Dr Clarence De Belilovsky Baby Skin Conditions Interview

Dr Clarence De Belilovsky Baby Skin Conditions Interview

New scientific research reveals each baby is born with a specific skin type and need. Introducing the next generation of skincare adapted to each skin type by Mustela®.

Mustela® is the first skin care company globally to embark on a research program that analyses the physiology of babies and children's skin from outer layers of the epidermis all the way to the deepest epidermal layers. Using advanced, non-invasive imaging technologies and the development of the world's first reconstruction of babies and children's skin, Mustela® researchers discovered that a baby's skin is most fragile between birth and age of two and scientifically demonstrated babies each have different kinds of skin with different needs, deserving of its own care.

The breakthrough insight shows children are born with either: Normal skin that needs to be hydrated daily; Dry skin that needs to be hydrated and nourished, and Extremely dry/eczema-prone skin, subject to extreme dryness and sensations of itching, that needs to be hydrated, soothed and replenished daily. With this insight, Mustela® developed patented specific natural ingredients - clinically proven under dermatological and/or paediatric supervision - to be effective for each type of skin.

The ingredients in the new range include:

For Normal skin: Avocado Perseose®, a patented natural ingredient that deeply hydrates skin epidermis, protects the skin barrier and preserves the cellular richness of the skin.
For Dry skin: Avocado Perseose® and a dermo-nutritive complex that deeply nourishes the skin.
For Extremely dry eczema-prone skin: Avocado Perseose® and a patented natural ingredient, Sunflower Oil Distillate®, which replenishes and soothes eczema-prone skin.

Already an established brand with a global cult-like following (number 1 baby dermo-cosmetic brand in Europe), Mustela® has taken the range to the next level with this new generation of hygiene and skincare products adapted to all skin types from birth onwards. Products available, priced between $7.95 - $34.95 rrp, include Foam Shampoo for Newborn, Gentle Cleansing Gel, Body Lotion, Face Cream, , Vitamin Barrier Cream, Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath, , Travel Set, No Rinse Cleansing Water and fragrance-free skincare products like Stelatopia Emollient Cream, Stelatopia Cleansing Cream and more. The baby skincare expert for over 60 years, Mustela® guarantees safety from birth onwards and is committed to minimising environmental impact with eco-designed products that are conscious of people and the environment at each stage of their life cycle. With a priority given to ingredients of natural origin, there are no parabens, phthalates or Phenoxyethanol. Light textures and delicate fragrances add to the appeal. s.

The new Mustela® bébé-enfant *range is available in Chemist Warehouse , Babies 'R" Us , Amcal, Chemmart Terry White, Priceline, and all good pharmacies. To make it even easier for parents to work out what skin type is right for their baby, Mustela® has created an online 2-part skin diagnosis questionnaire. With Mustela®, it all starts with skin.

For more information on the range visit: mustela.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/MustelaAustralia
https://www.instagram.com/mustelaau

Interview with Dr Clarence De Belilovsky, French dermatologist and member of the Mustela Expert Circle.

Question: How common is eczema in babies?

Dr Clarence De Belilovsky: Eczema-prone skin affects one in five children on average worldwide1. It is the most widely spread skin disease among children. Moreover, this number keeps increasing. It is said that in industrialized countries, the percentage of people affected with eczema-prone skin has tripled in 30 years2. Don't worry then: if your baby is affected, it's not unusual and they are not the only one. Eczema can appear from the first six months of life until usually disappearing completely around the age of 5 to 6.

Question: What symptoms are associated with eczema?

Dr Clarence De Belilovsky: It is a skin disorder which manifests as extreme skin dryness with localized red patches and itching. Eczema varies between flare-ups and periods of relief.


Question: How can parents determine the likelihood of a baby having eczema-even before it is born?

Dr Clarence De Belilovsky: About 70% of children affected by eczema-prone skin have in their family a person who also had a history of eczema. It is scientifically proven that if one parent is affected, the child has 40 to 50% probability of having too; and if both parents are concerned, this probability can go up to 80%3. And what does happen if there is no family history? Eczema-prone skin manifestations are linked to several genes. You may have it and it may be hereditary, but anybody may potentially be affected.


Question: What is emollient and how can this reduce the risk of eczema-prone skin symptoms?

Dr Clarence De Belilovsky: We know that the barrier of extremely dry skin is no longer impermeable, and can allow allergens to penetrate, which are partly responsible for eczema-prone skin. Therefore, it is important to help the skin's defensive role and repair its barrier.

In addition to providing all the ingredients of a regular moisturising cream, they also contain lipids that help restore the oily layer needed by the skin surface. The skin becomes more supple and resistant to allergens.

Recent studies have scientifically proven that if there is family history of eczema for the parents or if some redness starts appearing, applying an emollient from birth onward can reduce the risk of developing eczema-prone skin symptoms by 33% to 50%4.


Question: What should we do when eczema has been diagnosed?

Dr Clarence De Belilovsky: During the periods of relief, apply an emollient cream or balm once or twice a day everywhere on the body to soothe and replenish. Repeat the application if the skin is still dry. For bathing gentle cleansers designed for eczema-prone skin, which are fragrance and soap-free. Add bath oil to soften the water and prevent the drying effects of hard water.
During eczema flare-ups when red, dry patches appear and the itching is more intense, a doctor may prescribe a short-term treatment to apply to the patches such as topical steroids. During the treatment, it's recommended to continue applying an emollient everywhere on the body. For optimal management, continue using cleansing products that have been designed especially for eczema-prone skin.


Interview by Brooke Hunter