What are the differences between baby and adult skin?
Baby skin has reduced barrier function and a different lipid profile, increased reactivity, lower melanin production (and therefore less in-built sun protection). It also displays higher permeability, enabling potential irritants to be more easily absorbed, resulting in increased risk of skin reactions such as atopic dermatitis. All of this has important implications for skin care and protection in babies, creating the need for mild products to preserve the skin barrier and avoid induction of irritation or allergy.
The skin microbiome is also different in babies compared with adults, and with an estimated population of 1 Billion bacteria per square centimetre of skin, we have to ensure we consider the skin’s ecosystem by designing products that preserve and protect healthy species and limit the scope for pathogenic ones to dominate.
Do we have to choose between barrier protection and preserving the microbiome, does one take priority? While the barrier needs to be the immediate priority for skincare, ideally this needs to be achieved in a way that also keeps the microbiome in balance.
How can XtraMild help?
Our XtraMild mildness tests uses the human reconstructed skin model, EpiDerm, to model real life exposure scenarios to cosmetics and personal care ingredients and formulations. Thanks to funding from Innovate UK, we conducted some parallel human in vivo patch testing which demonstrated strong correlation with our in vitro results. The test provides an important pre-screen to de-risk clinical studies and contributes to claim support.
XtraMild™ can ensure ingredients and products:
- Avoid irritation to the skin and eyes
- Maintain pH balance to the skin
- Ensure microbiome integrity
Do you want to find out more about or XtraMild skin and eye tests? Contact us now.
