Baby skin versus adult skin

The first step in taking care of baby’s skin is to understand how it’s different than your own. There are three major differences between adult skin and baby skin.

• Hydration. Unlike the skin of most adults, an infant’s skin can’t maintain a balanced level of moisture. This causes baby’s skin to dry out quicker, leaving it susceptible to irritation.
• Sun sensitivity. You’ll notice that baby’s skin is delicate, thin and fragile — making it especially sensitive to the sun. Melanin production, which is responsible for filtering ultraviolet rays, is relatively low in infant skin. Until melanin levels increase with age, skin is especially vulnerable to sunburn and irritation.
• Poorly developed sweat glands. Unlike adults, babies have under-developed sweat glands that can become blocked or ruptured when a baby is overheated. As a result, some babies may develop a red rash, often referred to as “sweat rash” or “heat rash.”

  While the easiest remedy is to cool the baby’s skin with a tepid bath or remove excess clothing, it’s important to remember that rashes are difficult to diagnose — even for the well-trained eye. Heat rash can be confused with more serious skin conditions, including eczema and impetigo. Contact your doctor if the rash persists, spreads or appears to be infected.

Common baby skin problems

Although your little one may develop skin conditions, many of these conditions are a normal part of development. Here are some of the most common skin irritations to expect as your baby grows.

• Diaper rash. This painful rash is quite common in babies and caused when dirty diapers rub against the skin. To avoid diaper rash, change diapers as soon as needed, and check them frequently — every few hours — to be sure that a soiled diaper isn’t left on too long.

  To counteract diaper rash, certain disposable diapers contain special absorbent gels to keep moisture away from skin and may also feature a built-in protective barrier. And don’t forget the old stand-by: barrier creams and ointments. Look for formulas with soothing botanicals such as Mustela Stelactiv. If the rash worsens or doesn’t respond to ointment, see your pediatrician.

• Irritation. Many common irritants such as drool or even formula can assault babies’ tender skin. Use protective bibs, and carefully clean your baby’s face after nursing or eating.

  Wool fabrics and pet hair can cause irritation, so be sure to limit the presence of both around your infant. Even your perfume may bother baby’s skin, so apply sparingly and never spray directly on an infant’s skin. As a final precaution, choose gentle laundry products and rinse clothes well before drying.

• Cradle cap. According to WebMD, cradle cap is a condition in which an over-abundance of dead skin cells and oils stick to the scalp, causing a build-up of yellow scales or crust. Luckily, this condition can usually be treated at home.

  Simply apply baby oil to the scalp 60 minutes prior to shampooing; then wet the scalp and massage with a soft toothbrush; finally, shampoo and rinse. Cradle cap typically won’t harm your baby and often clears up by age one. However, if scales don’t disappear, contact your pediatrician.

• Birthmarks. Does your little one have some unusual spots on his or her skin? Many children are born with reddish purple birthmarks that typically fade or vanish as the baby matures.
  • About 33 percent of newborns have stork bite marks — thin, flat pinkish marks — on the face and neck.
  
  
  • Strawberries, another common birthmark, are bright red skin marks caused by blood vessels.
  
  
  • Mongolian spots are blue-colored areas on a baby’s back or bottom and often occur on the skin of babies from African or Asian descent.

Careful cleansing

When is it safe to give your baby a bath? Most experts advise against bathing until after the umbilical cord has fallen off. Until then — possibly a month — sponge baths suffice. On the body, try Mustela PhysiObebe No Rinse Cleansing Water, a gentle formula with no alcohol or soap. And until the cord falls off, be sure to clean it several times a day using a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol.

When bathing your baby, many experts warn against daily baths, as they can dry out or aggravate delicate infant skin. In general, babies should bathe every few days — and less often in the winter.

Be certain to choose mild cleansers, soaps and shampoos that are specially formulated for a baby’s sensitive skin. In addition, be sure that products are fragrance-free. Watch out for products labeled “unscented,” because they can still contain skin-irritating chemicals to mask unwanted fragrances. An ideal all-in-one choice is Belli Calm Me Hair and Body Wash for head-to-toe cleansing.

Magnificent moisturizer

Do babies need moisturizer? Experts have opposing opinions. Proponents claim that an infant’s skin needs moisturizer to stay soft and smooth and that adding moisture can be beneficial — especially following a bath. On the contrary, other experts advise that you should only apply lotion to dry spots on baby’s skin.

If you do want to use lotion, skip formulas with scents or strong fragrances. Instead, opt for formulas designed with baby in mind: Mustela Hydra Bebe Body moisturizes and soothes skin and is safe for babies of all ages.

Essential sun protection

Previously, it was thought that sunscreen was harmful to babies, and doctors advised against using it. Today, experts consider a dab of broad-spectrum sunscreen on a baby’s face and hands appropriate for infants older than six months.

However, sunscreen isn’t advised for infants less than six months old. Protect tiny babies with long sleeves, pants, a hat and plenty of shade.

After they come of age, consider broad-spectrum protection such as Mustela High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50. Always apply liberally and often when outside or exposed to the sun.

Potentially dangerous phthalates

In addition to not using adult products on baby’s skin, you might want to avoid products with phthalates. These ingredients are found in skin care products — including baby powder, lotion and shampoo — toys and plastic goods.

According to research published in the journal Pediatrics, the above products “may expose infants to chemicals that have been linked with possible reproductive problems,” reports MSNBC. Specifically, this research found high levels of phthalates in the urine of babies who’d just been shampooed, powdered or moisturized with baby products.

However, there’s been no rigorous research in humans that shows a link between phthalates and reproductive defects. Thus far, only animal studies have suggested an association.

If you’d like to avoid these ingredients, look for “products labeled ‘phthalate-free,’ or check labels for common phthalates, including DEP and DEHP,” suggests MSNBC. But, keep in mind that companies aren’t required to list these ingredients on the label. If you’re concerned, consult your pediatrician or dermatologist.

See also:

Grapefruit

Healthy Skin During Pregnancy

Milk: Creamy Care for Your Skin

3 Things You Should Know about Sun Damage

7 Steps to Combat Adult Acne