Comparison of two skincare regimens in healthy newborns during the first six weeks of life

Background/objectives. The fragile skin of full-term newborns has not yet acquired all the qualities of adult skin and requires special attention. This study examines how two skincare regimens specifically designed for healthy newborns affect the development of normal skin barrier function and microflora. Methods. In this open-label trial, healthy newborns aged <4 days were randomized 1:1 to apply a skin care oil, a cleansing oil, and a no-rinse cleansing oil (group 1) or only the cleansing oil and the no-rinse cleansing oil (group 2). Transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, skin pH, skin lipid index, and clinical skin condition were assessed at baseline and at weeks 3 and 6. Skin was swabbed at baseline and week 6 to assess microflora. Results. Sixty newborns were included (n=30 per group) in the study. In both groups, skin lipid index and transepidermal water loss did not change from baseline, whereas pH significantly decreased and skin hydration significantly increased. At week 6, clinical skin condition, especially xerosis, was significantly better in the skincare group. Candida albicans was not detected in either group at baseline or week 6. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Malassezia global counts did not significantly differ at week 6 vs baseline. Conclusion. This study showed that application of a skincare oil designed for newborn skin significantly improved skin condition in full-term healthy newborns. In addition, the two skincare regimens did not differ significantly in their effects on the physiological course of skin barrier maturation, skin pH changes, or the development of the microflora.