Racial and Ethnic Variations in Skin Barrier Properties and Cultural Practices in Skin of Color Newborns, Infants, and Children

July 2023 | Volume 22 | Issue 7 | 657 | Copyright © July 2023


Published online June 27, 2023

Lawrence A. Schachner MD FAAD FAAPa, Anneke Andriessen PhDb, Latanya Benjamin MD FAAD FAAPc, Mercedes E. Gonzalez MD FAADd, Pearl Kwong MD PhD FAADe, Heather Woolery-Lloyd MD FAADf, Candrice Heath MD FAAD FAAPg

aDepartment of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Prof Department of Pediatrics, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, FL 
bRadboud UMC, Nijmegen and Andriessen Consultants, Malden, The Netherlands 
cDepartment of Women's and Children's Health, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 
dDr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Medical Director, Pediatric Dermatology of Miami, Miami, FL
ePediatric Dermatology, Jacksonville, FL 
fSkin of Color Division, Dr Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL
gLewis Katz School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Director of Pediatric Dermatology, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA

LIMITATIONS

Although the number of clinical studies on skincare for infants and children is growing, there were no robust comparative studies on skincare for SOC newborns, infants, and children. After discussion, the advisors reached a consensus on 5 statements focusing on the science of racial/ethnic skin barrier differences and the importance of cultural practices, underscoring the need for clinicians to understand that there are physical and cultural differences to consider when treating newborns and infants with SOC. 

CONCLUSION

Regardless of ethnicity, newborn and infant skin is still developing and more fragile and susceptible to infections and chemical and thermal damage. Understanding cultural differences in everyday skincare practices for SOC newborns, infants, and children is critical for developing an evidence base to substantiate skincare practices. 

Data on skincare for SOC infants and children are scarce. However, for all ethnicities, a growing body of evidence supports skincare starting early in life, recognizing the benefits of ongoing daily use of gentle cleansers and moisturizers containing barrier lipids to help maintain the protective SC barrier. Skincare for newborns and infants should be safe, effective, inexpensive, and fragrance- and sensitizing agent-free. Additionally, the skincare should be pleasant to use, containing ingredients that benefit the SC's lipid and water content, such as those products containing CERs. 

DISCLOSURES

The authors disclosed receipt of an unrestricted educational grant from CeraVe International for support with the research of this work. The authors also received consultancy fees for their work on this project.

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AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE

Anneke Andriessen PhD anneke.a@tiscali.nl
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