Infants’ skin is thinner, less elastic and more susceptible to irritation. So it requires special attention and care. How to take care of a toddler’s skin in the early stages of its life? What to use if we notice redness and irritation?
Table of Contents:
- Baby’s delicate skin
- Infant skin care
- Protecting baby’s skin from irritation
Baby’s delicate skin
The skin of a newborn and infant is not yet completely mature and does not fully function. The skin of a toddler is thinner and less elastic. Sebaceous glands do not yet work properly, and sweat glands do not begin to activate until a later age. When the skin is mature, it performs many important functions. First of all, it forms a mechanical barrier between the external and internal environments. It protects against the entry of pathogenic microorganisms and other irritants into the body. It also provides protection against UV radiation. An important function of the skin is also the regulation of body temperature.
The skin of a newborn and infant is not yet able to perform all these functions. It is more susceptible to adverse external factors. It loses moisture more easily. It is more likely to experience irritation and damage. Through the delicate and sensitive baby’s skin also penetrate the ingredients of medicines and cosmetics with greater ease. That’s why it is so important to consciously choose baby skin care products.
Infant skin care
Proper hygiene and care of the baby’s skin is essential to support its proper development, as well as to provide support in the early stages when it is not yet fully mature. In each case, the care of the baby’s skin should be approached individually. After all, it is different to take care of a healthy baby’s skin, and it is different to take care of an atopic newborn’s skin or skin within which other types of dermatological changes appear.
However, the skin of all babies in the early stages of life requires special attention to the perianal area. Due to frequent contact with irritants present in urine and feces, as well as the temperature and humidity of the skin covered by a diaper most of the time, it is much more prone to the appearance of irritation. Its occurrence is also facilitated by improper care, such as the use of inappropriate products for baby’s skin or even changing a diaper too infrequently.
The diaper should be changed frequently, at least every 3-4 hours, and after every urination and bowel movement. When changing the diaper, it is necessary to wash the newborn’s skin, preferably with a cotton swab soaked in water or ready-made wipes with a delicate composition. Before putting on a new diaper, it is essential to protect it with a greasy ointment or cream that will form a protective layer on the surface of the skin, limiting its contact with potentially irritating substances. Sometimes, however, even proper care of the newborn’s skin does not prevent the occurrence of irritation. It is then worth reaching for a suitable product that will have a regenerative and soothing effect.
Protecting baby’s skin from irritation
The delicate skin of newborns and babies may require the application of a product to soothe skin irritation. It is particularly useful in children who are more prone to irritation and the development of diaper rash of the skin. What active ingredients can then improve the condition of the baby’s skin? For irritated skin, the following are helpful:
- Zinc oxide – it has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and drying properties, thanks to which it promotes the regeneration process of the epidermis, as well as protects the skin from further damage,
- Black cumin oil – promotes skin healing and has an anti-inflammatory effect,
- Avocado oil – thanks to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, it supports the functioning of the lipid protective layer of the epidermis. It also ensures proper hydration of the skin by forming a protective layer on its surface that prevents excessive water loss,
- D-panthenol – has a regenerative and moisturizing effect. It strengthens the skin barrier and increases its elasticity.
Zinc oxide, nigella oil, avocado oil, and D-panthenol can be found in the product Nigellum Baby (https://herbapol.poznan.pl/produkt/nigellum-baby/). This is a cream for the skin of children and babies, which can also be used by adults if necessary. This cosmetic is recommended for various types of skin irritation, including diaper rash, abrasions and sores. It can be used from the first day of life. It is also suitable for children with atopic and allergic skin. The active ingredients present in it quickly bring a feeling of soothing to the skin. They reduce the redness of the skin and support its regeneration process. They also protect the skin from deepening damage.
Nigellum Baby cream, when used regularly, protects against the appearance of irritation. It is worth remembering to apply it to the skin only in a small amount. It should be applied to irritated skin or to areas that are particularly prone to abrasion and damage.
The care of a newborn and infant requires special care. Because of its differences from adult skin, a toddler’s skin is much more likely to develop irritation. It is particularly common in the perianal area, although it can also develop in the folds of skin in the groin, thigh area, knees, armpits or neck. In children prone to irritation, as well as on already present irritations and abrasions, it is worth applying a small amount of cream with zinc oxide, nigella oil, avocado oil and D-panthenol. These ingredients will soothe the damaged skin, reduce redness and improve the comfort of the toddler.
Bibliography:
- Kisiel K., Dzilińska K. Skin care of the newborn and young child. Medical Standards/Pediatrics 2015, 12, 207-212
- Czarnecka-Operacz M., Sadowska-Przytocka A. Classic skin lesions in newborns as a challenging problem in daily clinical practice. Pediatrics After the Diploma 2017, 01
- Eid A.M., Elmarzugi N.A., Abu Ayyash L.M., Sawafta M.N., Daana H.I. A Review on the Cosmeceutical and External Applications of Nigella sativa. J Trop Med. 2017;2017:7092514. doi: 10.1155/2017/7092514. epub 2017 Nov 22. PMID: 29358959; PMCID: PMC5735686
- Gupta M., Mahajan V.K., Mehta K.S., Chauhan P.S. Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatol Res Pract. 2014;2014:709152. doi: 10.1155/2014/709152. epub 2014 Jul 10. PMID: 25120566; PMCID: PMC4120804
