SKIN PRODUCTS FOR BABIES

• Introduction
➢ During the first few years of life, the skin of the child undergoes
extensive change and development. The skin of the young child differs
from that of the adult and from that of the older child.

➢ It has been shown that the very young skin is very thin, less cornified,
less hairy and contains a relatively high proportion of water in
comparison with the adult.

➢ Sebaceous glands are not only present in the newborn skin but begin to
function very early. Apparently, however, transepidermal water loss
(TEWL) currently is lower than for adults (at least for some body areas).
 SKIN PRODUCTS FOR BABIES
• Introduction
➢ During the first few weeks of life, the infant has very little capacity of its own
to resist infection, its immunological protection being derived largely from
antibodies passed only by the mother.

➢ At this early stage, the child is particularly susceptible to skin irritation and
infection and that, being comparatively thin, the skin should be more
permeable to topically applied agents.

➢ Typically, the skin of babies and very young children is pink, very soft and
smooth to the touch.
Skin Problems In Babies:
• If exposed to excessive sunlight or very drying conditions, if subjected to
abrasion and if allowed to accumulate grime and secretions, the very young skin
reacts in the same way as adult skin and may become damaged.
• In addition, “nappy” or “diaper” rash is another hazard which becomes
manifest most frequently.
• This condition arises because of the combination of close confining clothes and
the uncontrolled urination and defecation performed by the child at this age.
• This provides a damp and warm nutritive environment for the proliferation of
bacteria.
• The metabolites of these (particularly of Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, which
feeds on urea with the production of ammonia) combined with the abrasive nature
of the nappy lead to the irritation and reddening of the skin which typifies nappy
rash.
Skin Problems In Babies:
• If allowed to proceed to a severe form, nappy rash can result in an ulceration
with secondary eruptions being infected with pyrogenic organisms and
causing extreme discomfort.
• The infant skin is also susceptible to other forms of rash, notably infantile
eczema (the origins of which remain somewhat controversial, but which may
be related to diet) and impetigo neonatorum.
• These are clinical conditions, however, requiring medication which is not the
province of cosmetic science.
Functional Requirements of Baby Products:
Baby skin care products need to;
✓Protect the skin from a hostile environment
✓Cleanse the skin thoroughly from sebum, grime and excreta
✓Keep the skin surface as dry as possible.

➢Although there is no evidence that ordinary soap has a bad effect on the baby, most
baby soaps are white and free from perfume.
➢An alternative not readily available in every country is the neutral or slightly acidic
detergent bar.

➢The protection which the baby skin requires has traditionally been given by zinc
oxide, olive oil and castor oil creams or ointment.
➢Zinc oxide is thought to be mildly antiseptic.
Functional Requirements of Baby Products:
➢ Baby powder is another traditional and valuable toiletry product.
• Its main function is to provide a dry and lubricated surface to skin that has
been cleaned and protected with oils or lotions.
• The main constituent of baby powder is talc.
• One of the main problems associated with the use of talc is its susceptibility to
contamination by microorganisms. Various methods are available for the
sterilization of talc.

N B:
• The use of boric acid and borates in baby powders as a mild antiseptic and as
a neutralizing buffer but has now largely ceased because of the potentially
toxic nature of these substances.
Safety of Baby Products:
 Naturally, it is extremely important to ensure that;
• All baby products are free from bacteria when sold and that
• They contain adequate preservative systems to prevent accidental contamination
during use
 such principles should apply equally to all cosmetic and toiletry products.

 The raw materials used in baby products should, however possible, be chosen for
their low toxicity as well as their non-irritating character when applied topically.
Example Formulations:
 This formula for baby lotions illustrate the use of a comparatively new type of mild, non-
toxic emulsifier based on sucrose esters of palmitic and stearic acids. These materials,
which are known by their trade name “Crodestas”, are admixtures of mono-, di- and tri-
esters giving a range of HLB values.
R/ %
 Mineral oil 25
 Crodesta F70 3
 Crodesta F160 0.5
 Hydroxyethylcellulose 0.2
 Water 71.3
 Perfume, preservative q.s.
• This example ointment formula, shows the use of Zinc Oxide, which is used as astringent
agent and mild antiseptic for treatment of diaper rash.
R/
• Zinc Oxide 10g
• Mineral oil q.s.
• Simple ointment--- to 50g