Why baby skin needs special attention
A baby's skin is soft, delicate, and smells amazing—but it's also more sensitive than an adult's. Studies show that a newborn's skin barrier isn't yet fully developed. Baby skin loses moisture more quickly, is more susceptible to external influences, and can react sensitively to unsuitable care products (Blume-Peytavi et al., Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2020). Therefore, consistent, gentle skin care from the very beginning is essential to support the skin's natural protective function and prevent skin problems. But what care does baby skin really need? In this guide, you'll learn everything about an optimal skincare routine—scientifically sound and with a touch of parental care.
The challenges of baby skin
Studies have shown that the epidermis—the outermost layer of skin—is about 30% thinner in newborns than in adults (Szczapa et al., Pediatric Dermatology, 2019). This causes the skin to lose moisture more quickly and be less resistant to pollutants and pathogens.
In addition, babies produce fewer skin fats (lipids) in the first few months, which normally form a protective layer and prevent dehydration. This causes the skin to dry out more quickly and become sensitive to external stimuli.
Important facts about baby skin:
✔ Thinner epidermis: Less protection against external influences
✔ Increased water loss: Higher risk of dry skin
✔ Less sebum production: Less natural barrier function
Targeted care can help strengthen this still immature protective function and prevent skin problems.
Skin problems and risks of poor skin care in babies
Because babies lose more moisture through their skin than adults, dry skin can quickly develop without regular care. Tightness, small cracks, or flaky patches are typical symptoms. A study in the British Journal of Dermatology (2021) shows that over 50% of newborns struggle with dry skin in the first six months, especially during the cold winter months (Cooke et al., 2021).
Skin problems and risks of poor skin care in babies
Uncared-for skin is more sensitive to external influences such as wind, cold, or friction from clothing. Redness and soreness can quickly develop, especially in the diaper area. Studies have shown that babies with dry skin are up to 40% more likely to develop diaper rash or skin inflammation (Blume-Peytavi et al., Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2020).
Skin problems and risks of poor skin care in babies
A damaged skin barrier makes it easier for pathogens such as bacteria and fungi to penetrate the skin. Babies with poorly cared-for skin are therefore more susceptible to infections such as diaper rash or bacterial dermatitis (Stamatas et al., Pediatric Dermatology, 2018).
Skin problems and risks of poor skin care in babies
Babies whose skin is not adequately cared for have an increased risk of developing atopic dermatitis (eczema) during childhood. Early moisturizing can prevent this, as shown by a long-term study in JAMA Pediatrics (2019) (Horimukai et al., 2019).
Eine konsequente Hautpflege unterstützt die natürliche Entwicklung der Hautbarriere, hält die Haut geschmeidig und schützt vor äußeren Einflüssen. Studien haben gezeigt, dass die tägliche Anwendung von Feuchtigkeitscremes bei Neugeborenen das Risiko, eine atopische Dermatitis zu entwickeln, signifikant reduziert. In einer Studie lag die Inzidenz von atopischer Dermatitis in der Kontrollgruppe bei 43 %, während sie in der Interventionsgruppe, die täglich Feuchtigkeitscremes verwendete, nur 22 % betrug. Eine liebevolle und konsequente Hautpflege ist weit mehr als nur eine kosmetische Maßnahme. Sie unterstützt aktiv die Gesundheit und das Wohlbefinden deines Babys.
Daily baby care is a loving ritual that not only protects the skin but also strengthens the bond between parent and child. A consistent routine tailored to the needs of sensitive baby skin can help prevent skin irritation and dryness.
Hautpflege fürs Baby Empfehlung
Neugeborene haben eine unreife Hautbarriere, die mehr Wasser verliert als die Haut von Erwachsenen. Laut einer Studie im Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2018) verdunstet bis zu 50 % mehr Feuchtigkeit über die Haut von Neugeborenen als bei älteren Kindern (Stamatas et al., 2018).
Deshalb sollte die Haut täglich mit einer milden, feuchtigkeitsspendenden Creme oder einem Öl gepflegt werden:
✔ Direkt nach dem Baden auf die noch leicht feuchte Haut auftragen, um Feuchtigkeit einzuschließen
✔ Sanft einmassieren – das stärkt nicht nur die Hautbarriere, sondern fördert auch die Durchblutung
✔ Speziell für Babys entwickelte Produkte verwenden, die frei von Duftstoffen, Parabenen und Mineralölen sind
Hautpflege fürs Baby Empfehlung
Häufiges Baden kann die empfindliche Haut eines Babys austrocknen. Studien empfehlen, Babys nur zwei- bis dreimal pro Woche zu baden, es sei denn, es besteht eine medizinische Notwendigkeit (Blume-Peytavi et al., Pediatric Dermatology, 2020).
