When we witness the birth of a newborn, it’s common to notice a whitish, waxy substance covering the skin. This substance is vernix caseosa. But what is vernix caseosa, and why is it so crucial for the baby at birth?
What is vernix caseosa?
Vernix caseosa is a protective coating that forms on the baby’s skin during gestation. It’s made up of a mixture of amniotic fluid, dead skin cells, secretions from the fetal sebaceous glands, as well as lipids, proteins and water. REF [^1^]: Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation, Nature.com. These components play an essential role in its protective and moisturizing properties.
What is vernix caseosa used for?
Vernix caseosa and lanugo: what are they?
Vernix caseosa plays a vital role in protecting the baby’s skin during the in utero period. More than just a lubricant, its main function is to protect the skin of the fetus from prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid, which could lead to skin maceration. REF [^1^]: Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation, Nature.com.
As the vernix caseosa develops, the fetus also develops a fine down called lanugo. This down, which covers a large part of the baby’s body, is also coated with vernix caseosa. Together, vernix caseosa and lanugo form a protective barrier for the delicate skin of the fetus. REF [^5^]: The Ontogeny of Skin, EuropePMC.com.
What is vernix caseosa used for after birth?
After birth, vernix caseosa continues to play a protective role for the newborn’s skin. It acts as a “natural moisturizer”, preventing skin dehydration. REF [^1^]: Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation, Nature.com. What’s more, thanks to the specific proteins it contains, vernix caseosa has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to prevent skin infections in infants. REF [^2^]: Antimicrobial Properties of Amniotic Fluid and Vernix Caseosa are Similar to Those Found in Breast Milk, NCBI, NIH.Gov & REF [^6^]: Effect of Vernix Caseosa on the Penetration of Chymotryptic Enzyme: Potential Role in Epidermal Barrier Development, Nature.com.
Should vernix caseosa be left on baby’s skin?
It is highly recommended to keep vernix caseosa on the baby’s skin after birth, as it offers numerous benefits for the health and development of the infant’s skin. In addition to protecting against irritation and infection, it maintains optimal hydration. Vernix caseosa is partially absorbed by the baby’s skin, providing essential nutrients for healthy, balanced skin. REF [^3^]: Skin Physiology of the Neonate and Young Infant: A Prospective Study of Functional Skin Parameters During Early Infancy, PubMed, NIH.Gov & REF [^1^]: Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation, Nature.com.
How to prolong the benefits of vernix caseosa?
To maximize the benefits of vernix caseosa, we recommend not removing it completely from the baby’s skin during the first bath. Instead, parents should gently wipe off excess vernix with a soft towel, leaving a good layer on the baby’s skin.
It is also advisable to avoid applying baby care products such as lotions or oils immediately after birth. This allows the vernix caseosa to continue to act as a natural protective barrier, promoting the development of healthy baby skin. REF [^7^]: Sea Lions Develop Human-like Vernix Caseosa Delivering Branched Fats and Squalene to the GI Tract, Nature.com
When is baby’s first bath?
Traditionally, baby’s first bath is often given within 24 hours of delivery. However, the World Health Organization recommends waiting at least 24 hours before giving an infant its first bath. REF [^4^]: WHO recommendations on newborn health, WHO. This waiting period allows the skin to stabilize and benefit from the advantages of vernix caseosa.
The benefits of vernix caseosa for baby’s skin
Vernix caseosa acts as a natural barrier, protecting baby’s skin from irritation and infection. Its waxy texture also prevents excessive moisture loss, helping to maintain optimum hydration of infant skin. REF [^1^]: Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation, Nature.com.
What’s more, vernix caseosa has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent skin infections such as rashes and dermatitis. REF [^2^]: Antimicrobial Properties of Amniotic Fluid and Vernix Caseosa are Similar to Those Found in Breast Milk, NCBI, NIH.Gov. It is a first line of defense against external aggression, especially for premature babies whose skin is still immature and vulnerable.
The different stages in the formation of vernix caseosa
The formation of vernix caseosa begins in the early stages of pregnancy. The sebaceous glands of the fetal skin begin to secrete vernix caseosa, which initially appears as a whitish, oily substance. REF [^1^]: Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation, Nature.com.
In conclusion
Vernix caseosa is an essential substance for the protection and development of a baby’s skin from birth. It plays a protective role against skin irritation and infection, while maintaining optimal hydration. By understanding the many benefits of vernix caseosa, we can take the necessary steps to preserve and promote healthy skin in newborns.
Discover the power of Vernix Caseosa with our Vernixa® products
If vernix caseosa fascinates you as much as it does us, you’ll be delighted to know that at Vernixa®, we’ve drawn on the wonders of this natural substance to create our skin care products. Inspired by science and nature, our products, such as“Hydra Lavant” and“Hydra Crème“, are designed to offer your skin the same protective and nourishing benefits that vernix caseosa offers newborns.
Why choose Vernixa®?
- Bio-inspiration: Our products are inspired by vernix caseosa, offering optimal protection and hydration.
- Natural: 100% ingredients of natural origin.
- Vegan: Our products are 100% Vegan and not tested on animals.
- Scientific quality: Each product is the fruit of in-depth research, developed under the direction of Prof. Dr. Nabila Belhajwith over 17 years of expertise in lipid research.
- Made in France: We’re proud of our origins and guarantee products of the highest quality, made in France.
- Suitable for everyone: Whether it’s dry, sensitive or baby skin, our products are tested and suitable for everyone.
- Tested under pediatric and dermatological control
Discover the Vernixa® range and feel the natural difference.
Scientific references:
[^1^]: [Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation, Nature.com](https://www.nature.com/articles/7211305.pdf?ref=vernixa.com)
[^2^]: [Antimicrobial Properties of Amniotic Fluid and Vernix Caseosa are Similar to Those Found in Breast Milk, NCBI](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595247/?ref=vernixa.com)
[^3^]: [Skin Physiology of the Neonate and Young Infant: A Prospective Study of Functional Skin Parameters During Early Infancy, PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15178917/?ref=vernixa.com)
[^4^]: [WHO recommendations on newborn health, WHO](https://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/newborns/en/?ref=vernixa.com)
[^5^]: [The Ontogeny of Skin](https://europepmc.org/articles/pmc3985523?pdf=render)
[^6^]: [Effect of Vernix Caseosa on the Penetration of Chymotryptic Enzyme: Potential Role in Epidermal Barrier Development, Nature.com](https://www.nature.com/articles/pr2007169.pdf?ref=vernixa.com).
[^7^]: [Sea Lions Develop Human-like Vernix Caseosa Delivering Branched Fats and Squalene to the GI Tract, Nature.com](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-25871-1.pdf?ref=vernixa.com)
