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Newborn infant skin: physiology, development, and care

Marty O Visscher1, Ralf Adam2, Susanna Brink2

  • 1Skin Sciences Program, Division of Plastic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.

Clinics in Dermatology
|April 19, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Newborn skin is crucial for a baby's development. Vernix caseosa aids full-term infant skin barrier maturation, while premature infants require specialized care due to their underdeveloped skin barrier.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal dermatology
  • Infant skin physiology
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Infant skin is vital for newborns transitioning from the womb.
  • Skin development varies significantly between full-term and premature infants.
  • The stratum corneum (SC) and vernix caseosa play key roles in skin barrier function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review infant skin development, focusing on full-term and premature neonates.
  • To elucidate the role of vernix caseosa in neonatal skin maturation.
  • To discuss implications of skin development for epidermal penetration and infant skincare.

Main Methods:

  • Integrative review of scientific literature on infant skin development.
  • Analysis of the structural and functional characteristics of newborn skin.
  • Examination of the protective and developmental roles of vernix caseosa.

Main Results:

  • Full-term infant skin is well-developed at birth with a mature stratum corneum (SC) and low transepidermal water loss.
  • Vernix caseosa actively promotes SC development in full-term infants via physical protection, antimicrobial effects, lipid provision, and hydration.
  • Premature infants exhibit a compromised skin barrier, increasing risks of damage, infection, and enhanced permeability to exogenous substances.

Conclusions:

  • Infant skin barrier function matures rapidly post-birth, but full maturation takes weeks to months.
  • Vernix caseosa is essential for healthy skin development in full-term newborns.
  • Understanding developmental changes is crucial for appropriate infant skincare, especially in the diaper area.

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