Newborn’s Skin: When Is It Fully Developed And How To Enhance Their Lipid Layers

A newborn’s skin plays a crucial role in helping it transition from the intrauterine environment to its path toward independence. The baby’s skin starts to form during the first trimester of pregnancy and continues to develop while in the womb and after birth. The skin colour changes during the first few months after birth, and develops fully when they are around six months. 

How Does A Newborn’s Skin Develop?

Infants that are born prematurely, especially those with very low birth weights, have a weak skin barrier, with few keratinized layers and insufficient dermal proteins. They are more susceptible to infections, skin injury, and greater permeability to external chemicals. After birth, the outermost layer(stratum corneum) grows quickly, but it takes weeks or months for it to fully mature. That is why it is important to care for a baby’s skin, especially around the diaper area, by using a natural diaper rash cream after every diaper change. 

Baby’s skin development during pregnancy

The very first trimester of pregnancy is when your baby’s skin, scalp, and fingernails begin to form; these features continue to take shape throughout the remainder of the pregnancy and after birth. During the first few weeks of life, your baby’s skin tone keeps changing, till it fully develops around six months. The cells that produce melanin (the substance that is responsible for skin colour) is produced during the 6tth to 8th week of pregnancy.

Initially, the baby’s skin is translucent and very thin. It’s so thin that you can see the blood vessels beneath it. The skin starts getting thicker by week 16 and by the 18th week of pregnancy, the layers of the baby’s skin finish forming.  

Even though the baby’s skin is delicate and soft, it starts getting more opaque and thicker and by week 19 of pregnancy,  the baby develops a greasy, cheese-like coating called the vernix, which covers their skin and protects the baby’s delicate skin from exposure to amniotic fluid. 

By 24 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s skin is translucent, wrinkled and either red or pink and by the 27th week when the second trimester ends at 27 weeks, their skin looks smoother. By 35 weeks, the baby’s skin is smooth. The baby’s skin changes slightly after delivery to help them get used to the new environment.

The Lipid Layers Of Newborn’s Skin

The biggest tissue in the human body is the skin. Its primary function is to shield internal organs and tissues from the outside world. Baby skin is different from adult skin since it has a particularly delicate and sensitive structure and needs different maintenance than adult skin.

The epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer are the three major skin layers. The lipid layer also known as the moisture barrier or skin barrier is found in the outermost layer( stratum corneum) of the epidermis of our skin. It is made up of compacted dead skin cells that slough every two weeks or more. This acts as the crucial first defence line for the skin and is the most protective of the three skin layers. Lipids are the skin’s natural fats and it is important to enhance the lipid layer for perfect skin health for babies.

Factors that cause lipid layer sensitivity

Some of the common factors that can cause lipid layer sensitivity are:

• Bacteria
• Pathogens 
• Allergens
• Excessive sun exposure
• An environment that is too humid or too dry
• Use of soaps and detergents that may strip the baby’s skin lipid 
• Ingredients in baby care products that are not natural
• Over-cleansing 

Symptoms of weakened lipid layer:

• Redness
• Dryness
• Flaking
• Irritation 
• Swelling 
• Infection 

How To Enhance The Lipid Layers Of A Newborn’s Skin

A newborn’s skin is not only delicate and tender but also very sensitive to the environment, that’s the reason it needs more care. Here are some of the ways you can enhance the lipid layers of a newborn’s skin:

• Make sure you #LabelPadhoMoms and buy products that are natural and free from toxins and chemicals. Choose products that are organic and natural like the BabyChakra Moisturizing Baby Wash. 

BabyChakra

Moisturizing Baby Wash

₹ 199

Add To Bag

• Apply a baby-friendly natural sunscreen on your baby before you step out.
• Moisturise your baby’s tender skin with a natural baby moisturiser.
• Massage your baby with organic baby oil like coconut oil.
• Take care of hygiene to keep infections and bacteria at bay.

Prenatal vitamins and healthy eating during pregnancy enhance the growth and maturation of your baby’s skin. Skin health, in particular, depends on vitamin D. Women who are pregnant can consume vitamin D-fortified milk and eat fatty fish such as salmon once a week. It also helps to get some safe sun exposure. To make sure you’re consuming a healthy diet and getting the recommended dosage of vitamins and minerals each day, consult your healthcare professional.

Cover image source: freepik