Nurturing Dry Preemie Skin: African-Inspired Traditions of Care and Connection, Guest Blog
by Ashley Randolph, Founder of GLO Preemies
As a Black mother of three preemies, I understand the unique challenges our babies face in the NICU. Beyond the immediate medical care, there is the need for something just as important but often overlooked: proper skincare. Preemies’ skin is more fragile and underdeveloped than full-term infants, requiring extra attention and specialized care. At GLO Preemies, we encourage parents to embrace gentle skincare routines that promote health and well-being while connecting us to our cultural traditions and ancestral knowledge.
The Unique Needs of Preemie Skin
Premature babies face a variety of skin challenges. Their skin barrier is thinner and more permeable, making it susceptible to dehydration, irritation, and infection. Preemies also experience higher rates of transepidermal water loss, sensitivity to environmental factors, and a reduced ability to heal and repair themselves. This means that their skin needs extra hydration, protection, and support in order to thrive.
I am proud to work with BEB Organic, a company dedicated to creating skincare solutions specifically for NICU babies and their unique needs. The brand’s focus on deep hydration, skin barrier protection, and gentle ingredients free from synthetic dyes and fragrances offers families a safe, effective way to care for their preemie’s delicate skin.
A Healthier Alternative for Dry Skin
Many Black families, including mine, have used petroleum-based products for generations to treat very dry skin. While effective on the surface, these products often sit on top of the skin without deeply nourishing it. This can clog pores and inhibit the natural healing process. BEB Organic’s Nurturing Oil is a better alternative for treating dry skin in preemies. Unlike petroleum-based products, Nurturing Oil absorbs deeply, offering lasting moisture without clogging pores. With ingredients like rosehip oil (from South Africa), sunflower oil, and coconut oil, it nourishes from the inside out, supporting the skin’s healing and hydration processes.
For our preemies, who are more vulnerable to dry skin, using a product that hydrates deeply while protecting their delicate skin barrier is essential. Nurturing Oil is that solution—a gentle, non-greasy product designed to meet the needs of preemie skin while honoring our tradition of using natural, healing ingredients.
Staying Connected to Our Roots
There is something deeply powerful about using ingredients that connect us to our cultural roots. The skincare routines we create for our babies can be a continuation of our ancestral traditions, passed down through generations. BEB Organic sources several key ingredients from African countries, providing us with a direct link to our heritage.
- Aloe Vera from Zimbabwe: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera is a key ingredient in BEB Organic’s Bubbly Wash, Silky Cream, and Soothing Serum, offering relief for preemies’ sensitive skin while keeping it hydrated.
- Shea Butter from Nigeria: Found in Silky Cream and Diaper Balm, shea butter provides deep hydration and is an essential ingredient for healing and protecting delicate skin.
- Myrrh from Somalia: This ancient ingredient is featured in the Soothing Serum for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, helping to calm irritated skin and support the skin barrier.
These ingredients not only reflect the richness of our culture but also provide the necessary protection, hydration, and healing that our preemies need to thrive.
Embracing the spaNICU™ Approach
At GLO Preemies, we advocate for parents to take a mindful, intentional approach to skincare for their preemies. The spaNICU™ approach, developed by BEB Organic, encourages parents to use gentle massage techniques with nurturing products like Nurturing Oil or Silky Cream to support both physical and emotional well-being.
The power of touch during skincare routines promotes neurodevelopment and emotional bonding. These moments, especially in the stressful NICU environment, can reduce anxiety for both the parent and baby. By creating a routine of care that includes positive energy, bonding, and mindful touch, we can strengthen the connection between parent and child, ensuring both physical and emotional growth.
Honoring Tradition While Moving Forward
As we continue to advance in modern skincare solutions for preemies, it’s important to stay grounded in the traditions that have sustained us. With brands like BEB Organic, we have the opportunity to merge the best of both worlds—modern science and ancestral wisdom. By using ethically sourced, organic ingredients from Africa, we are honoring our past while giving our babies the best possible care for their future.
At GLO Preemies, we are proud to collaborate with BEB Organic to provide Black families with products that support preemie skin health while maintaining a connection to our heritage. As we continue to support NICU families across the country, we encourage you to explore these products and integrate them into your preemie’s skincare routine.
BEB Organic’s line of NICU-safe skincare products has been safely used on over 1 million babies across 150+ NICUs. Join their Tiny Steps Program and receive 25% off your first year out of the NICU, ensuring your baby’s delicate skin gets the care it deserves from day one. Together, we can help our preemies not just survive but thrive.
