By Elena Voropay 

The largest and one of the most important organs in the human body is the skin. Skin provides a vast range of functions. First and foremost, it provides a protective, waterproof layer for the bodies internal organs. The skin also maintains the body's temperature.

There are always bacteria on the skin which 'feed' on dead skin cells and fluids such as sweat. Some of these bacteria make chemicals which smell unpleasant, such as methane and hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg gas).Washing and using deodorants gets rid of many of these smelly chemicals for a while but they build up again every day.

Soft and Healthy Skin - Naturally

Keep in mind that synthetic and chemically-based products are not the best solutions. Research has shown that using these may lead to eczema, irritations, and other skin conditions – even in adults! What's more, investigations into the link of different chemicals applied to skin with the increasing incidence of cancer are alarming. So, keep your baby safe and clean with natural skincare products.

• Instead of regular soap which can be very drying to the skin and disturb the protective oily coat, look for soap-free bath wash with neutral PH

• Avoid any lotions with mineral oil – as a petrochemical, mineral oil doesn't moisturise, but wraps the skin like a 'gladwrap' preventing it from breathing. Use natural vegetable oils such as avocado, evening primrose, olive, and wheatgerm.

• Detergents may be nice and bubbly, but this bubbliness can strip away baby's tender natural protective skin oils. Most contain chemicals lauryth sulphate and other sulphate derivatives which are not only harsh for the skin, but have been subjected to cause hormonal disturbances, mood swings, cancerous tumours and many skin conditions.

• Stay away from talc-based baby powder and try salt crystals and aluminium-free anti-perspirants to keep your baby's skin dry.

• Before you open a medicine cabinet when you see a cut or blister on your baby's soft and tender skin, try the following solutions from your kitchen: