When my 6-month-old niece was diagnosed paediatric eczema, my sister was devastated. I on the other hand felt completely helpless as I watched them both struggle. My sister with the anxiety and stress of seeing her little one suffer…and my niece, a very active, over enthusiastic little one who would often even end up scratching herself because of the extreme skin irritation and dryness that eczema was causing. It was tough.
After trying many different sensitive skin products on my niece, we were very fortunate that we met an amazing dermatologist, whose advise was priceless. The dermatologist asked us to go back to our natural roots. She said “use the products that your grandma would use.” Basically single ingredient and completely natural. Avoid commercial soaps and lotions that contain fragrance. Instead opt for Virgin coconut oil and a neem leaf bath till you figure out what is triggering the allergy. That really was the turning point.
We changed my niece’s daily skin care routine to better manage and control her eczema and It took only about 2 months to see the transformation in her skin.
(I have a separate blog here, if you would like to see what were the simple yet drastic changes we made to my niece’s skin routine to manage her eczema naturally )
This began our journey into researching newborn skin care, natural remedies which eventually led us to create India's first 100% natural and edible baby skin brand, Prakrta.
What we discovered along the way changed everything we thought we knew about caring for a baby's delicate skin—and, to be honest, even our own skin routine. If you're a new mom (or dad) and you want to do the best that you can for your baby’s skin care and health, then this guide is for you.
Newborn Baby Skin: Understanding the structure, how it is different and caring for it.
Why Is Newborn Skin So Different?
Let's start with the basics: your baby's skin is not just a miniature version of yours. It's an entirely different ecosystem.
Your newborn's skin is:
- Thinner: The outermost layer (stratum corneum) is about 30% thinner than adult skin
- More absorbent: What you put on your baby’ permeable skin gets absorbed into the bloodstream (there are doctor research studies that prove this, referenced below)
- Still developing: The skin barrier function isn't fully formed at birth and needs special care
- Less Oily : Limited sebaceous gland (small oil-producing gland) activity means less oil and fat in the skin layers. That is why a newborn baby’s skin is prone to dryness. It just that it quickly loses natural moisture as there is nothing holding the moisture
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A cheese-like protective covering: It’s called Vernix caseosa and coats the fetus's skin, and stays for almost 2-3 weeks post-birth. It’s a mix of water, lipids, and proteins. It should be retained and allowed to absorb naturally as it improves skin hydration, includes antimicrobial peptides active against common pathogens, has wound-healing properties, and lowers skin acidity.
I hope this helps you understand as to why your baby's skin peels, gets dry easily, and needs special attention. It's not just because it’s sensitive—it's also because it’s still structurally developing.
The First 15 Days: Keep it gentle, keep it simple
Those first two weeks with your newborn are magical, exhausting, and can be overwhelming. Here's what you need to know about skin care during this time
Bathing Basics
Keep it simple: 2-3 times a week with mild lukewarm water is plenty. More frequent bathing can strip away natural oils and the vernix from your baby's already thin skin and cause dryness
Your baby doesn't need a full bath every day—a gentle wipe of the diaper area, face, neck, and any skin folds is sufficient between bath days.
No need to use store-bought wipes for that, just plain water soaked pure cotton muslin cloth make perfectly safe, chemical-free wipe.
Moisturising Matters
After bathing, lock in the skin’s moisture immediately. This is where a safe, 100% natural, edible and nourishing oil comes into play. Research shows that a newborn baby’s skin is so thin that it absorbs the oils and even lotions that are applied.
