.

During this period, it is thus necessary to moisturize and nourish their skin regularly, especially after cleansing and bathing, and to use specific cleansing and bathing products.

If you would like to find out more about the specific characteristics of your baby’s skin, read our advice section.

Question 23

What is the difference between Mustela Bébé Foam Shampoo for Newborns and Mustela Gentle Shampoo?

Accepted Answer

Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns has been specifically designed to prevent the appearance of cradle cap and encourage its elimination by limiting bacterial proliferation, which is its root cause.If your baby’s’ head presents these little whitish and yellowish crusts, we recommend that you use this skin care product.
- On the other hand, if their scalp is healthy, Mustela Gentle Shampoo will be perfectly suitable: enriched in chamomile extracts and coconut oil derivatives, it gently cleanses the hair and prevents the formation of tangles.
If you would like to find out more about cradle cap, please consult our advice section.

Question 24

Is sunburn dangerous to health?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sunburn represents a real danger, in particular for children whose skin is more fragile. 
Excessive sun exposure may indeed lead to actual cutaneous burns but also, in the longer term, to an increase in the number of moles and the risk of harmful melanoma, accelerated skin aging and skin cancers.

It is therefore essential to use high index sun protection, especially for children (SPF 50+ index) and to take the following precautions:

• Do not expose children aged under 3 years to the sun.
• Avoid any direct exposure to the sun, especially between 11h and 16h. 
• Apply the sun protection in a thick layer before any exposure and renew the application at least every 2 hours and after each bathe. 
• Protect your child with a hat, T-shirt and sunglasses.
• Keep your child properly hydrated even if he does not ask for a drink.

If you would like to know more about the sun and children’s skin, please consult our expert’s file on this subject.

Question 25

How can I prevent redness from appearing on my baby's bottom?

Accepted Answer

Redness in the diaper area is a frequent and generally benign occurrence in babies.It is due to prolonged contact with feces and urine, and appears most especially in the case of diarrhea, antibiotic treatments or during teething.
- To prevent its appearance, we recommend that you change your baby's diaper regularly, as soon as possible after it becomes soiled.
- Cleanse their bottom thoroughly with a suitable product (such as Cleansing Milk for dry skin, No-rinse cleansing water for normal Skin, Mustela Liniment or Dermo-soothing wipes), and then dry completely, not forgetting the folds.
- As a preventive measure, with each diaper change apply a specific cream such as Vitamin Barrier Cream, which will isolate baby’s skin from harsh factors thanks to the protective action of zinc oxide.
If you would like to find out more about redness in the diaper area, please consult our advice section

Question 26

Why is it so important to protect a baby’s original skin cells?

Accepted Answer

Because these original cells help to regenerate the skin and maintain its overall balance throughout life, they have a vital role to play. The skin’s wealth of original cells peaks at birth, but it is still extremely vulnerable during the first two years of a child’s life. During this critical period, the skin barrier is still developing and the skin is extremely vulnerable to daily stress factors. That’s why it’s so important to protect and strengthen the skin to preserve its precious wealth of original cells.If you’d like to know more, please read About Mustela Bébé's new care products

Question 27

Safety of sun protection products from birth

Accepted Answer

Our sun care products can be used risk-free from birth onwards. The safety of Mustela products is our top priority. Like the rest of our products, our sun care products are subjected to a rigorous ingredient selection process and systematic testing to prove their tolerance and efficacy in all skin types, including atopic-prone or intolerant skin.The WHO recommends keeping young children out of the sun, staying in the shade, and always wearing a hat, T-shirt and sunglasses. However, since exposure to the sun is often unavoidable, we recommend that a suitable sun protection product is also used.

Question 28

How are your products better for cradle cap than sweet almond oil?

Accepted Answer

Sweet almond oil is useful for loosening cradle cap from your baby's scalp, but it does not tackle the cause behind the condition. That is why it is recommended you use a specific skincare product that works on both the cause and symptom of the problem. 
Mustela's cradle cap formula regulates sebum secretion, softens the skin and limits the reappearance of crusty skin.
Like all Mustela products it is hypoallergenic, which means it has been formulated to minimize the risks of an allergic reaction - it contains no known allergens or other irritants. In particular, it has been tested in line with a standards-based protocol to verify its high tolerance.

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