All you need to know about baby skin

Baby skin is different from adult skin: more sensitive and less resilient. It is important to understand the differences, as it influences how to care for baby skin.
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At birth, baby skin undergoes a dramatic change from an aqueous (in the womb) to a dry environment. Baby skin, hair, and fingernails all start to form during the first trimester of pregnancy and continue to develop. 

1. The skin colour (regardless ethnicity) is reddish purple for the first few days, because the of the kick started circulation system, will change during the first few months, and is typically fully developed around 6 months. 
2. Infant jaundice can occur when the baby's blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment of red blood cells. 
3. Most babies have patches of a greasy substance meant to protect baby skin in utero from amniotic fluid called vernix. 
4. At birth, fine hair called lanugo may cover her body for the first few weeks, especially if the baby is born premature. 
5. About 40-50% of babies are born with milia (white or yellow dots that look like tiny whiteheads), which are harmless and will go away on their own.
6. According to the AAD about 20% of newborns have neonatal acne, which usually shows at 2 weeks, however can develop any time before 6 weeks and some babies are born with acne, which will usually clear up by the time the baby is approximately 6 months old. 
7. Erythema toxicum neonatorum (ETN or "new born rash" or "flea bite rash") affects 30-70% of newborns. It is a harmless, temporary red rash that can cover her itty-bitty body, but usually breaks out on the chest and back. This condition will likely disappear on its own in about two weeks.
8. As hormones made their way into the baby during pregnancy, which can increase the skin's oil production until a week or month after birth. Hormones probably are the cause of the "cradle cap" (scales and flakes on the scalp). Usually this goes away on it's own, however in severe or stubborn cases it makes sense to consult a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist.
9. Baby skin thickness. One of the most notable differences between baby skin and adult skin is its thickness. The epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin, of a baby's skin is one third the thickness of an adult skin according to some publications (others contradict this). This means you can literally see the blood vessels underneath and if they are cold (hand and feet can turn blue) or hot (pink and mottled). Their skin will be thicker after one year. It is important to help a baby to keep their temperature with a hat or one more layer of clothing as you would wear yourself. However, watch out for overheating. 
10. Baby skin pH. The skin surface pH of infants is higher than that of adults, which makes it more alkaline. This combined with thinner epidermis makes baby skin more susceptible to microbial infections and as a higher pH and not fully developed skin barrier function makes their skin more prone to trans-epidermal water loss, eczema and easier for substances and irritants applied to the skin to penetrate.
11. Baby sweat glands..The sweat glands of an infant are less effective and because newborns can't fully sweat, their ability to regulate their temperature is less and they need our help to stay cool or avoid over-heating, We have 2 type of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine, both are formed in newborns, even if they don't yet produce sweat. However apocrine glands sweat through hair follicles and aren't activated until puberty. The most active eccrine glands after birth are the ones on the babies forehead where you might detect some drops of sweat.
12. Structural differences. Baby skin is structurally different from adult skin as the cells (corneocytes) are smaller and collagen fibres are thinner.
13. Composition differences. Baby skin contain's less lipids, melanin and moisturizing factors.
14. Epidermal turn-over. During the first 3 months the desquamation increases mostly facial areas due to increased epidermal turnover, but not in the diaper region due to the occlusive effect of the diaper. The lower desquamation on the cheeks compared to the forehead may be related to the higher density of sebaceous glands in the cheeks.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BABY SKIN CARE 

1. Avoid Fragrance and Other Irritants
Fragrances and other irritants can exacerbate skin conditions in babies, such as eczema. Avoid products that contain fragrances, sulfates, and other ingredients that may cause irritation.

2. Use Gentle Cleansers
When bathing your baby, use mild, soap-free cleansers that are specifically formulated for baby skin. Avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals that can strip the skin of natural oils.

3. Avoid Over-Bathing
While it may be tempting to give your baby frequent baths, it is important to avoid over-bathing. Bathing too frequently can dry out the skin and cause irritation. Aim to bathe your baby no more than every other day, or as recommended by your pediatrician.

4. Moisturise Regularly
To help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to your baby’s skin after bathing. Look for products that are specifically formulated for baby skin, and avoid those that contain ingredients that may cause irritation.

5. Be Sun-Safe
Frequent sunburns and exposure to sunlight in childhood are strongly related to melanoma development; therefore, appropriate measures of photoprotection have been considered to decrease the risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Since baby skin is more susceptible to damage from UV radiation, it is important to protect your baby from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, that is specifically formulated for babies, compliment this with a hat and special UV protective clothes if needed and avoid exposing your baby to direct sunlight during peak hours.

6. Prevent Diaper Rash
Protect babies bum 24/7 from a nasty diaper rash. A safe and affordable product known to prevent, soothes and treats diaper rash is Aquaphor, There are special baby formulations available which can also include ingredients like zinc oxide and pathenol and off course are fragrance fee.
In case of doubts or concerns don't hesitate to consult your pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist.

Take care.

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