Understanding newborn skin
UNDERSTANDING NEWBORN SKIN
As shown in the video, newborn skin is not the same as adult skin1 and it must adapt to its new extrauterine environment from the moment of birth. To help protect newborn skin and facilitate this adjustment, a white, creamy biofilm develops during the last trimester of pregnancy. This protective coating, called the vernix caseosa, is largely composed of water, lipids and proteins.2,3
STUDIES SUGGEST THAT VERNIX MAY:2,4
Function as a barrier to water loss which contributes to higher skin hydration
Play a role in temperature regulation
Play a role in natural immunity
Contribute to lowering skin pH.
Lowering of the skin pH (i.e. formation of the acid mantle) contributes to the maintenance of a healthy skin barrier.4 The acidic stratum corneum also inhibits the growth of pathogens and facilitates the development of the skin microbiome.2,5,6
The skin microbiome is an essential component of immunity7 and provides the first line of defence against infections.8
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An imbalance in the skin microbiota (beneficial vs harmful bacteria) that inhabit the skin microbiome may contribute to:9,10
Inflammation
Skin conditions (e.g. acne or rosacea)
Systemic disease (e.g. eczema).
Therefore, it is important to consider appropriate baby skincare, including cleansing and moisturising products, that strive to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, keep pH levels low (acidic) and support the skin microbiome.11
Considerations when choosing skincare for babies
APPROPRIATE CLEANSING IS NEEDED TO KEEP BABY SKIN FREE FROM:12
Saliva
Mucus
Dirt
Urine
Faeces
Pathogens
Washing with water alone is not always sufficient to clean baby skin because this may not remove all the impurities from the skin surface.12,13 However, the surfactants in soap and soap-based cleansers can be unsuitable for the stratum corneum, potentially leading to skin feeling tight and dry.11 Soaps are typically alkaline which means they can also increase the pH of infant skin and disturb the acid mantle for up to 30 minutes.14
Liquid cleansers that are free of known irritants and that are neutral or mildly acidic can be used for bathing.11
DRY SKIN IS COMMON IN NEWBORNS, BUT THE NEED FOR MOISTURISATION IS OFTEN UNDER RECOGNISED.
A study found that while only 10% of parents believed their baby’s skin was dry, 63% were found to have clinically visible dry skin.1 Dry skin may lead to skin irritation and could compromise the skin barrier function.1
Moisturising has been shown to:1,11,15
Increase hydration of the skin in infants leading to skin that looks and feels smoother
Enhance the skin barrier
Emollients are effective moisturisers that are applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it.16 They cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture to help manage dry skin.16
The right emollient can provide similar multi-functional benefits to vernix to help protect babies’ skin after birth.
An effective and appropriate regimen to cleanse and moisturise skin is important to protect babies’ delicate skin.