theIndusParent Logo
theIndusParent Logo
  • Pregnancy
    • Fertility & Conception
    • First Trimester
    • Second Trimester
    • Third Trimester
    • Labour & Delivery
    • Post-delivery Care
    • Miscarriage
    • 9 Months
  • Baby
    • Development
    • Breastfeeding
    • Weaning
    • Health
    • Behaviour
    • Gear & Wear
    • Baby Names
    • Nine Months-0 to 1
  • Toddler
    • Development
    • Health
    • Behaviour
    • Life Skills
    • Trendy Wear
    • 9 Months Season 3: Toddler Years
  • Pre-teen
    • Development
    • Health
    • Education
    • Behaviour
    • Lifeskills
    • Fashion
  • Mums
    • Awesome Working Mums
    • Celeb Mums
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Sex
    • Labour Story
  • Health
    • Nutrition
    • Fitness
    • Home Remedies
    • Chakra Healing
    • Experts' Corner
  • Family & Leisure
    • Relationships
    • For Dads
    • Essential Life Tips
    • Money
    • Recipes
    • Celebrations
    • Travel
    • Vastu
    • Astrology
    • Baby Photos
    • Video
    • Events & Workshops
    • Review
    • Contest
  • हिंदी
  • தமிழ்
  • বাংলা
  • Video

How baby skin is different from adult skin

5 min read
How baby skin is different from adult skinHow baby skin is different from adult skin

Did you know a baby's skin is drier than adult skin after birth?

Knowledge partner
"logo

The skin is the largest organ in the body and is made up of 3 main layers i.e. the epidermis, the dermis and the underlying subcutaneous fatty tissue. The epidermis, which is nothing but the outer layer, is further divided into stratum corneum (SC), stratum granulosum, and stratum spinosum.

baby-skin2

The stratum spinosum is at the junction of the first two layers i.e. epidermis and dermis and is where the renewal of the basal cells is carried out. Basal cells constantly divide and are called keratinocytes and act as a barrier, which allows the retention of fluids within the epidermal cells and prevent the invasion of micro-organisms, chemicals and allergens onto your skin, stores fat and protects your skin against cold.2, 3 However there is a vast difference between the skin of a baby and an adult.1, 2, 3

Structural differences in a baby’s skin

The SC in a baby’s skin approximately 30% thinner than an adult.2 The cells in the SC are smaller in baby’s skin. Melanocytes (responsible for skin color) are less pigmented which gives a baby’s skin the lighter shade. The immune protection of the skin and its receptor function develop well during the initial years of a baby.3

Compositional differences in a baby’s skin

After birth, the skin of a baby is drier than of an adult’s. Hence the sebaceous gland (a small gland in the skin which secretes a lubricating oily matter-sebum into the hair follicles to lubricate the skin) activity is limited in babies compared to adults.4

Some babies may experience a condition known as “acne neonatorum” which occurs usually 2-3 weeks after the baby is born. It is caused by stimulation of the sebaceous glands.3 A newborn baby has an alkaline skin surface, with an average pH of 6.34 which gradually decreases within a few days to about 4.95 (acid).

This is known as the 'Acid Mantle' and is the skins protector.2 This occurs due to your baby’s exposure to air, instead of amniotic fluid.3

Functional differences in a baby’s skin

A baby’s skin is vulnerable since the surface area of its skin is relatively higher compared to its weight.3 Hence additional care must be taken to prevent dryness, rash, irritation from the hazardous chemicals that some baby products may contain.5

Continue reading on the next page to know how you should care for your newborn's skin!

The dose of chemicals that can be absorbed through their skin is larger since their skin is permeable 4, 5 After a few months, the baby’s skin becomes more hydrated than an adult’s skin but it can lose moisture at a higher rate. This is known as trans- epidermal water loss.4 Hence it is essential to moisturize your baby’s skin with oil or a lotion.3, 4 

Caring for your baby’s skin

The 3 basics while caring for your baby’s skin are: proper cleansing, good moisturizing, and adequate sun protection.

