The appearance and functions of babies’ and children’s skin differ from those of adult skin. The normal self-defense mechanisms of healthy adult skin are less developed in children and babies. A baby’s skin is thinner and more delicate than an adult’s. On average, an adult’s skin is five times thicker than a baby’s. The sebaceous and sweat glands are also less active in children than in adults. This is why the protective hydrolipidic film is still relatively delicate.
Regulating body temperature can be difficult, making children particularly sensitive to temperature changes. Children’s skin is also less pigmented than adults’ skin and therefore more sensitive to UV rays.
As a child grows, its skin changes: at around age 6, the structure of the skin reaches full maturity and is similar to that of an adult. Sebaceous gland activity starts to increase when the hormonal changes of puberty begin, around age 12. These hormonal changes cause boys’ and girls’ skins, which were previously similar, to become differentiated in structure and behavior. These differences explain why customized skincare is important for different needs, and why toddlers’ skin in particular needs a Children’s Soap.
At Rogé Cavaillès, we have developed hygiene and skincare products for all the family: our Cleansing Gels for Children and Adults.
