文本框: THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF INFANT SKIN 
KHAIAT A
Johnson & Johnson Asia Pacific, Singapore

Infant skin is physiologically different from adult skin.  The most significant difference is the higher surface area to weight ratio of the infant’s skin.  The skin of the neonate has a low melanin content making the infant more prone to sunburn.  The active sebaceous glands of the infant can produce sebum and may contribute to infantile acne while the less active eccrine glands of the infant may allow sweat retention leading to Miliaria rubra. The less developed immune system provides a reduced ability to prevent infections.  In addition the moist, humid occluded environment provided by the diaper provides the potential for a highly irritated area with microbial contamination.  
The objective of infant skin care is to protect and maintain the integrity of the infant’s healthy skin. Products which are not specially formulated for babies may be too harsh or contribute to unwanted reactions. Meeting infant’s special skin needs requires special care in terms of the safety of the ingredients used and clinical tests conducted. In addition to keeping the skin healthy, babies learn and develop through touch, as the skin is a sensory organ.  Touch therapy has been shown to increase infant’s growth, reduce stress, and improve health.