Delicate, fine, fragile and still immature, the skin of our little ones requires special care. Why and how is the skin of babies and children so different from ours? We describe here the functions and appearance of a young skin, very different from those of an adult.
The immature skin of babies
After these 9 months of immersion in the amniotic fluid, the skin of babies suddenly finds itself in the open air, so it must quickly adapt to this new environment. Fragile, delicate and much thinner than that of adults, the skin of toddlers reacts to external aggressions and needs special protection and care. Its barrier function is still immature, more porous and reactive, and it needs to be protected in order to preserve its ability to regenerate.
Five times thinner than an adult's, an infant's skin is very fragile:
- It is less resistant than the mature skin of an adult and is particularly sensitive to microbial, physical and chemical aggressions: these substances that come into contact with the skin are more easily absorbed and penetrate the deeper layers.
- Babies' skin dehydrates more quickly, it is less able to retain water as in adults, hence the sensitive and dry areas.
- It is more sensitive to environmental changes, temperature and UV rays.
The different types of baby skin
Just like adults, babies have different skin types. There are four types:
- Normal skin - supple, soft and comfortable.
- Dry skin - often dehydrated, rough and rough.
- The skin known as "atopic" - extremely dry, it presents red patches and itching sensations.
- Very sensitive skin - very reactive, easily irritated, shows redness and tightness.
To take care of your child's skin, it is important to choose specific and gentle hygiene and care products.
What happens when the child grows up?
Up to the age of 6, children's skin is thinner and more fragile than adults'.
Then as they grow, their skin matures as well. At about 6 years of age, the skin structure matures and becomes almost similar to that of an adult, but it becomes no less fragile. The skin of little girls and boys are similar and share the same characteristics until puberty.
The activity of the sebaceous glands begins to increase when the hormonal changes of puberty occur, which is around 12 years of age. Skin problems" occur at this time, and these hormonal changes cause the skin of boys and girls to differentiate in structure and behavior.
Caring for the skin of children and infants
The skin of our little ones needs special care:
- Use gentle, specific cleansers and care products. Avoid aggressive products and allergenic ingredients.
- Limit the length of the bath and use lukewarm water instead of hot.
- Care and moisturize regularly with products adapted for sensitive skin.
- Protect and cover, especially against harmful UV rays, cold and wind. Use sun care, or protective care and cover with soft, breathable fabrics.
- Set up a care routine and show him the right gestures. Create a daily ritual.
Pioupiou products are particularly adapted to the skin of the very small ones. We have developed these products to meet the needs of delicate skin, from birth to puberty.
Made with 100% natural ingredients, they are gentle and effective for babies and children. Depending on your routine, our Mama Baby Oil will be perfect for a massage and a moment of soft and tender care. It can be used in addition to the Gentle Balm which will serve to moisturize and relieve all the delicate parts. To be used all year round in order to have a healthy and protected skin, whatever the weather or the environment.
