The process of skin acidification plays a vital role in barrier maturation and the activation of enzymes involved in the extracellular processing of stratum corneum lipids. 

The goal of a recent study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology was to explore challenges and current treatment approaches in neonatal and infant normal and sensitive skin, and the role of ceramide-containing moisturizers.

In this study, an expert panel of pediatric dermatologists and dermatologists discussed information from systematic literature searches, coupled with expert opinion and experience of the panel, to adopt the following eight consensus statements. 

• The neonatal and infant skin is more permeable to topical agents and, therefore, requires particular caution with topical skincare regimens, especially in the first few years of life.
• Mildly acidic or pH-neutral cleansers have benefits for neonates and infants. Skincare for neonates and infants should be safe, effective and fragrance free as well as sensitizing agent-free, for example – preseratives.
• Additionally, the skincare should be pleasant to use, containing ingredients that benefit the lipid and water content of the SC –like ceramides.

It was inferred that considering the maturation process of neonatal and infant skin, the application of moisturizers and cleansers containing barrier lipids may help in maintaining the protective skin barrier and could be soothing, with long-term moisturizing benefits. 

Source: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2020 Aug 1;19(8):769-776. doi: 10.36849/JDD.2020.5252.