So choosing the right baby oil or lotion is so very important for your baby’s skin health but also overall health and nutrition. I have covered this aspect in some easy-to-use frameworks
- An easy-to-use framework for choosing the safest baby oil (coming soon)
- An easy-to-use framework when choosing the safest baby lotion (coming soon)
Umbilical Cord Care
Until the stump falls off (usually within 1-2 weeks):
- Keep it clean and dry
- Fold diapers down below the stump
- Stick to sponge baths until it's gone
Some parents practice applying turmeric and oil or ghee etc on the stump, but paediatricians suggest that it is best not to apply any ointments (homemade or store bought) and best to keep it clean and dry so it heals well
Diaper Area Protection
Change frequently and use a barrier cream with zinc oxide only if you notice signs of a diaper rash. The skin here faces unique challenges—moisture, bacteria, and friction—so it needs some extra protection.
The best way to prevent any rash is to use some soothing virgin coconut oil in the folds and ensure that the skin remains dry. There should be at least 30 minutes of diaper-free time in between changes. Another alternative is to use breathable cotton nappies (or langots, as we call them in India) as much as possible. Use a diaper for nighttime comfort and when going out.
Days 15-30: Finding Your Rhythm
As you and your baby settle into a routine, you can start off with some gentle oil massage
The Power of Baby Massage
Baby massage isn't just bonding time—it's therapeutic for your baby's skin. Doing the massage the right way is important as it also helps improve the muscle and bone development and facilitates good sleep for the little one.
It is also appropriate for me to highlight that a research by Indian paediatricians on 120 neonates (children 0-3 months old), clearly demonstrates that newborns absorb oils through their skin, affecting their fatty acid profile tested in their blood. (reference study: Solanki et al)
Simply put, this means what you put on your newborn baby's skin is absorbed into their bloodstream and is a part of their nutrition (especially the oils)
So choose edible oils for your baby's massage that are high in linoleic acid and/or saturated fats like:
- Virgin Coconut oil
- Safflower oil (it’s not the same as sunflower)
- Sunflower oil (high linoleic variety)
- Sesame oil
- Shea butter
- Mango butter
- Cocoa butter
These support the skin barrier rather than weakening it.
So, choosing the right baby oil is not only important for your baby’s skin health but also for overall health and nutrition. I have covered this in a more detailed framework
My personal favourite is Virgin coconut oil (VCO) for it's skin benefits and nourishment for overall health. Read all about how to choose the right VCO here.
Managing Common Skin Conditions
During this period, you might notice:
- Peeling skin: Totally normal as your baby adjusts from the watery environment of the womb. No treatment needed!
- Baby acne: Those tiny red bumps are common. Resist the urge to treat them—they'll clear up on their own.
- Dry patches: Gentle moisturizing with safe oils after bathing will help.
Clothing Choices Matter
Dress your baby in soft, breathable and pure cotton fabrics only. Avoid wool or synthetic materials that can irritate sensitive skin.
I still remember this from almost a decade ago when we consulted our dermatologist, she had also emphasised on the need to use only pure cotton for my niece to prevent any allergic tiggers. Pure cotton by default is hypoallergenic and it is important that your baby’s fragile skin is only covered with cotton.
Month 2-3: Building Healthy Habits
By now, you're probably feeling more confident in your parenting skills. Here's how to up the ante on your baby's skin care
Hydration is key
Continue daily moisturising. Your baby's skin barrier is still maturing, and regular hydration supports this process. Products with ceramides, glycerine and oats are a good choice, but pure nourishing virgin coconut oil remains an excellent option as a nourishing and natural moisturiser.
If opting for a lotion, read the ingredients and always do a patch test on yourself.
Bath Time Evolution
You can gradually increase bath frequency if needed, but keep baths short (5-10 minutes) and use only the gentlest cleansers.
When we were formulating products for Prakrta, we tested dozens of natural cleansers to find ones that cleaned effectively without disrupting the skin barrier and even support the natural moisturising factor of the skin.
It’s important to look for mild, Betaine-free, SLS/SLES-free, Paraben-free formulations that don't strip natural oils.
Sun Safety
While vitamin D is important, direct sun exposure is harmful for babies. Ensure when you are taking your baby out, you use:
- Wide-brimmed hats
- Lightweight long sleeves and pants
- Stroller covers or canopies
Tackling Cradle Cap
Those crusty yellow patches on your baby's scalp are common and usually harmless. Here's a gentle approach:
- Massage some virgin coconut oil onto the scalp
- Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the scales
- Wash with a mild baby shampoo
- Gently brush with a soft baby brush
Months 4-6: New Challenges
As your baby becomes more active and starts exploring the world, their skin faces new challenges:
Introducing Sunscreen
At six months, you can begin using sunscreen on exposed areas when outdoors. But use sunscreen only if you absolutely must. Choose a mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) product designed specifically for babies with SPF 30 or higher.
These mineral-based sunscreens do not get absorbed inside, unlike some other suncreens. Sunscreens that have harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone are all systemically absorbed into the body after use. You must avoid these during pregnancy or on your baby’s skin
It is very important that you read the ingredients on the sunscreen that you are using on your baby
Managing Teething Rash
All that drool from teething can irritate the chin, cheeks, and neck. Wipe gently throughout the day with a soft cloth and apply a protective barrier cream to affected areas.
Watching for Sensitivities
This age (4-6 months) is when typically atopic dermatitis or eczema or other skin sensitivities often appear. When my niece developed eczema, we noticed:
· Her dry cheeks were turning increasingly red and staying that way (with mild roughness)
- Red, itchy patches in skin folds
- Rough, dry areas that didn't improve with regular moisturising
- Increased fussiness or irritable crying
If you notice persistent redness or irritation, please consult your paediatrician.
The Ingredient Guide: What's Safe for Baby Skin?
After extensive research for our products, I've put together a quick reference guide below that we use when formulating our baby skin care products and will also serve you well as a reference.
I will touch upon some common ones to use/avoid in the table below briefly. These are the 3 key categories of ingredients that we use as a screener
Awareness levels on what is harmful is high among parents, it is the caution group that awareness is not as much or there is a lot of confusion about. My aim here is to support every claim with as many reliable and cited clinical studies. The references of which are at the end for anyone to read
The Green Light Group |
The Caution Group |
The Absolute No-No List
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These ingredients are generally considered safe and beneficial:
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Use these with care or avoid:
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Avoid these ingredients entirely in baby products:
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Why "Edible-Grade" Matters for Baby Skin Care
When we created Prakrta, we embraced a simple philosophy: if it's not safe enough to eat, it's not safe enough for a baby's skin.
This isn't just marketing—it's rooted in science. Apart from the study by Solanki et al mentioned earlier there is another study published in the Journal of Neonatal Nursing found that chemicals applied to a baby's skin can be detected in their bloodstream within minutes. With their skin being thinner and metabolic systems still under-development, babies have limited ability to process the numerous substances that are being used in baby skin care products
It is absolutely critical that you choose products that are
- 100% natural
- Edible grade purity
- Have no added fragrance or essential oils (you baby system cannot process these complex compounds)
- No synthetic vitamin - like synthetic vitamin E or vitamin E acetate
By choosing edible-grade ingredients, you're giving your baby's skin what it needs and if absorbed it should be safe, and I would go as far as to say it should be nourishing too.
Common Questions New Moms Ask
After talking with hundreds of first-time moms, these are the questions I hear most often:
"Is it normal for my newborn's skin to peel?"
Absolutely! Your baby spent months in a watery environment, and their skin is adjusting to dry air. This peeling is temporary and requires no treatment beyond gentle moisturizing.
"How often should I bathe my baby?"
For newborns, 2-3 times a week is good. As they grow and become more active (and messy!), you might increase frequency, but daily baths aren't necessary and can dry out their skin.
"Can I use the same products on my baby that I use on myself?"
Please don't! Adult products often contain fragrances, preservatives, and active ingredients, or even essential oils or citrus oils that are too harsh for baby skin. Even products labelled "mild" or "gentle" may contain ingredients that could harm your baby's developing skin barrier.
