Care products for babies and children

Like the very youngest children themselves, their skin also requires special attention. This is because its natural protective mechanisms only fully develop gradually. A close look at babies' skin reveals that, although it has the same structure as an adult's, it is considerably thinner in comparison—only about a fifth of the thickness of the skin that will develop later. In addition, the sebaceous and sweat glands are not yet fully functioning. As a result, baby skin is more prone to drying out.

The protective function is initially only partially guaranteed. This means that harmful substances can more easily penetrate the still weak barrier and reach the deeper layers of the skin. UV radiation also poses a greater challenge for children's skin than for adults. Another function of our protective layer is temperature regulation. Young skin has problems with this too. Its vascular network is not yet fully developed – accordingly, it has a harder time adapting to current temperatures. In hot weather, it is not yet able to fully fulfill its cooling function, which can be attributed to the limited performance of the sweat glands. Because the body surface is quite large in relation to its volume, little ones also cool down more easily.

Children's skin is not considered fully developed until they are six years old. Until then, it has very specific care needs. However, changes also occur during further development. Due to the hormonal changes during puberty, the productivity of the sweat glands increases. During this time, differences between the skin of girls and boys that were not present until then also emerge. Caring for baby skin means more than just using gentle wash lotions and creams – it is also important to ensure that the clothing is skin-friendly and breathable. Thorough cleansing is also important when changing diapers. An appropriate cream should protect the skin from chafing and excessive moisture.

Unfortunately, children are not immune to skin diseases. Atopic dermatitis is relatively common and can even affect newborns. It is considered the most common chronic skin disease in young children. Children between the ages of three and five are particularly likely to experience the symptoms. Estimates suggest that up to 20 percent of all infants and toddlers suffer from atopic dermatitis. After the age of seven, the number of affected individuals decreases, but in up to two-thirds, the symptoms persist into adulthood.

Atopic dermatitis is genetic and is linked to asthma and hay fever. If one or both parents struggle with these conditions, the likelihood that their children will be affected by this skin problem increases. In infants, atopic dermatitis manifests itself as cradle cap on the cheeks, elbows, knees, and on the head. In children from the age of two, the changes also appear on the elbows and knees, as well as in the skin folds around the neck, between the buttocks and legs, and on the wrists and ankles. These affected areas are inflamed and sometimes intensely itchy. If the child reacts by scratching, the condition worsens because the already compromised skin barrier is further damaged, making it even more permeable to pathogens.

Psoriasis is considered a relatively rare condition among young children. The typical flaking of the skin is absent. However, guttate psoriasis can develop, which may follow a sore throat. This is typically characterized by red spots appearing all over the body. Symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks. Only in rare cases does it develop into chronic psoriasis. Because the young skin's protective barrier is not yet fully developed, children's skin is generally prone to dryness and therefore requires gentle care.

In general, skin care products for children should be free of ingredients that would unnecessarily undermine the protective barrier. Dermaplan therefore avoids components such as emulsifiers, cortisone, mineral oils, perfumes and fragrances, silicones, dyes, polyethylene glycols (PEGs), and animal-derived ingredients. This ensures absolute tolerability.

Every time they wash, children's skin loses moisture. Therefore, Dermaplan Shower Gel For Kids is recommended, as it has moisturizing properties. It provides moisture and supports the skin barrier in its regeneration process. Like all other Dermaplan products, it is also suitable for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

To effectively combat particularly severe itching, the Itch Acute Care For Kids is the first choice. It has a soothing effect and provides lasting moisture. Dermaplan Lipid Balance 1 For Kids is designed for the sensitive or irritated skin of babies and children. Its lipid content is 15 percent, making it ideal for use in the summer and on moderately dry skin. Meanwhile, Dermaplan Lipid Balance 2 For Kids, with a lipid content of 30 percent, offers ideal care in the fall and winter months, as well as for very dry skin. All creams are very effective, only need to be applied thinly, and are quickly absorbed.

The skin of children – especially babies – is not different in structure, but it is different in thickness from that of adults. It is up to five times thinner. The so-called acid mantle does not fully develop until puberty. In addition, the sebaceous and sweat glands, as well as the stratum corneum, must fully develop. As a result, children's skin is more prone to drying out and irritation. At the same time, it is more sensitive to external influences.

Because babies' skin is still developing and is significantly thinner, it requires greater care. It reacts sensitively to various external factors. The protective acid mantle, for example, has yet to fully develop, and the sebaceous and sweat glands are not fully developed. The likelihood of skin drying out is even greater. Influences such as UV radiation, physical, chemical, or microbial factors can also severely challenge the protective barrier. Children's skin also has a harder time regulating body temperature—especially in extreme heat or cold.

Atopic dermatitis affects between 10 and 20% of children worldwide. In about one-third, the disease clears up at a young age. In babies, skin changes occur particularly on the face, on the head (known as cradle cap), and on the knees and elbows. Later, the wrists and ankles, the legs, and skin folds on the neck and buttocks are also typical areas for atopic dermatitis. It manifests as a dry rash, with scaly, itchy skin.

When caring for children's skin, it's important to start with cleansing. Bathing shouldn't be too long, as otherwise too many lipids are removed from the protective barrier, causing it to dry out more easily. Soaps should be avoided if possible. Instead, mild cleansers that don't cause irritation are recommended. When applying cream, it's also important to ensure the product is dermatologically compatible. For problems such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, a specially formulated skincare product can help. Since young skin reacts very sensitively to various influences, UV protection is also important.