When I was pregnant, my skin went through so many unexpected changes. Products I had used for years suddenly weren’t working, and my skin felt more sensitive and drier than ever. That’s when I started looking into natural butters and oils, searching for something truly nourishing. One ingredient that kept coming up again and again was shea butter—and once I started using it, I realised why.

When I started paying closer attention to skincare, it wasn’t just for myself—it was for my whole family. During pregnancy, my skin became more sensitive, and none of my usual products worked the same way. That’s when I began researching natural butters and oils, looking for gentle yet effective alternatives. I quickly realised how many mainstream skincare products, even the ones marketed as “gentle” or “natural,” still contained unnecessary chemicals and synthetic additives.

Before I became a mum, I had all the time in the world for long skincare routines. I could layer serums, wait for masks to dry, and experiment with different products. But once my baby arrived, everything changed. I barely had a moment to myself, and my usual skincare products weren’t even working the way they used to.

Even before I gave birth, while my baby was still in my belly, I started questioning everything I was putting on my skin. If something absorbed into my body, could it affect my baby? What about once they were born—what would I be putting on their delicate skin every single day? I wanted to make sure I was choosing the safest, most nourishing options, but when I started looking at the ingredient lists on common baby creams, I realised that many contained petroleum-based ingredients, synthetic additives, and unnecessary chemicals.

As a mum who wanted to prevent nappy rash before it even started, I quickly learned how important emollients are for keeping my baby’s skin soft, protected, and healthy. But when I first heard the word emollient, I wasn’t exactly sure what it meant—was it just another word for moisturiser? Did all emollients work the same way? And most importantly, were the ones in commercial nappy creams actually helping my baby’s skin?

As a mum, I wanted to do everything I could to prevent nappy rash before it even started. I’d heard so many stories from other parents about how sore and uncomfortable it could make babies, and I knew I wanted to avoid that if possible. That’s what led me to create my own natural balm—and before I knew it, other mums were asking about it too! Since starting my balm business, I’ve done a lot of research into what actually causes nappy rash, and I was shocked to learn just how many everyday products can contribute to it. So if you want to keep your baby’s skin happy and rash-free, here are some key things to consider.