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The infant skin barrier: can we preserve, protect, and enhance the barrier?

Lorena S Telofski1, A Peter Morello, M Catherine Mack Correa

  • 1JOHNSON & JOHNSON Consumer Companies, Inc., 199 Grandview Road, Skillman, NJ 08558, USA.

Dermatology Research and Practice
|September 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Infant skin barrier develops rapidly after birth. Proper formulation of infant skincare products, like mild cleansers and stable emollients, is crucial to avoid disrupting this delicate barrier during maturation.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Neonatal Care
  • Cosmetic Science

Background:

  • Infant skin exhibits distinct structural, functional, and compositional properties compared to adult skin.
  • Despite differences, healthy full-term neonates possess a competent skin barrier at birth.
  • Premature neonates and infants with conditions like atopic dermatitis present unique skin barrier challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the developing skin barrier in healthy full-term neonates and infants.
  • To discuss skin barrier properties in premature neonates and those with abnormal skin conditions.
  • To guide appropriate formulation of infant skincare products.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on infant skin barrier development and properties.
  • Analysis of factors influencing skin barrier integrity in neonates and infants.
  • Discussion of formulation strategies for infant cleansers and emollients.

Main Results:

  • Healthy infant skin barrier matures over the first years of life.
  • Skincare products should maintain skin surface pH and avoid barrier perturbation.
  • Mild cleansers can be formulated using specific surfactants or hydrophobically-modified polymers (HMPs).
  • Mineral oil offers stability as an emollient compared to some vegetable oils.

Conclusions:

  • Appropriate formulation of infant skincare is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
  • Further research is needed to understand the long-term benefits of emollients in healthy infants.
  • Careful selection of ingredients in cleansers and emollients supports infant skin health.

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