of diapers, though it may
follow their inadequate drying, or inadequate washing
or constant wetness of the skin. Today's technologically
advanced disposable diapers, which hold urine and feces away
from the skin, have helped to reduce the frequency of
this condition significantly over the last 20 years.
It is far better and easier to prevent
diaper rash than to have to treat it. Methods of prevention
include keeping the skin dry with frequent diaper changes,
or the use of highly absorbent diapers that pull moisture
away from the skin so that it is not softened by being
damp for long periods.
Barrier products that also remove harmful
skin bacteria are helpful in reducing diaper dermatitis. |
Children's skin
Childhood skin
After the early months of babyhood have passed the skin
of most children has a more than adequate layer of fatty
'padding' which gives it a beautiful smooth appearance,
often described as having the quality of 'purity'. All
the functions are very active, and because the stratum
corneum is functioning effectively the skin is very well
hydrated. Indeed, by and large children's skin is
the healthiest we ever see.
A child's skin shows little or no damage from
sunlight. Children have more leisure time than they will
ever enjoy again, however, and many of them play outside
whenever they can, often spending most of the summer out
of doors. There is often massive exposure to the sun during
childhood, which will have long-term consequences.
The care of the skin of small children
is almost entirely in the hands of parents or other carers.
Nevertheless it is never too soon for them to begin to
learn about skin care. The skin does not need moisturising
unless there is atopy or eczema, or after prolonged exposure
to sun or sea, but regular protection against the sun
should begin now.
It is vital to protect the skin of children against the
sun, and particularly against sunburn, to prevent the
development of skin cancer in the years ahead. |
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Teenagers' skin
Adolescence
As we reach our teens that lovely smooth skin of childhood
undergoes some terrifying changes.
As we have seen, this is the time
of life at which the body starts to produce greatly
increased amounts of hormones. Both girls and boys
produce male hormones, called androgens. Under the influence
of these androgens the skin produces more oil
(sebum) and in most teenagers there is a tendency for
acne to develop. These can be anything from simple
blackheads to large pustules.
Caring for teenagers' skin is a matter
of balancing the cleansing and toning needed to remove
the excess oil with adequate moisturising to combat
the potential over-drying effects of this cleaning.
Teenagers' skins tend to hold water well, so they
need far lighter moisturizers than those formulated
for elderly people, whose skin tends naturally to be
dry. Even at this age, cleansing and moisturising products
should contain ingredients that screen against UVA and
UVB. |
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