Doctors emphasize the need to provide special care for the skin of newborns

Newborn skin is delicate and requires special care. Dr. Emer Gilligan, External Affairs Director and a medical expert at WaterWipes, emphasizes the importance of simplicity in infant skincare. By choosing products with minimal ingredients and avoiding harsh additives, parents can help protect their baby's sensitive skin. Regular diaper changes, gentle cleansing, and moisturizing are key to maintaining healthy skin development. We asked Dr. Emer Gilligan a few frequently asked questions by parents concerning their baby’s skin. 

- What are the most common skin conditions that affect infants? How can we help reduce the risk of developing such conditions?

Parents and carers of infants are often surprised at how many rashes and skin allergies babies may develop as they grow. The most common skin conditions that affect babies include diaper rash and eczema. Diaper rash is caused in part by exposure to a wet or soiled diaper, leading to red, irritated skin on the baby’s bottom. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis which presents as dry, itchy patches on the skin often on the face, inner elbows and back of knees can be triggered by allergens or irritants. And while it might be a worry to see these skin conditions on your baby, they are generally manageable with proper care and attention. 

- What are the key factors to consider when choosing products for babies' delicate skin?

Prioritizing simplicity in baby skincare is important. Opting for skincare formulations with fewer ingredients can help to minimize the risk of irritation. Choosing the right baby wipes that are designed with a commitment to gentleness, with minimal ingredients and favoring simplicity and purity, whilst offering a nurturing touch that resonates with the tender needs of baby skin, is vital. Baby wipes should be limited to the ones that are free from alcohol, fragrances, and other unnecessary additives, ensuring that only the gentlest care touches your baby's precious skin.

- Why is simplicity and using minimal ingredients in baby skincare formulations important, and how does it benefit infant skin?

Less is more when it comes to personal care products for babies. Some babies with sensitive skin may demonstrate allergic contact dermatitis or irritant dermatitis if exposed to numerous ingredients and therefore simpler personal care products with less ingredients are the preferred option. Minimal ingredient formulations also mean less potential interference with the babies’ skin microbiome which helps maintain the babies’ skin in good health. 

- How does the development of a baby's skin barrier change in the first two years of life?

A newborn's skin is vulnerable and delicate, with the infant skin barrier continuing to develop and mature during the first year of life. Protection is a key function of the mature skin barrier, acting as a defense against allergens, infections and irritants.    

The skin of infants and young babies is unique compared to that of older children and adults. The epidermis in babies is 20% thinner and the stratum corneum is 30% thinner, which increases susceptibility to permeability and dryness.  Baby skin is also less firmly attached than mature skin and has a higher propensity to increased 

trans‑epidermal water loss [TEWL] and reduced stratum corneum hydration, reflecting a less effective skin barrier function. Also, because the ratio between baby body surface to baby body weight is higher, topical agents are more readily absorbed and can therefore have a more pronounced effect on baby skin.  

- What role do alcohol, fragrances, and unnecessary additives in baby wipes play in skin irritation?

Fragrances and preservatives are the two most clinically relevant allergens found in personal care products. Baby wipes do not generally contain alcohol, but some hand sanitizing wipes do contain ethanol and isopropanol, and these should not be used on babies’ skin. Babies skin is delicate and soft, so a gentle wipe, made with minimal ingredients and suitable for sensitive skin is a good choice.  

- What are some effective ways to keep a baby's skin clean and dry to prevent skin issues?

Gentle and effective cleansing of the diaper area can help protect against the causes of diaper rash, by eliminating irritants and restoring the skin dryness. Cleaning the skin with suitable wipes and changing the diaper ever 3-4 hours, or as soon as possible after wetting or soiling helps to reduce skin exposure to urine and faeces. It may also be helpful to leave diapers off for a considerable period of time to help skin dry.  

- How can parents ensure they are providing the gentlest care possible for their baby's skin and maintain good skin health? What steps can they take to nurture their baby’s skin with the best care possible?

Prioritizing simplicity in baby skincare is important. Choosing skincare formulations with minimal ingredients can help to minimize the risk of irritation. Look for baby wipes that are designed for sensitive skin, with a commitment to gentleness, favoring simplicity and purity, but at the same time providing a gentle and effective clean on the skin.