Timing of Post-bath Skin Moisturizer Application to Newborn Infants: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the timing of postbath moisturizer application affected the skin moisture (SM) and body temperature (BT) of newborn infants.METHODSThe researchers conducted a randomized controlled study with 80 newborns who were monitored in a university hospital between March 2017 and May 2018. In both the control and experimental groups, newborns were bathed and dried. However, in the control group, moisturizer was applied immediately to the newborn’s body, whereas in the experimental group, moisturizer was applied 10 minutes after the completion of the bath. Researchers evaluated the BT and SM of all infants both before and immediately after the bath and at 10, 20, 40, and 60 minutes postbath.RESULTSThe control and experimental groups were similar according to the descriptive characteristics of the infants (P > .05). In both groups, infants’ SM values increased in the first 10 minutes after the bath compared with the prebath values (P < .05). However, the whole-body SM value of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group 60 minutes postbath (P = .027). There was also a statistically significant change in the body temperatures of infants in both groups after bathing (P = .004).CONCLUSIONSWaiting 10 minutes postbath before applying moisturizer positively affected newborns’ SM and BT. Additional research with a broader age range and a more diverse sample is needed to further clarify the effects of postbath moisturizer application timing on newborns’ SM and BT.

What is the evidence on skin care for maintaining skin integrity and prevention of wounds? An integrative review

“…32 An RCT with newborn infants (n=80) found waiting 10 minutes postbath before moisturising, in comparison to moisturising immediately after bathing, resulted in significantly improved skin moisture after 60 minutes. 33 The last study found in this group was a mixed methods survey (n=973) which established that 79% of parents cleansed with each nappy change. In cleansing 60% used water alone, while 23% used a baby wash liquid, 16% used baby wipes, 6% used baby lotion, 3% used soap and 2% used body wash liquid.…”

Neonatal skin health and associated dermatological conditions

“…A Nordic, multipronged randomized clinical trial evaluated the effects of regular skin emollient therapy on future food allergies of infants randomized at birth, finding no significant decrease in food allergies in this group [12]. A Turkish randomized control trial on the timing of moisturizer application on neonatal skin outcomes found that neonates receiving moisturizer 10 min after a bath had higher skin moisture levels and body temperatures compared to those who received moisturizer immediately after bathing [13].…”

Efficacy and In-Use Tolerance of Venusia Baby Moisturizer for Skin Hydration in Babies With Dry and/or Normal Skin

“…Human skin has an important role in maintaining internal moisture balance as it functions as a barrier, thereby preventing water loss. [ 1 ]. The stratum corneum (SC) (outer layer of the skin) functions properly when the skin is healthy [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…The presence of optimum water content in the SC is essential for flexible, soft, smooth, and healthy skin [ 4 ]. In term infants, the skin barrier is not fully developed, and it undergoes development up to 12 months after birth [ 1 ]. Because of this developing state, infant skin is prone to dryness and more liable for damage from environmental factors, such as cold and windy climates, which in turn makes it more susceptible to skin barrier disruption [ 5 ].…”