16 Jul 8 basic tips to take care of baby skin
The skin is the first defense of our body, so its care is very important since we are babies. Especially since, at birth, it is thinner and with an acidic PH that requires protection.
Moms and dads often forget how different the skin of a newborn is compared to that of an adult. It is not clear to us that in the first days the skin continues to mature and over the weeks and months it goes through many changes in appearance and texture.
The skin of a full-term baby is perfectly constituted. However, the layer that covers the skin, known as vernix, has a slightly higher PH (from 4.5 to 5.5) and takes a few more days to mature. Regardless of the fact that the skin is thinner than that of an adult, it is very important to keep its PH balanced to avoid dermatitis and infections as long as it reaches the proper thickness”, explains Cosmiatrist Beatriz Magrassi from Sopharma.
Basic baby skincare
According to Magrassi, through pediatric and cosmetic science. Basic care for babies’ skin has been discovered, “before it was just bathed it, dry it and put powder on it.” Today we know that we must be much more careful and break down myths regarding the use of products in our little ones.
These are some keys that the expert told us:
Be Aware Of Your Baby’s Acidic PH
The great advance of science is care focused on the PH of baby skin. The PH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure of acidity or alkalinity that in the skin is produced by the layer between the epidermis and the dermis called the hypodermis. Its function is to create a protective mechanism in the mantle of the skin to maintain and restore its natural defense.
“It is the hydrolipidic layer that does not allow bacteria, fungi, or microorganisms that live naturally in the skin to colonize and win the battle. In the case of babies, the skin is not yet well developed, so you have to look for products that are aligned with the care of the acidic PH of babies, around 5”, says the expert.
Do Not Remove The Vernix
The vast majority of children are covered by a very thin, whitish layer of fat called vernix caseosa. Its function is to isolate the baby’s delicate skin from irritants, moisture from the amniotic fluid, and dehydration.
It is not convenient to remove this layer of fat, after a few days, it reabsorbs itself without the need to wash it. It is also very useful: it helps the baby to maintain its body temperature, nourishes the skin, and contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects from solar radiation.
Baby Hygiene
Prior to bath time, heat both the water in the tub and the bathroom. According to the Mayo Clinic, lukewarm water is best, around 37 or 38 °C. Before putting your little one in, check the temperature of the water with your hand (or your elbow, grandmas would say).
“After the bath, when drying the baby, with the skin still a little damp, you can take the opportunity to give a massage, which is super relaxing, which stimulates the baby’s nerve endings with a liquid lotion without alcohol,” adds Magrassi.
You don’t need to bathe every day, three times a week is enough, and too much bathing can dry out your skin. You can clean your skin with wet wipes, especially the face, neck, and diaper area.
Avoid Neutral Soap
Previously it was believed that neutral soap was the best for the care of sensitive skin such as that of babies. However, today it is known that specific treatments for babies, odorless, free of dyes and preservatives, must be used.
“There are still those who think that neutral soaps are healthy for the baby’s skin. But it is a mistake because neutral soap has a pH of 7, two points above pH 5. Which is the average for babies’ skin,” he says. the cosmetician
The specialist adds: «You have to migrate to the use of specific products, body gels that do not have perfume, that is odorless, that do not have added colors, specific for the balance of the baby’s PH and very importantly, free of parabens and other preservatives such as formaldehyde”.
Treat Your Skin Gently
Whether you’re cleaning him, bathing him, or applying any product, treat his skin gently. When you dry it, pat it lightly, do not rub or scrub to avoid irritation. Pay special attention that there is no moisture left (water or sweat) in the different folds of your skin.
Moisturize
Once it is dry, apply a moisturizing cream or baby milk with a gentle massage all over your body. Like all products, make sure they are PH 5. Read the label and verify that it does not have the harmful elements described above (dyes, perfumes, or preservatives).
«In all products for babies’ skin, including the scalp, make sure to verify that it is PH 5. They may contain active ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal. For example, panthenol or vitamin e- Above all, look on the free label of parabens,” adds Magrassi.
Be Careful When Changing The Diaper
In this note, we talk more about it, but avoid chafing, and changing your little one’s diaper in a timely manner. Remember to start cleaning from the cleanest area to the dirtiest to avoid infections. Apply protective cream to create a barrier that prevents possible irritation due to contact with urine and feces.
Protect From The Sun
When you go out for a walk, protect your baby from the sun, and do not exceed the time of sunbathing. Which should only last between 5 and 15 minutes.
“Sunbathing is highly recommended for the first six months through the windows and it is only a moment that they need. They can go for walks in the stroller, with the hood or an umbrella protecting it. They do not need a sun protection factor for the first six months because they should not be placed directly in the sun, “concludes the expert.
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