A baby's skin takes about a year to get used to the world. For this reason it is important to treat it properly in the first months. All advice.
newborn skin
La babies skin it is incredibly delicate, warm, tender and perfumed, but also particularly sensitive. It is five times thinner than an adult and still cannot defend itself well against bacteria and other environmental "attacks". But with proper care baby's skin it becomes more resistant every day and soon creates a protective shield against external "attacks": light, cold and heat.
Why baby's skin needs protection
- The sebaceous glands are still not working well. Newborns do not yet have any protective layer of fat on their skin (which is why they smell so good too!). The consequence: it quickly loses moisture and dries out.
- Baby skin does not produce melanin. And since the body lacks its own protection from the sun, children should not be exposed to its direct rays (this also applies in winter!). It is so thin that the substances in the creams can pass through the skin and into their bodies. For this reason, experts advise against applying sunscreen for less than six or eight months. Until 24-36 months, children should be exposed to the sun for short periods and, in any case, only in the early morning or late afternoon. For protection, they may wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, or stay in the shade. What cream to use? If the child's skin is healthy, that is, they do not have atopic dermatitis or a contact allergy to certain substances, you can also use mom and dad's cream (as long as they are tested products), otherwise a specific line is recommended for children indicated for atopic skin; in case of contact allergy, it is necessary to show the list of substances to which the child is allergic to the pharmacy or perfumery and choose a product that does not contain them.
- The sweat glands are still not working. The ability to sweat and thus cool the skin has not yet been developed; only from the third year of age the little body is capable of regulating the temperature. First of all, it is important that the little ones do not get too cold or too hot. Check the back of your neck to see if the temperature is right. Hot and sweaty means: take off your jacket! Check often and make sure your child drinks a lot.
- The skin of newborns lacks the protective acid mantle. And this protects cells from harmful "environmental attacks", bacteria and fungi. It has a neutral pH value. Only after six weeks does the pH become acidic and the skin more resistant.
- It takes a few months for the baby's skin cells to connect with each other. For this reason, babies' skin is relatively permeable: even with respect to dyes and bleaches in clothes. Prefer natural fibers. All fabrics should be washed at least once, if not twice, before first use.
Treatments that are good for baby's skin
- pampering and caresses They are the best care, stimulate circulation and increase resistance.
- Bathwater? Beware of overly aggressive bubble baths. The important thing is to use suitable, non-aggressive, non-foaming or perfumed detergents, which can irritate and dry you out. Better to bathe with water only or with delicate oily detergents.
- Dry the skin folds well, but do not rub! Because the lower layers of the skin are not yet well formed and could therefore be easily injured.
- creams and lotions : Apply the cream where the skin feels dry. In cases of redness, use an ad hoc product.
- play naked entertains babies, the stimuli of fresh air also favor the growth of skin cells and make it more resistant.