"My mother/mother-in-law insists on using mustard oil for massage. Is this safe?"
This is a common practice in many Indian households, but research shows mustard oil can damage the skin barrier. Gently suggest coconut oil or sesame oil as an alternative that honours traditional practices while better protecting your baby's skin.
Note: Even olive oil has shown to worsen dry skin conditions and are best avoided. Especially for Indian babies, where olive is not an indigenous crop of India.
Final Thoughts:
As a new mom, you'll get advice from everyone—your mother, mother-in-law, neighbours, and countless internet strangers. While much of this advice is well-intentioned, remember that you know your baby best.
If something doesn't feel right or your baby's skin reacts negatively to a product, trust your instincts and make changes. Your baby's skin is as unique as they are, and what works for one may not work for another.
At the end of the day, the best skin care routine is one that:
- Protects your baby's skin barrier and promotes better skin health
- Uses truly safe, truly hypoallergenic, natural, gentle and nourishing ingredients
- Fits realistically into your daily life and suits your pocket. You do not need to spend unnecessarily. Expensive does not guarantee safety, and neither does a cheap product
(You have to understand and read the labels and decide, along with reliable information as to how safe the product really is!)
- Makes both you and your baby happy
Remember, this journey isn't just about caring for your baby's skin—it's about bonding, loving, and creating healthy habits that will benefit them for the years to come.
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This article combines research from peer-reviewed studies with personal experience creating India's first edible skincare brand, Prakrta, after witnessing my niece's struggle with paediatric eczema. While the information provided is thoroughly researched and referenced, always consult with your paediatrician about your baby's specific skin care needs.
References
- Solanki K, et al. "Newborn absorption of oils during massage and influence on fatty acid profiles." Indian Pediatric Research. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16269830/
- Jung YM, et al. "Structural and functional effects of oleic acid and iontophoresis on stratum corneum lipids." Yonsei University Publications. Available at: https://yonsei.elsevierpure.com/en/publications/structural-and-functional-effects-of-oleic-acid-and-iontophoresis
- Tewalt RJ, et al. "Effect of oleic acid on intercellular lipid lamellae in the stratum corneum." Simon Fraser University Research Papers. Available at: http://www.sfu.ca/jthewaltlab/2006RJT.pdf
- Sharma AD, et al. "Essential oil safety in infant skincare: a systematic review." Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4068283/
- Allison Sindle, Kari Martin, Art of Prevention: Essential Oils - Natural Products Not Necessarily Safe, International Journal of Women's Dermatology, Volume 7, Issue 3, 2021, Pages 304-308, ISSN 2352-6475, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.10.013.
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Madhu R, Vijayabhaskar C, Anandan V, Nedunchelian K, Thangavelu S, Soans ST, Shastri DD, Parekh BJ, Kumar RR, Basavaraja GV. Indian Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Pediatric Skin Care. Indian Pediatr. 2021 Feb 15;58(2):153-161. PMID: 33632947.URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33632947/
- Oranges T, Dini V, Romanelli M. Skin Physiology of the Neonate and Infant: Clinical Implications. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015 Oct 1;4(10):587-595. doi: 10.1089/wound.2015.0642. PMID: 26487977; PMCID: PMC4593874. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4593874/
- Stamatas GN, et al. "Percutaneous absorption in newborn skin: influencing factors and consequences." Journal of Neonatal Nursing. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10620117/
- Danby SG, AlEnezi T, Sultan A, Lavender T, Chittock J, Brown K, Cork MJ. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013 Jan-Feb;30(1):42-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01865.x. Epub 2012 Sep 20. PMID: 22995032. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032/
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Boelsma E, Tanojo H, Boddé HE, Ponec M. Assessment of the potential irritancy of oleic acid on human skin: Evaluation in vitro and in vivo. Toxicol In Vitro. 1996 Dec;10(6):729-42. doi: 10.1016/s0887-2333(96)00053-7. PMID: 20650257. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20650257/