Baby’s skin physiology

The skin consists of three main layers – the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer. The outer most layer of the epidermis is the stratum corneum which acts as a protective barrier against microorganisms, chemicals and allergens, particularly for babies². The epidermis in babies is 20% thinner and the stratum corneum is 30% thinner³, which increases susceptibility to permeability and dryness⁴.

From birth, barrier function and the water handling properties of the stratum corneum are continually optimising and the properties that make infant skin unique are thought to persist through the first 12 months of life². Furthermore, the baby’s skin is less firmly attached than mature skin and has a higher propensity to increased trans epidermal water loss and reduced stratum corneum hydration, resulting in a less effective skin barrier function^4,5,6. Additionally, because the ratio between baby body surface to baby body weight is higher, topical agents are more readily absorbed and can therefore have a more pronounced effect on the baby’s skin⁴.

A baby’s skin is therefore more vulnerable to the environment than adult skin, and if not properly cared for, it becomes susceptible to dryness, conditions such as atopic dermatitis, nappy dermatitis, or even infections.

Development of baby skin microbiome

The skin microbiome protects us against invading pathogens, is involved in the development of our immune systems and breaks down natural products⁷.

Microbes and their metabolites affect development as early as in utero, with significant colonisation occurring at birth—babies born vaginally acquire bacteria that colonise the vagina and those born via caesarean section acquire those that are associated with the skin^7,8,9. Over the first six weeks of life, these differences seen based on mode of delivery lessen and the infant’s skin microbiome evolves to reflect something similar to its mother’s with bacteria varying by body site^10,11.

Evidence suggests that the development and maintenance of a diverse microbiome composition in infancy is crucial in promoting normal epithelial development and integrity, as well as shaping some of our immune responses. Disruption of this process can influence the development of inflammatory conditions like food allergy and eczema¹². Everything that an infant touches, bathes in, breathes, eats and drinks has the potential to affect their microbiome and the establishment of immune pathways. Naturally, anything that comes into contact with the skin directly has an important impact on the developing microbiome including detergents, hygiene products, soaps, moisturisers, wipes and other personal care products, as well as the timing and frequency of bathing¹².

Disruption of baby skin microbiome

Disruption of the skin microbiome, or dysbiosis, occurs when the skin microbiome is altered from the normal “healthy” microbiome. This decreased microbial diversity of the skin microbiome can be linked with various skin pathologies such as atopic dermatitis and nappy rash.

Whilst little is known about the molecules that reside on the skin surface or how skin care products exactly influence this chemistry^13,14, there is long-established evidence that suggests negative changes in diversity, skin moisture and TEWL appear to be caused in response to personal care product use and routines among adults^{15,16,17,18,19,20}.

The effect of such personal care product ingredients on the paediatric skin microbiome is largely understudied to date but we do know that this early stage of development is critical in ensuring long-term stability of the microbiome¹. As such, extra care should be taken to protect baby’s skin from birth.

How to maintain baby skin microbiome

Parent education can address common concerns like nappy rash and skin breakdown among newborns and infants²¹. Skin emollients consisting of preservative-free 20% zinc oxide can help to protect and enhance the skin barrier by sealing in hydration²². Parents and caregivers should be encouraged to frequently change soiled nappies to avoid build up of ammonia or harmful bacteria from faecal or urine matter on the skin. Finally, healthcare professionals should support parents to read the ingredients of products they use and make informed choices about practices that may affect their infants’ skin integrity, microbiome, and ultimately, their health²¹.

Choosing products with as few ingredients as possible can result in less potential microbiome interference²³. For example, some baby wipes considered ‘pure’ or ‘natural’ contain seven or more ingredients. The table below outlines a list of ingredients often found in other baby wipes. Whilst it is challenging to create a formulation that has minimal ingredients, WaterWipes has created a unique and pure formulation that contains only two.

WaterWipes are gentle on the skin microbiome

Containing just two ingredients, 99.9% high purity water and 0.1% Fruit Extract, WaterWipes are gentle on the skin microbiome, making it a suitable alternative to cotton wool and regular water.

WaterWipes are manufactured under clean room conditions using a unique purifying technology. The water in WaterWipes undergoes a 7-stage water purification process which results in an ultra-pure wipe which delivers a soft feel on the skin. This process makes the water purer than cooled boiled water. This purifying technology produces a unique product that effectively cleanses the skin, without the need for several additional cleansing ingredients.

The Fruit Extract contains naturally occurring polyphenols and vitamin C which act as a gentle skin conditioner and cleanser. ²⁴

WaterWipes provide gentle cleansing for the most delicate newborn skin and are so gentle they can also be used on premature babies. Additionally, WaterWipes are recommended by midwives and other healthcare professionals worldwide and have become the preferred wipe for many Neonatal Intensive Care Units throughout Ireland, the US, Australia and New Zealand.