The skin of children is very delicate. With a total thickness of 1.2 mm and the epidermis only 40 to 50 microns thick, it is several times thinner than the skin of an adult.
- The protective lipid layer of the epidermis is poorly developed.
- The effectiveness of the epidermal barrier is proportional to its thickness and lipid content.
- The epidermal barrier does not provide sufficient protection.
- The epidermis is readily permeable to various chemical compounds that may exhibit general toxic effects.
- The skin of babies is less resistant to external stimuli.
- Infant skin has little fatty tissue, which makes it ineffective at maintaining body temperature.
- Children often have thermoregulatory disorders that cause rapid heat loss.
- Sebaceous gland activity in newborns is greater than in adults, hence the white or yellow lumps on the nose and cheeks, which often disappear after a few weeks.
- In the first week of life, the skin’s pH begins to stabilize at around 5.0 5.5.
- Because the immune system is not fully developed in the neonatal period, there are no visible signs of contact allergy.
Because the skin of infants and young children is so delicate, using the right skincare products is extremely important for reasons of health and safety.
While skincare products for children under the age of 3 do not require additional certification, they should be safe for people with sensitive skin and the microbiological quality of these products must be high.
Which ingredients should not be used in products for children?
– Dyes.
– Harmful preservatives.
– Fragrances other than natural essential oils in safe amounts
What are the requirements for skincare products made for infants and young children?
– To support the skin’s natural lipid barrier.
– To prevent irritation.
– To prevent damage to the skin.
– To allow easy maintenance of daily hygiene.
Skincare products for children should contain only the simplest ingredients and the amounts used should be minimal.
Baby skincare
For newborns, washing with water at 98.6 F. (37 degrees Celsius) is generally sufficient for cleaning and washing. Oil-based soaps and cleansing formulas made with very mild detergents may be used as needed.
It is essential that shampoos for children not cause eye irritation or stinging. Remember to use minimal amounts of product and dilute as appropriate, then rinse thoroughly with water, making sure that no residue remains in the folds of the skin.
Moisturizing and protection
Skincare for the newborn baby should maintain the skin’s moisture and reduce the friction that often causes irritation. Lotions and baby oils are recommended at this time. In addition to protecting the skin from moisture loss and chafing, they can also be used to remove impurities from the surface of the skin. Baby oil is also recommended for gentle removal of cradle cap After the first month of life, specially formulated skincare creams for children are also suitable. They are recommended especially in cases of atopic dermatitis.
In areas where the skin forms natural creases, such as the folds in the diaper area, baby powder is used. Formulated with starch or talc, it absorbs sweat and reduces chafing and irritation.
Common infant skin disorders
Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) affects about 1 3% of adults and 10 20% of children. Dermatitis results in itchy, red, swollen and cracked skin. A clear discharge may be present in affected areas, often thickening over time. Dermatitis is usually accompanied by severe pain, generally worse at night.
Factors causing irritation often produce a vicious circle effect, with itching causing the scratching that leads to infection, which intensifies the course of the disease. Skin infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. These symptoms lead to the destruction of the hydro-lipid layer of the skin, which additionally causes increased the loss of moisture and excessive dryness, further exacerbating the condition.
What are the skincare challenges in children with atopic dermatitis?
– Restoring the protective layer on the surface of the epidermis through regular daily moisturizing and oiling of the skin without causing irritation.
– Reducing Staphylococcus aureus populations to minimize the risk of recurrent skin infections.
– Minimizing irritation through the use of delicate emollients and safe, fragrance-free, preservative-free, dye-free formulas ideally suited for the care of atopic skin.
• Seborrheic dermatitis may occur in infants aged 3 weeks to 12 months. The cause of childhood seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, though Malassezia, a lipid dependent yeast, is suspected to play a role. Seborrheic dermatitis may occur on the scalp, around the face, in the folds of the skin or in the diaper area. Common
symptoms include redness, flaking, and itching. The most common cases in newborns and infants manifest as cradle cap, a non-inflammatory, asymptomatic accumulation of yellowish, oily scales on the scalp. To reduce cradle cap, massage baby oil into the scalp before bathing.
• Diaper dermatitis also called diaper rash caused by irritation from wet diapers and chafing. It usually occurs on the convex surfaces of the skin in contact with the diaper, including the buttocks, abdomen, genitals and upper thighs. Lesions are often secondarily infected with yeast or Staphylococcus aureus, which
worsens the condition. It can disappear without treatment, with adequate hygiene and care and more frequent diaper changes. Anti irritation creams are helpful, as is cornstarch or baby powder. Children can be bathed once or twice daily in water with baby oil. Water can also be used to spot cleanse affected areas.
• Heat rash a temporary disorder of the sweat glands caused by their closure and leakage of perspiration into deeper layers of the skin, usually caused by excess heat and improper care. Heat rash can affect people of any age, but in newborns, it appears more often due to the immaturity of the infant’s thermoregulatory system. In general, heat rash disappears on its own within a few days. Treatment should consist of proper skincare and prevention of excessive ambient temperatures. Dressing the child in breathable clothing is important. In severe cases, bathing in water with a mild cleanser can be helpful.
Sylveco for Baby products
Baby Moisturizing Cream for Face and Body
FRAGRANCE: none
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: olive oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, panthenol, betulin
Baby Shampoo and Bath Wash
FRAGRANCE: clary sage essential oil
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: glycerin, panthenol, sweet almond oil, clary sage essential oil
Soothing Baby Powder
FRAGRANCE: chamomile oil
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: cornstarch, zinc oxide, allantoin, chamomile oil
Baby Oil with Betulin
FRAGRANCE: none
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: olive oil, sweet almond oil, beeswax, betulin
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
- Allantoin has a beneficial keratolytic effect, promoting exfoliation of dead skin cells; increases moisture and smoothness; speeds wound healing; soothes and protects against irritation.
- Beeswax has a smoothing and moisturizing effect; creates a protective barrier that prevents drying.
- Betulin has antioxidant, immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
- Chamomile oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal; cleanses the skin; provides relief from redness and irritation; an excellent ingredient for sensitive skin.
- Clary sage essential oil has antiseptic and relaxing effects; supports the treatment of inflammation prone skin.
- Cornstarch absorbs water, smoothes and softens the skin.
- Glycerin has a strong humectant effect, meaning it is great at helping skin retain moisture, which is why it is such a popular skincare ingredient; combats dryness and promotes regeneration.
- Olive oil has moisturizing, nourishing and smoothing effect; it is a natural source of plant-based squalene.
- Panthenol improves hydration; protects against irritation.
- Sweet almond oil softens, nourishes and tones the skin; especially recommended for sensitive and very dry skin.
- Vitamin E prevents oxidation of oils and fats, both as a natural preservative in skin care products and directly in the epidermis, which makes it an active antioxidant with anti-aging effects.
- Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory, astringent, soothing and drying properties; it protects against UV radiation.
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Source: SYLVECO Educational Materials 'SYLVECO FOR BABY".