An infant’s skin is one of the primary defenses against the external environment, providing protection from chemical, biological, and physical stimuli. It is also important for regulating body temperature, transepidermal water loss, and keeping essential nutrients inside the body.

Healthy infants have competent skin at birth, although, their skin continues to develop post-birth throughout the first year of life. Preterm infants have compromised, underdeveloped skin, requiring specialized care practices.

This video highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy skin barrier as a critical part of overall infant health and development.