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Ep 1: The Science of Baby-smooth skin
@drteowanlin Baby skincare #babyskincareproducts #babycare #babytok #babytiktok #dermatologist #dermatologydoctor #dermdoctor #sgbabytiktok ♬ Inspiration – WavebeatsMusic
In this episode, hear from Dr.TWL, dermatologist and chief scientific officer of Dr.TWL Pharmacy, how and why baby skin is intrinsically different from that of an adult’s, and even from that of an older child. Turns out, there are several structural differences that confer the qualities of baby skin, which are colloquially used to describe a pristine, ideal state of skin known as baby-soft or baby smooth skin. In the Baby Beauty Podcast, we bring you evidence-based approaches to baby skincare, so you can learn how best to look after your infant’s skin. Along the way, learn about the science behind baby-smooth, soft skin, what we like to call Baby Beauty.
How baby skin differs from adult skin
Hi guys, welcome to the very first episode of the Baby Beauty Podcast. I’m your host Dr.Teo Wan Lin, board certified dermatologist at Dr.TWL Pharmacy. Today, we will be setting the stage for an-in-depth analysis of how baby skin is innately distinct from that of a slightly older child or an adult. We begin with the structure of skin. We can think of skin itself as a brick wall, that functions as a physical protective barrier against external allergens in the environment. You may have heard this analogy before. However, it is also a sandwich of sorts. Let me explain.
The top most layer is known as the epidermis, followed by the dermis and then you have the subcutis – which is essentially skin fat, before one reaches muscle tissues etc. When it comes to skincare, our focus is on the epidermis which is where skincare ingredients especially moisturisers exert their beneficial effect. On that note, skincare can also harm the epidermis. For example, harsh cleansers can strip the skin barrier of its natural protective oils. When it comes to baby skin, this problem becomes even more pertinent.
Looking for the best baby skincare? Dr.TWL Pharmacy is a dermatologist-formulated line that specialises in skincare and personal care for the whole family. Baby skincare comprises of just the essentials, cleansing and moisturising. At Dr.TWL Pharmacy, dermatologist formulated cleansers and moisturisers work to restore the natural balance of oils and the microbiome for the newborn baby’s sensitive skin.
Why baby skin is more fragile
What are the physical differences between baby skin and adult skin? We will now zoom in on the top most part of the skin, the epidermis, which is further subdivided into 5 sub layers, described in a top down fashion, known respectively as the stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum and finally right at the bottom, the stratum basale. These components are common to all skin, adults, children and babies alike. However, what is different is the stage of development of skin. For babies, it is far thinner, more delicate because these components are not fully grown. This is the same with the rest of the organ systems. Essentially, babies are not fully developed and all their organs, including the skin, lack the full functions that we expect an older child or an adult to possess.
The ideal cleanser for baby skin is one that respects the skin barrier while effectively cleansing skin. The Miel Honey Cleanser is specifically formulated with a balancing mixture of botanicals and medical grade honey that restores the natural balance of bacteria to support healthy skin. The best baby skincare is one that supports the needs of developing skin that is vulnerable to infections. The Honey cleanser is derivative from medical grade honey that has a broad spectrum antifungal, antibacterial effect. This prevents secondary skin infections that can affect baby’s fragile skin.
Baby skin is not fully developed yet
With regards to a newborn, remember that it has just spent a significant period of time in emerging from the mother’s womb.The environment of the womb, also known as the in-utero environment is highly distinct from the external environment of our world. Naturally, this can be perceived as a bit of shock to the newborn, but also allows us to appreciate the miracle of skin as a complete functional organ. Albeit not fully developed, so we ought to pay more attention to a newborn’s skin.
@drteowanlin Baby eczema 101 #eczemaawareness #babyskincare #babymoisturizer #babywipes #dermatologist #learningisfun #dermatologistoftiktok ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design
Baby skincare can affect skin moisture levels
Beginning with the stratum corneum. Remember we talked about the sandwich model? It is part of the topmost and first layer of skin, known as the epidermis. When it comes to baby skin, the stratum corneum is thinner. This means that there is increased water loss to the environment. It is easier to imagine evaporation, which we know as the state of water turning from a liquid to a gas state. When it comes to skin, dermatologists explain that as transepidermal water loss, or TEWL for short.
The best baby skincare must protect the skin barrier
Besides increased evaporation of moisture to the environment, there is also physical reduction in protection form the environment. The brick wall model of skin is the best analogy to explain this. When the wall protecting baby skin from dust, pollution, germs etc is thin and weak, this means it is also more permeable. The thinness makes it easier to cause damage to skin when there is excessive rubbing or friction. This is also why newborn’s skin is regarded as more sensitive because it can be easily irritated.
Babies with dry & sensitive skin
At this point, I want to share about an interesting fact relating to genetics. We all know that each person’s genetics eventually determines how they look like, but more importantly than that, their personal risk of disease. This is especially true for skin conditions like sensitivity and eczema. A family history of sensitive skin is most often due to genetic component that has mutated, or changed. This directly affects skin function. A dermatological condition known as icthyosis specifically causes fish scale-like lesions over a newborn’s skin. This is due to a mutation in the gene filaggrin. Filaggrin gene mutations are also responsible for eczema that runs in the family, together with allergies like allergic rhinitis/hay fever and asthma known as the atopic triad.
One of the best baby skincare strategies is to focus on repairing the skin barrier. The skin barrier is ultimately what determines whether baby skin will be healthy or not. Essentially, while skin is in the developing stage, it is important to nourish and protect it. This ensures it acquires the resilience and immunity required to fend itself from external allergens and contaminants. The Multi-CERAM is formulated as a gold standard moisturiser for baby skincare. Known as a PED, or a Prescription Emollient Device, it contains essential ingredients that build the skin barrier and improve skin immune function. The blend of botanical actives and plant derived ceramides work synergistically in this ideal baby moisturiser formulation.
Baby skin heals scars rapidly due to increased cell turnover rate
There are more fascinating aspects about baby skin that we must talk about. When we examine the skin of a newborn under the microscope, it shows that there are smaller skin cells. What this means is that the overall cell surface area is smaller, but also that there is a higher cell turnover rate compared to adults.
You may have heard of the fascinating ability of newborn skin to heal almost any scar and this is the very reason why. While structurally weaker than adult skin, baby skin has an almost miraculous rate of cell turnover that confers improved wound healing. Dermatological research shows that skin cell turnover rate decreases as we grow older.
Lessons from baby beauty
We must go on now to differences that are present in the other parts of skin. In the second layer known as the dermis, we find that microscopic studies show mainly short collagen fibers. The reticular layer is also absent, when compared to adult skin. Ever wondered why baby skin is just so soft and smooth? In fact, baby skin is not just softer but also more elastic than adult skin.
Well, there is actually a whole lot of science that comes with the description of baby smooth skin, which is exactly what this podcast is about. But, if you are a mom, you may also find this fascinating, baby beauty is actually a revelation of one of Nature’s best kept secrets or you may call it, God’s gift to women quite literally! Imagine your skin being as soft and smooth as a baby’s – in the upcoming episodes on our podcast, we will be sure to spill the beans on that as well!
Searching for the best baby skincare tips? Check out the Baby Beauty Bible written by Dr. Teo Wan Lin. Written in an FAQ format that is easily accesible! Our beauty bible guarantee is this- every question you have gets answered! Still have more questions? We’ve got you covered. Head over to our Ask a Dermatologist community if you have more burning questions. We can’t wait to answer them!
Check out more beauty related news and tips on beauty podcasts by Dr.TWL on Spotify and follow our IG @drtwl.tv