Infant skin is different from an adult in structure, function, and composition. Despite these differences, the skin barrier is competent at birth in healthy, full-term neonates. As infant skin continues to mature through the first year of life, it is important that skin care products are formulated appropriately. Skin barrier function resides primarily within the stratum corneum (SC), the top layer of the epidermis.
Although the SC is only 7–35 μm thick, it plays a vital role in forming a protective barrier and helps to prevent percutaneous entry of harmful pathogens into the body. In addition to serving as a physical barrier, the SC has other important functions, including engaging in thermoregulation, gas exchange, and maintenance of proper hydration. Ideally, products that are used on infants should not interfere with skin surface pH or perturb the skin barrier. Significance of skin…
