The Science On How To Help Protect Baby Skin

Welcoming a newborn into your life is a precious moment filled with love and care. As parents, we strive to give our little ones the best of everything, and that includes their delicate skin.

A newborn baby is precious and so is their skin, especially in the first year. One area that parents may not have considered, is the importance of their baby developing a healthy skin microbiome which is the set of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that live on the skin.

When a baby is born, their skin microbiome starts to develop and there is an even distribution of microbes on the baby’s body. As we grow older, the skin microbiome diversifies, and differences can be found at specific sites on the body. It is known that excessive hygiene and the use of harsh chemicals and ingredients can disrupt the healthy balance of the skin microbiome.

Caring for Baby Skin

Baby skin is delicate, and it is important that it is cared for in the right way. To help establish a healthy skin microbiome, don’t interfere by overloading it with products. Instead let it develop naturally to create a healthy balance and diversity of microbes.

An impaired skin barrier function and microbial imbalance has been shown to be involved in skin infections and certain skin conditions, such as eczema and nappy rash. If your little one has eczema, it is advised to use soap-free, fragrance-free products. Allergy UK have a list of approved products that have been reviewed or tested and approved by Allergy Research Ltd and these products may help make life more comfortable for people living with allergy.

Think Less Is More

Parents can help baby skin develop its natural skin barrier by not over-using products or excessively cleansing and being mindful of the products they are using. When choosing products for use on baby skin, try to get into the habit of looking at the ingredients and opting for products with fewer ingredients. Look out for baby products that have been certified as “microbiome friendly” by MyMicrobiome – these certified products do not disrupt the microbial diversity and balance of the skin, leaving the healthy microbiome of the surface and deeper layers of the skin intact.

Author: @waterwipes