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Newborn Period and Baby Skin

The first four weeks after the birth is described as the newborn period.
The pH value of the skin of a newborn and that of an adult are different. After the first four weeks, pH drops from 6.5-7 to 5.5. After the birth, the baby’s skin is covered with a natural protein and oil layer known as vernix caseosa. The skin of a newborn, with a more neutral pH than that of an adult, continues its construction until one year old. Growth of lactic acid bacteria, as a factor which ensures pH balance, at a sufficient number accelerates this process.

Newborn Period and Baby Skin
The comparison of a Baby’s Skin to an Adult’s Skin shows that Depending on genetic and physiological factors until adolescence
  • Epidermis ve stratum corneum çok daha ince,
  • Corneocytes are much smaller
  • Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is higher.
  • It becomes thicker,
  • It becomes stronger,
  • Sweat and sebaceous glands develop.


Stratum Corneum
Compared to older babies, the skin of a newborn has relatively a drier form; the surface of the skin may be rough. In healthy babies, along with aging, the hydration of the stratum corneum increases and the skin surface becomes smooth.
pH Value of the Skin Surface
At birth, the surface of the skin of a newborn has neutral and alkali pH (pH: 6.2-7.5). The pH value of both term and preterm babies drops quickly during the first week following birth, and with a slower pace during 3 weeks after that. In the end of the first month, it acquires an acidic surface pH value very close to that of adults and grown up children (pH: 5.0-5.5).
Wound Recovery
Any tissue damages related with the dermis and basal layer of the adult skin recover with a scar, while fetal skin recovers without a scar.