3 Reasons Why Your Baby’s Skin May Be Dry—and How to Care For It

It’s common for babies to have dry skin, and that’s associated with the structure of newborn and infant skin. One underlying factor of dry skin, whatever one’s age, is an impaired skin barrier. The barrier is the outermost layer of skin, made up of skin cells that are held together by fat molecules called lipids. Ceramides, like the one’s found in CeraVe Baby products, help create a barrier that aids in the prevention of water loss while sealing in moisture and keeping external aggressors from entering the skin.³ There are key distinctions between a baby’s barrier and that of an adult—and it’s these differences that can make babies prone to dry skin.

Fact: The outer layer of skin is thinner than adult skin

Baby’s outermost layer of skin is 30% thinner than in an adult⁴. That makes baby skin more prone to moisture loss. When a baby is born, their skin isn’t fully functionally or structurally complete compared to adult skin. It takes between two and four years to fully develop. And for up to the first five years, the average hydration levels are lower than they are in an adult.

Fact: Baby’s skin has a higher PH than adult skin

 In adults, a slightly acidic skin surface mantle helps defend the skin against external pathogens. Baby skin has a higher pH than adult skin, which makes it more susceptible. Skin care products formulated at the proper pH for baby’s skin, along with essential ceramides, can strengthen skin’s barrier to help protect it.⁵

Fact: An impaired skin barrier has been linked to eczema

An impaired barrier has been linked to eczema—specifically atopic dermatitis, the most common form of this inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and scaly patches. There’s no cure for this condition and it may extend into adulthood.⁶ However, there are ways to manage flare-ups and help prevent future damage. Look for baby skincare products with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which have been deemed suitable for care of eczema or sensitive skin.⁷

If you suspect your baby has eczema, you’ll want to reach out to your pediatrician or dermatologist, who can recommend specially formulated washes, lotions and other products to keep baby’s skin moisturized.

The Dry Skin Solution for Baby Skin

There are many baby dry skin remedies parents can choose from, but those that focus on restoring and maintaining the skin barrier may offer additional benefits. Lotions, creams and washes that contain ceramides can help keep skin hydrated and healthy. Research has shown that using these ingredients early in life may even help to prevent atopic dermatitis in adulthood.⁸ CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream, is a rich formula that includes three essential ceramides to help maintain baby’s skin barrier and keep skin hydrated all day.

Other hydrating ingredients to look for in baby skincare products include hyaluronic acid, a humectant that binds water to the surface layer of skin⁹, and dimethicone, a silicone-based polymer that helps create a seal on the skin, locking in moisture.¹⁰ CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion contains both, providing all-day moisture while being gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.

Now that you have a sense of exactly how your little one’s skin is different than your own, as well as how to nourish dry, sensitive baby skin, following a skincare routine will be simple. Here’s to smoother days ahead!