Partner Stories
3 Baby Skin Facts Every Parent Should Know
3 Baby Skin Facts Every Parent Should Know
5 Skincare Habits To Keep Your Child's Skin Healthy
5 Skincare Habits To Keep Your Child's Skin Healthy
5 Things To Check When Choosing A Baby Skincare Product
5 Things To Check When Choosing A Baby Skincare Product
THESE 5 Situations Demand Extra Security For Your Kids
THESE 5 Situations Demand Extra Security For Your Kids
  1. Refrain from using adult bath products including soaps, shampoos, lotions or oils which can alter or disrupt the skin barrier.5, 6
  2. Use a mild detergent to wash your baby’s clothes.6
  3. Use a moisturizer that contains ingredients like glycerin or petroleum which can nourish your baby’s skin.6
  4. Change the diaper six or seven times a day or more if necessary. You can bathe your baby daily too: if it is environmentally condusive, if the baby is free of medical conditions and has a healthy skin. The basic idea is to keep the child clean and in addition, also provides a good multisensorial stimulation and bonding.
  5. Babies can also be bathed on alternate days or once a week if it has dry skin.6 Use baby products sparingly and read the labels clearly.6
  6. It is advisable to protect your baby from the direct harsh sunlight. Do not use sunscreen until your baby is 6 months since the chemicals can be absorbed by the baby’s skin.6
  7. Avoid the afternoon sun, dress your baby in an environment appropriate comfortable dressing, avoid over wrapping the child and make sure they are not overheated by inappropriate dressing. Consult with your doctor if you observe any of the above symptoms.4, 5

A baby’s skin is not as resistant as an adult’s.3, 4, 7 As a parent you must ensure that you understand that your baby’s skin is delicate and different from an adult’s skin. Some babies might have more than usual sensitivity in the skin hence certain baby products might not be suitable and could cause rash, irritation and dryness .7

Also Read: Which is the right moisturiser for your baby's skin

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the article, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest from theIndusparent.com

[Images courtesy: Pixabay]
References
1.Trotter, S. Neonatal skincare: why change is vital. RCM Midwives.Vol:2006:9:4. Accessed on 15 September,2016
2.Trotter, S.Care of the Newborn: Proposed new guidelines. British Journal of Midwifery Vol:2004:12:3.Accessed 15 September, 2016
3.Introduction to Cosmetic Formulation and Technology. books.google.ae/books?id=tM_0BgAAQBAJ&pg=PA616&dq=STRUCTURAL+DIFFERENCES+IN+A+BABY+AND+ADULT+SKIN&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZqP60vZHPAhUJOsAKHbS0CwMQ6AEIHDAA#v=onepage&q=STRUCTURAL%20DIFFERENCES%20IN%20A%20BABY%20AND%20ADULT%20SKIN&f=false. Accessed 15 September, 2016
4.Oranges, T et a Skin Physiology of the Neonate and Infant: Clinical Implications. Vol:2015:4:10 Accessed on 15 September,2016.
5.Telofski, LS et a The Infant Skin Barrier: Can We Preserve, Protect, and Enhance the Barrier? Dermatology Research and Practice. Vol. 2012: 1-19. www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2012/198789/. Accessed 15 September, 2016
6.Fluhr, JE et al. Functional skin adaptation in infancy - almost complete but not fully competent. Accessed 15 September,2016.
7.Stamatas, G et al. Baby Skin vs. Adult Skin Structure, Function and Composition. Vol:2013. Accessed 15 September, 2016

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Avantika Kukreti

  • Home
  • /
  • Baby Care
  • /
  • How baby skin is different from adult skin
Share:
  • 7-Year-Old Girl 'Gang-Raped' On Roblox Highlights Need For Increased Parental Scrutiny

    7-Year-Old Girl 'Gang-Raped' On Roblox Highlights Need For Increased Parental Scrutiny

  • Can Babies Choke On Vomit While Sleeping? Read This Now

    Can Babies Choke On Vomit While Sleeping? Read This Now

  • Handy Tools to Put Your Child's Bedtime Struggles to Sleep

    Handy Tools to Put Your Child's Bedtime Struggles to Sleep

app info
get app banner
  • 7-Year-Old Girl 'Gang-Raped' On Roblox Highlights Need For Increased Parental Scrutiny

    7-Year-Old Girl 'Gang-Raped' On Roblox Highlights Need For Increased Parental Scrutiny

  • Can Babies Choke On Vomit While Sleeping? Read This Now

    Can Babies Choke On Vomit While Sleeping? Read This Now

  • Handy Tools to Put Your Child's Bedtime Struggles to Sleep

    Handy Tools to Put Your Child's Bedtime Struggles to Sleep

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Ages + Stages
    • Baby
    • Baby Concerns
    • Baby Development
    • Baby Formula Feeding
    • Baby health
    • Baby Milestones
    • Breastfeeding
  • Family Life
    • Family & Leisure
    • Essential Tips
    • Family Fun
    • Events
    • For Dads
    • For Mum and Dad
  • Health & Wellness
    • India
    • International
    • Lifestyle
    • Kid's Entertainment
    • Indoor
    • Learning Activities
  • Toddler
    • Toddler Behaviour
    • Toddler Development
    • Toddler Discipline
    • Toddler Education
    • Toddler Health
    • Toddler Life Skills
  • Gallery
    • News
    • Celebrity
    • Features
    • Bollywood
    • Video
    • Marriage
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2022. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it