Head of Department of Dermatology and Biomedical Medicine, University of Sheffield, UK, Professor Michael Cork, participated in the Pediatric Excellence Congress organized by the European Pediatric Society, tells the truth of the most talked-about myths about baby skin.
Baby skin can be treated like adult skin, no extra protection needed – False
Babies are unique, not small models of adults. There are structural, constitutive and functional differences in baby skin compared to adults. Baby skin contains less moisturizing factor than adult skin, in other words, it contains less melanin. Baby skin absorbs very quickly, but it quickly loses moisture. The surfaces of adult and baby skin are also different, baby skin is thinner. For this reason, the baby skin barrier is more sensitive and fragile; it can easily lose its barrier property and allergens can penetrate easily under the skin. Due to these reasons, baby skin needs to be carefully protected.
Water is enough for baby’s cleaning – False
Water singly cannot be an effective cleaner. Water is inadequate to remove harmful bacteria, especially in the baby’s diaper area. Also, the use of water in baby cleaning may also have a negative impact on the baby’s skin. Because the use of water singly moisturizes the baby’s skin briefly for about 30 seconds, then dries. A healthy baby skin has a pH level of 5.5, but since the pH value of the water is 7.5, water raises the pH level of the baby’s skin and causes the baby’s skin barrier to deteriorate.
Protective substances in baby products are at risk for health – False
Baby skin care products contain preservatives to protect them from harmful bacteria. It is claimed that organic products without chemical preservatives are good for all skin, especially baby skin. However, these protective substances are not added; causes organic products to deteriorate to produce bacteria and damage the baby’s skin.
Olive oil is the best oil to be used in baby massage – False
Some vegetable oils can damage the skin barrier as they are highly acidic. Olive oil, which is highly preferred by mothers, contains high levels of oleic acid. This will cause the skin barrier to split in two. The use of olive oil damages the skin of babies who have skin barrier thinness with discomforts such as genetic disposition, eczema.
Babies should not be washed until umbilical cord fall – False
The matter of how to take care of newborn baby skin is very important. If the baby is born with meconium and blood-like dirty tissues then baby should be washed at least 2 hours after birth and this contaminated tissue should be removed. Having a bath in proper conditions will not hurt the baby.
Babies should not been washed every day – False
This practice, which is known correctly in our society, is also wrong. Giving baby a bath is to remove dirty particles such as dead cells, oil, sweat and so on. Bathing with warm water removes both dead skin and dirty particles in baby and also relaxes it. In summer, it can be given even twice a day, and in winter it is enough for babies to have a bath every other day.