Throughout our life, the skin acts as a barrier that protects us from the different external factors that surround us. Although of course, in the first months of life it is thinner, sensitive, less pigmented and is still adjusting the temperature regulation mechanisms (sweat).
In the absence of maturity, the skin of a baby is smooth and soft, so caressing it invades us with a sense of hope that fills us with joy. And there is nothing more beautiful than the vitality aspect of a small rounded cheeks.
In addition, we must remember that the skin is also one of the first ways in which we come into contact with the world, since it is in this organ where the sense of touch resides. Thanks to the nerve terminals and the temperature receptor cells we learn about softness, textures, heat and cold.
For all the above it is important to know the differences and learn to take care of your skin in each of the moments of development of the children.
Thickness and texture of the skin
On average, a baby's skin is about 2 mm thick in most of the body. Of course, it reaches up to 6 mm in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The points where you should be more careful with this organ are the eyelids and lips, because there you only have a 0.5 mm protection.
What is happening? The inner layers, the dermis and the hypodermis are thinner. As time goes by and the little one grows, the different skin cells begin to stabilize and work in a more organized way. This phase can take up to 24 months.
Must keep in mind that for the stratum corneum to function properly, it must have at least 10% water. If for some reason the amount is reduced, the skin becomes a porous barrier that allows the entry of external factors, including bacteria.
So that It is important that in the early stages of life, the skin remains moisturized. As it still does not produce fat to prevent the surface from drying out, it is necessary to expose it to products that are friendly to this developing organ. It should be sought that the pH is balanced, hypoallergenic and healthy. An option to meet this goal may be the Body Cream of the Baby Dove line.
In the end, you should know that your baby's skin is 30% thinner than yours and loses moisture up to 5 times faster. Keep it moist!
The epidermis protects it
The skin of your little one is the largest organ of his body formed by two well-defined layers: the outer one, called the epidermis and the inner one, known as the dermis. The first consists of flat and dead cells that contain keratin. This is a kind of protein that gives your skin impermeability and resistance.
In the deep layer, the cells multiply and move to those formed above. On their way to the surface, they undergo chemical changes that harden them forming scales that fall constantly and are replaced by others (the process takes 15 to 30 days). This is also where the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives the color to your child's skin, reside.
Sensitive and delicate skin
As we have already mentioned, babies' skin is very sensitive, therefore it is necessary to provide special care. To start, it is not necessary to bathe a newborn every day. Specialists from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest giving a sponge bath until the umbilical cord falls off; After that, a full bath will be enough four times a week, until it grows a little and starts to move on its own.
However, if you consider that a bathroom suits you because it is very hot, it will not matter if you bathed it the day before. Make him always feel comfortable. Here you can also choose hypoallergenic soaps that help you take care of your skin through moisturizing. Such as the Baby Dove bar.
Remember that exposing your skin to regular soaps may cause redness and rash in combination with some diapers. The skin of newborns is very delicate and without proper care, it can dry out. To prevent it, it is important to give them enough moisture through the bath and creams.
To protect your baby from the environment, try:
Dress it with light colored cotton garments
Do not expose it to the sun between 10 AM and 3PM
Bathe your little one every two days
Apply moisturizing products, with neutral and hypoallergenic pH
Check your diaper continuously to prevent it from rubbing
With these cares, your baby's skin will look with a touch of vitality and you will help him have a healthy development so that as he grows, he has the protection he needs.
