The skin is the human body’s largest organ and should be looked at as a complex ecosystem. For newborns, this ecosystem is still developing.
The skin barriers of newborn babies are highly compromised and extremely sensitive, making a baby’s delicate skin vulnerable to external factors. Due to their compromised skin barrier, problems such as moisture loss, dryness, and flaking commonly occur.
At 2 years of age, the baby has almost “normal” or adult-like skin. It is important for newborn babies to have skin-to-skin contact as much as possible, but that is only for the first 2 – 4 weeks. That is when they are compromised the most, and the microbiome is needed the most.
With all these factors to consider, choosing the best baby skin care products is especially difficult.
Why Baby Skin Requires Special Care
Unlike adult skin, a baby’s skin:
- Is 20-30% thinner, making it more permeable to substances
- Has a less developed protective barrier function
- Loses moisture more quickly
- Is more prone to irritation and rashes
- Has a different pH balance that’s still developing
These differences explain why diaper rash and other skin conditions are so common in infants.
Diaper dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions in babies. It develops because wearing a diaper creates a unique environment where the skin is repeatedly exposed to moisture, friction, and potential irritants from urine and stool – leaving it more vulnerable.
Common Skin Concerns for Babies
Diaper Rash (Nappy Rash)
Diaper rash appears as red, irritated skin in and around the diaper area. It can be uncomfortable and sore for your baby. There are several types of diaper rash:
- Contact dermatitis: Caused by irritation from wet diapers, feces, or friction.
- Yeast infection: Often occurs after antibiotics, appearing as bright red with defined edges.
- Bacterial infection: May develop if the skin barrier is broken, requiring medical treatment.
- Fungal infection: Thrives in warm, moist areas, often developing in skin folds with redness and small red spots.
- Allergic reaction: Can be triggered by ingredients in baby wipes (wet wipes), detergents, or diaper materials.
Like our Bio-Baby Nappy Cream, the best diaper rash creams protect the baby’s delicate skin and prevent diaper rash altogether.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Another common postpartum skin problem in babies is seborrheic dermatitis, which is expressed as redness and flaking of the skin.
It also causes severe itchiness and makes babies very uncomfortable. This condition can be due to a lack of fully developed microbiota on the skin to protect against such expressions.
Scientific Approach to Baby Skincare
Understanding the science behind formulations becomes crucial when selecting products for your baby’s delicate skin. The BioBaby Range was scientifically formulated for your baby with biosimilar microbiota to restore and balance the biodiversity of compromised skin.
Products that sustain the beneficial effects of skin-to-skin contact are essential for ongoing skin health, especially at such a young age. For example, using products that are not pH-balanced will alter the conditions of the skin barrier. It may either encourage healthy skin flora growth rates or cause it to deteriorate – it’s too unpredictable.
Ingredients You Should Look For
Gentle Cleansers
Look for baby-friendly wash products that:
- Are pH balanced to match baby’s skin
- Protect the baby’s skin microbiome
- Cleanse without stripping natural oils
- Are free from harsh detergents
Effective Moisturisers
Ideal infant-safe moisturisers should:
- Contain emollients and humectants to keep skin as moist as possible
- Be suitable for sensitive skin
- Enhance and maintain skin elasticity
- Provide a protective layer without clogging pores
Protective Barrier Creams
For effective diaper area protection, look for:
- Zinc oxide is a key ingredient in creating a protective layer
- Products that prevent diaper rash
- Formulas that cleanse and protect delicate skin
- Options without synthetic preservatives
Ingredients You Should Avoid
When choosing skincare products for your baby, avoid:
- Parabens and phenoxyethanol
- Artificial colours and products that are not fragrance-free
- Talcum powder
- Alcohol-based products
- Sulfates and harsh detergents
During pregnancy and for newborns, certain ingredients pose particular risks. The Maternology range emphasises that the following ingredients should be strictly avoided:
- Retinoic acids
- Beta hydroxy acids
- Any ingredients containing peroxide
- Artificial color-stained products
- Skin-lightening or bleaching ingredients such as hydroquinone
The Importance of Microbiome-Friendly Formulations
The BioBaby Range is free of allergens, irritants, phenoxyethanol, fragrances, dyes, and parabens. These products offer gentle care for atopic skin and were developed specifically to address the needs of sensitive and compromised baby skin.
The BioBaby Range was conceptualised by award-winning product formulator Dr Judey during her twin pregnancy. While expecting, she developed these special care products for babies in the Biomedical Emporium Laboratories that provided the necessary care for sensitive infant skin which protects the skin’s biodiversity.
The formulation was inspired by research showing that many postpartum skin problems occur due to a lack of necessary microbiota. By incorporating biosimilar microbiota, these BioBaby products help restore and balance the biodiversity of sensitive skin.
Practical Skincare Routine for Babies
Cleanse Daily
Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser like Top-to-Bottom Wash daily, morning and evening. This protects and cleanses delicate skin while maintaining the baby’s skin microbiome.
Moisturising
Apply BioBaby Lotion after cleansing to soften and moisturise skin. This helps maintain the skin barrier function, which is crucial for preventing irritation and infection.
Diaper Area Care
Apply a thin layer of Nappy Rash Cream during every diaper change to create a protective barrier. This helps prevent diaper rash by protecting the skin from wetness and irritants.
Special Conditions
For teething-related drool rash, try BioBaby’s teething gel to ease the discomfort.
Give Your Baby’s Skin the Best Start with BioBaby
A baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty, so having problems with their skin can be unsettling. Your baby’s skin is delicate and deserves the best care. BioMedical Emporium’s BioBaby Range is scientifically formulated to protect and support your little one’s developing skin barrier and microbiome.
With biosimilar microbiota and microbiome-friendly ingredients, these products provide gentle yet effective care for those common baby skin concerns.
Give your baby’s skin the nourishment it needs from day one. Shop the BioBaby Skincare range today and ensure healthy skin care from the start!