✔ Temperatur: 35-37°C – zu heißes Wasser trocknet die Haut aus
✔ Dauer: Maximal 5–10 Minuten
✔ Zusätze: Milde, rückfettende Badeöle ohne Parfüm und Konservierungsstoffe verwenden
✔ Nach dem Baden: Die Haut vorsichtig mit einem weichen Handtuch trocken tupfen, nicht rubbeln!
Hautpflege fürs Baby Empfehlung
Der Windelbereich ist besonders anfällig für Reizungen, da er oft feucht und warm ist – perfekte Bedingungen für Bakterien und Pilze. Studien zeigen, dass bis zu 50 % aller Babys im ersten Lebensjahr eine Windeldermatitis entwickeln (Atherton, British Journal of Dermatology, 2019).
✔ Windeln regelmäßig wechseln (alle 3 Stunden und sofort nach dem Stuhlgang)
✔ Lauwarmes Wasser und ein weiches Tuch statt feuchter Reinigungstücher verwenden (wenn Tücher nötig sind, dann alkoholfreie, pH-hautneutrale Varianten)
✔ Bei gereizter Haut eine Wundschutz-Creme mit Zinkoxid als Schutzbarriere auftragen
Hautpflege fürs Baby Empfehlung
Sanfte Massagen mit Babyöl oder Feuchtigkeitslotion fördern die Hautdurchblutung und können sogar das Stresslevel von Babys senken. Eine Studie der American Academy of Pediatrics (2019) zeigt, dass regelmäßige Massagen mit natürlichem Öl die Schlafqualität und das allgemeine Wohlbefinden von Babys verbessern (Field, AAP Journal, 2019).
✔ Bestes Timing: Nach dem Baden oder vor dem Schlafengehen
✔ Sanfte Bewegungen: Mit warmen Händen in kreisenden Bewegungen auftragen
✔ Geeignete Öle: Mandelöl, Jojobaöl oder spezielle Babyöle ohne ätherische Öle
The selection of baby care products is vast, but not every product is actually suitable for sensitive baby skin. Many conventional care products contain fragrances, preservatives, or harsh surfactants that can irritate the skin. Therefore, it's especially important to choose mild, dermatologically tested formulas specifically developed for babies.
The ideal skin care for babies
Moisturizing creams and lotions are essential to protect a baby's delicate skin from drying out. Since the skin barrier isn't fully developed in the first few months of life, it loses moisture more quickly. Regular moisturizing can help keep skin supple and prevent dryness and flaking.
Creams containing natural ingredients such as shea butter or almond oil are particularly recommended. Panthenol (provitamin B5) is also an important ingredient in many baby creams because of its soothing properties and support skin regeneration.
The ideal skin care for babies
Body oils are a wonderful way to provide baby skin with valuable nutrients. They are a gentle alternative to creams, especially for massages or for caring for dry skin. It's important that the oils are well-tolerated and do not contain essential oils or artificial fragrances, as these can irritate sensitive baby skin.
Almond oil is one of the best oils for baby skin because it's rich in unsaturated fatty acids and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film. Jojoba oil is particularly kind to the skin and contains a high amount of vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties and protects the skin from external influences. Evening primrose oil is particularly suitable for babies with very dry skin or a tendency to atopic dermatitis because it's rich in omega-6 fatty acids and strengthens the skin's barrier.
The ideal skin care for babies
Newborns only need water for cleansing in the first few months, but as they get older, a mild cleansing product can be beneficial. It's important to avoid soaps and high-foaming surfactants, as these can disrupt the skin's natural pH. Instead, use gentle, moisturizing cleansing gels or bath additives that don't dry out the skin.
Nourishing bath additives with oat extract are particularly suitable, as they have a soothing effect and can relieve itching. Calendula is another proven ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory properties and protects sensitive baby skin. Mildly formulated bath oils based on plant oils also help support the skin's moisture balance.
The ideal skin care for babies
The diaper area is particularly prone to irritation, as it's frequently exposed to moisture and friction. Diaper cream can help protect the skin and prevent redness. Zinc oxide has proven particularly effective, forming a gentle protective layer on the skin and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
In addition to zinc oxide, many high-quality diaper creams also contain soothing ingredients such as chamomile extract, which soothes irritated skin, or lanolin (wool wax), which protects the skin from moisture loss. A good diaper cream should be as free from fragrances and mineral oils as possible, as these can unnecessarily stress sensitive skin.
What makes us special
At IMMERKIND®, quality begins with responsibility – towards the skin, nature, and the people who trust us. That's why we use only carefully selected, vegan ingredients of natural origin. Our products are manufactured in Germany, under the highest standards and with great attention to detail. They are free of synthetic additives and microplastics – gentle on the skin, kind to the environment. Every single product is developed according to the principles of certified natural cosmetics – so that you and your child only get what is truly good for them.
Because love is more than words – it is in every drop of care.
Protective care cream for sensitive baby and children's skin
Soothing and regenerating wound protection cream for baby and children's skin
