Why does newborns skin peel

So most newborns' skin will peel off in their first few weeks of life. While in gestation, your baby is surrounded by something called amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid helps to protect your infant while in the womb. It also helps to pass nutrients from mother to child.

This waxy outer layer is called vernix. In fact, medical professionals advise against washing off vernix intentionally. On top of that, consider the fact that your little one has spent most of their entire existence surrounded by fluid.

A common concern among new parents is that their baby is experiencing pain or discomfort from peeling skin. Well, we have great news for you! As we just mentioned, all newborns have peeling skin in their first month outside the womb. Try not to allow it to last more than 10 minutes. When it comes to bathing babes, more is not always better. In addition to keeping baths short, make sure not to bathe your baby too frequently. Limit baths to once per day. Trapped moisture could lead to skin irritation or a rash.

Hot water dries out skin for people of all ages — including newborns. And always follow a bath with a layer of a hydrating moisturizer. To help treat and prevent peeling skin, only wash your newborn with a cleanser specially formulated with natural ingredients for babies. Baby-friendly shampoos are also beneficial for your new little one.

Make bath time a little less drying by adding a drop or two of bath oil to the water before getting started. Plus, you can also use it as a cleansing oil when their body is wet. All of this will help you treat and prevent newborn skin peeling. One word of caution: remember that oil in the bath can make the tub extra slippery! Be careful getting baby in and out of the bath, and make sure to clean the tub to remove the oily layer when necessary.

Compared to the amniotic fluids they were surrounded by while in gestation, the air outside the womb is very dry. When moisture is present in the air, it helps to prevent dry, itchy skin. A humidifier will increase the amount of moisture in the room. Prolonged periods in bathwater can wash away naturally occurring oils, leaving the baby more susceptible to peeling skin. A parent or caregiver should limit bath time to a maximum of 10 minutes and avoid using harsh soaps.

Water that is too hot can dry out the skin. It can also be beneficial to apply moisturizer immediately after a lukewarm bath. Research shows that colloidal oatmeal reduces inflammation and itching, which may prevent the baby from scratching any damaged, peeling skin and making it worse.

They should choose a hypoallergenic moisturizer and apply it two to three times a day. Another way to prevent peeling skin on newborns is to ensure that they do not become dehydrated. Breast milk or formula should be sufficient to hydrate babies up to 6 months in age. If the skin comes into contact with chemicals, such as perfumes or soaps with fragrances, it can become irritated.

This can help to prevent secondary exposure to these chemicals. People should also choose soft, loose-fitting clothes made of natural materials for babies as these are less likely to irritate or put pressure on the skin. This may involve soothing them and helping them to find positions that avoid putting pressure on the peeling skin.

Peeling skin is a common occurrence in newborns. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Registry Builder New. Dry Skin in Babies. Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Just like grown-ups, babies can get downright crocodilian under the right or rather, the wrong conditions.

Back to Top. In This Article. Continue Reading Below. Like peeling skin, it usually resolves on its own without any treatment. If it starts to get worse or lasts longer than a few months, talk with your pediatrician. Peeling skin is a normal process for newborns and usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Some at-home treatments, such as using a hypoallergenic moisturizer, can help your baby avoid dry skin. To treat your baby's dry skin:. If you notice that your little one seems uncomfortable and is itching or in pain, talk with your healthcare provider about skin solutions.

Most newborns will experience peeling, flaky skin after birth. The peeling usually clears up on its own without the need for treatment or other intervention. Talk with your healthcare provider if your baby seems uncomfortable or the skin starts to become red and inflamed.

At-home treatments to avoid dry skin, like limiting bath time and applying a gentle moisturizer, may help. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Skin findings in newborns. Updated October 2, Kids Health. Updated January National Eczema Association. Eczema in Children. Updated Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types.

Ichthyosis Care.