To know whether you can use egg white for babies’ face or not, keep reading this short yet informative article.
Egg white or albumen is the clear liquid that makes up 2/3rd of the egg by weight. Composed of 90% water, 8% protein, and assorted minerals and vitamins, the egg white primarily functions as a shock-absorber and anti-microbial layer to protect and stabilize the yolk. It provides water and nutrients to sustain the developing embryo within the egg. Since time immemorial, people have been eating eggs, and separated egg whites serve as a low-calorie (around 17 calories per egg), inexpensive, cholesterol-free, protein powerhouse. Egg whites are a good nutritional source of riboflavin, selenium, and potassium.
Effect of Egg Whites on the Skin
A popular component in DIY skincare is egg whites. There are many proponents for egg white face masks and skin treatments, who claim that the following benefits are seen, with regular use:
- Treats acne and inflammation that reduces under-eye puffiness.
- Tightens skin and combats wrinkles and age spots.
- Nourishes and moisturizes skin while removing dead skin cells and excess oil.
- Reduces hyperpigmentation.
Egg White For Babies’ Face
When it comes to baby skincare, using egg whites stems from age-old beliefs passed down through generations. These home remedies are popular among parents who are particular about only using organic, natural, ‘clean’ ingredients and processes to care for their infant’s skin; two such common practices are:
1. Using Egg Whites To Treat Diaper Rash
After washing and drying the baby’s bottom, use a cotton ball to apply freshly separated egg whites in a thin layer onto the skin. Allow it to air-dry. The egg white acts as a barrier to protect sensitive skin from the irritants that cause a diaper rash.
2. Egg White Massage
Before the bath, massage egg white into baby’s skin, allowing it to dry thoroughly. This makes the skin supple and improves complexion.
Risks/Potential Dangers
Allergic Reaction
Egg allergy is commonly noted in infants in the first year of life. It tends to resolve with time, however, in such cases, using egg whites topically causes severe itching, burning sensation, rash, hives, and even shortness of breath. Once you do patch tests, immediately wash off the egg white if symptoms appear and seek urgent medical care if symptoms persist.
- Babies tend to touch everything and put their hands in their mouth. Using raw egg whites always poses the threat of salmonella infection, which manifests as gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and cramps. Babies with egg intolerance can experience similar discomfort on accidental egg white ingestion.
- Even in the absence of an allergy, raw egg whites can irritate the skin to form mild redness, rash, and bumps. Broken skin, with cuts or wounds, is vulnerable to infection.
- Raw egg white easily contaminates any surface that it comes into contact with: sinks, bowls, taps, or counters. Make sure to thoroughly wash hands and all nearby surfaces after handling egg whites.
Alternate Ingredients
- Organic unrefined coconut oil: when you massage coconut oil onto the skin or scalp, it soothes any irritation and moisturizes the skin. You can similarly use aloe vera gel.
- You can use the paste of cornstarch and water to treat baby acne and you may substitute water with milk. Add a pinch of turmeric and almond powder and use this as a mask for 15 minutes before bath to alleviate skin issues.
Baby skin is extremely thin and delicate. Therefore, it is crucial to consider every skincare ingredient before using carefully. When it comes to egg whites, the cons outweigh the pros. Most cataloged skincare benefits are anecdotal. There is no scientific backing for any long-term skin improvement. It may be better to opt for products that are tried, tested, and approved for baby skin by dermatologists and authorized agencies. There are commercially available creams and masks that contain egg-white extracts. These are subject to stringent quality-control standards, a safe and effective way to reap the benefits of egg whites for the skin.