Camille Co On Unsolicited Parenting Advice: 'The Less You Engage, The Faster The Conversation Ends'

Behind her beautiful photos on social media is a first-time mom who is just learning the ropes of parenting. And like any other new parent, Camille Co is being very mindful of her choices - especially when it comes to her unica hija, Sienna.

In an exclusive interview with Smart Parenting, Camille shared what it's like being a first-time mom to a child who has unique skin needs.

"I was very careful because when Sienna was born, she actually had a lot of rashes and redness so I consulted my doctor and we found out that she has sensitive skin. I didn’t want to use anything that would aggravate them," she said. 

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Growing up, Camille didn't experience having sensitive skin herself, until recently when she developed skin conditions that she didn't have as a child.

"[This] is why I’m even more into skincare now and the reason why I am very particular with the products that I choose for Sienna. I like to make sure that we only use products that are not only mild but can also protect sensitive skin from irritation."

Teaching your child to care for their skin

Camille shares, as she goes through motherhood, she is learning a lot, and in the process, she is teaching Sienna too.

"I think it’s probably why she’s so interested in doing it and wants to care for her skin herself, because she sees mommy doing it all the time. I swear she can stay in the bathroom with me for a long time—just watching and mimicking me as I do my skincare routine."

Sienna takes after her mom who is also into skincare, proving that no one is too young enough to learn how to care for their body! She shares Sienna's skincare routine:

"After bath for example, she likes to follow a routine so she always makes sure to follow it up with her Johnson’s Cottontouch lotion that helps form a barrier of protection to keep her skin safe from different triggers like allergens and rashes. She likes to pretend her lotion is like mom’s face cream too, so she likes to apply it on her face."

Camille added, "She’s also a very clean baby. Again, it probably came from me because I taught her how to wash her hands and wipe her mouth very early on. So now, she makes sure her mouth is wiped and her hands are clean all the time, no matter what activity it may be." 

In a previous article, Dr. Giselle Adasa, a pediatric dermatologist had this to say about baby's skin. “It's actually 40 to 60 percent thinner compared to adult skin. So what does this mean? Baby skin is really more delicate, it's more sensitive,” said Dr. Adasa. 

Dealing with unsolicited parenting advice

Just like parents at the Smart Parenting Village, our online community, Camille also sometimes receive unsolicited parenting advice from other people.

"If [the advice] comes from a good place and it's said in the proper way and context, I don't mind them. I mean, I might even learn a thing or two! But if it's unsolicited advice made from a hateful or ignorant place, I don't engage. The less you engage, the faster the conversation ends. Lol."

Camille says, she is becoming more and more comfortable and confident in her abilities as a mom, and she is learning to trust her instincts more. But like any other parent, for serious concerns like what products she will use for her child's skin, she gets recommendations from other parents and experts. 

RELATED: Pregnancy Skin Problems: What You Should Know And How to Feel & Look Beautiful Anyway

She tells parents of children with sensitive skin, "Talk to people you trust like friends and family but most importantly, experts like your doctor! Do your research."

She adds, "Choose a product na #TiwalaAngExperts like Johnson’s CottonTouch that has been triple tested by pediatricians, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists, and is also recommended by the nurses from the Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines (MCNAP)."

"Apart from expert recommendations, I’ve also seen how the product has been able to protect Sienna’s sensitive skin, which is why I trust and recommend it too!"

READ ALSO: Iritable Ang Maselang Balat Ni Baby? Narito Ang 'ABCD' Ng Skincare Mula Sa Doktor

Real moms say, CottonTouch is the 'pinakamabangong variant' of Johnson & Johnson baby skin products yet. "CottonTouch was designed with a mild fragrance to enhance baby’s routine of cleansing and moisturizing thereby enhancing the overall bonding experience between mom and baby," explained Carlo Pocholo Perreras, Johnson & Johnson Baby Care Marketing Manager. Read the moms' honest reviews here.

With her friends' help and expert advice, Camille said she has become more confident and at ease with herself as a mom. "And it's been great so far. I love being a mom to Sienna. She has taught me so much—most especially, how to love. I never knew I could love like this. She truly is my greatest love."

Johnson's CottonTouch is available in Lazada and Shopee, and in leading supermarkets, drug stores and department stores nationwide. Follow Johnson’s Baby on Facebook and Instagram.

Watch for these promos on Lazada from September 28-30, 2022:

Mommy Ryza Cenon's Sensitive Skin Duo of Cottontouch Wash and Lotion 200ml - 24% off at Php 349 from Php461. Buy it here.

Save Php 300 with Mommy Divine Lee's Newborn Gift Set: CottonTouch Wash 200ml, Lotion, 200ml, and Oil 125ml with FREE Diaper Bag and Wipes. Buy it here.