The detergents are used to remove the dirt that accumulates on the skin, consisting essentially of dust, fatty substances, microorganisms and organic secretions. There are two types of cleansing to be used for the baby's skin: cleansing by contrast and cleansing by affinity.
Contrast cleansing
In contrast cleaning, the solvent used is water. The surfactant present in the product is responsible for the cleaning action. The dirt is removed by rinsing. This category includes most of the products on the market such as shower gel , shampoo, cleansing gel, neutral soaps and soaked wipes . Cleansing by contrast is generally the most common, especially among adults.
Affinity cleansing
The affinity cleansing instead uses as a solvent an oil or a mixture of oils. The dirt is removed thanks to a mechanical action carried out with a towel or a cotton pad. No need to rinse. Examples of detergents for affinity are oils and cleansing milks .
Better Cleaner System
Which to favor between the two cleaning systems mentioned above? Due to the delicacy of the infant's skin and reduced sebaceous secretion, it would be preferable to avoid foaming detergents containing aggressive surfactants such as sodium laureth sulfate. However, the choice varies according to the area to be cleaned, the chemical-physical characteristics of the dirt and the pleasantness of use of the product. A contrast cleaner that uses water as a solvent gives a feeling of deep cleanliness that is difficult to obtain with the use of an oil or milk that cleans by affinity. Foaming detergent solutions, however delicate, are more aggressive than detergents that act by affinity; another advantage of the latter (such as oils and cleansing milks) is that - unlike foaming agents - they leave the skin hydrated and soft thanks to the residual veil that remains on it.
Beware of deception!
It is easy to find on the market products that carry the word shampoo oil or bath oil. These could make you think of formulations that eliminate dirt by affinity. In reality they are products that contain surfactants inside most of the times endowed with low foaming power and a high concentration of emollient lipids. They are therefore also detergent products by contrast but more delicate; once applied to the skin, they should always be rinsed (read the label!). An incorrect stay on the skin could cause possible sensitization and irritation.
