Inspiration:
We drew inspiration fromvernix caseosa to create our own active ingredient: Lipidic V®.
Vernixcaseosa is a natural, white, waxy substance that covers the skin of the fetus during the intrauterine period, particularly in the last months of pregnancy.
Caseosa varnish
Composition: Mainly composed of dead epidermal cells and secretions from fetal sebaceous glands.
Function: It plays several crucial roles:
- It acts as a protective barrier against the aqueous environment of the amnion, preventing the fetal skin from cracking or softening.
- It has antimicrobial properties that protect the fetus against infection.
- It facilitates the newborn’s passage through the birth canal by acting as a lubricant.
After birth: At birth, some newborns are still covered in vernix caseosa, especially those born prematurely. It is recommended not to wash the vernix immediately, as it can continue to offer protection and hydration to the newborn’s skin during the first days of life.
The creation of Lipidic V
Being unique in terms of structure, function and composition, a baby’s skin requires specific care to maintain its health and integrity due to its distinct characteristics.
Lipidic V® is a biomimetic, bio-available lipid complex, reproducing the lipid composition of vernix caseosa and offering a continuum. The newborn is in contact with molecules identical to those encountered during pregnancy.
A baby's skin is different,
so must its care
so must its care
– Nabila Belhaj, Ph.D
Baby's skin
Structural features :
- Thickness: The skin is much thinner, especially the epidermis.
- Skin barrier: Less effective due to reduced lipid concentration in the stratum corneum.
- Hydration: Retains more water but is also more susceptible to dehydration.
- Sebaceous and sweat glands : hyperactive sebaceous glands after birth, less functional sweat glands.
Functional features :
- pH: More neutral or slightly alkaline at birth, becoming more acidic a few days later.
- Thermoregulation: Less efficient due to larger body surface area relative to mass and thinner fat layer.
- Skin microflora: The skin is rapidly colonized after birth, with microflora constantly evolving during the first year.
- Sensitivity: More sensitive to irritants, chemicals and environmental changes.
Adult skin
Structural features :
- Thickness: Skin becomes thicker with age, but can become thinner with aging.
- Skin barrier: more robust and resistant.
- Hydration: Contains less water and may lose its ability to retain moisture with age.
- Sebaceous and sweat glands: generally balanced sebum production, influenced by hormonal and genetic factors.
Functional features :
- pH: Generally more acidic, contributing to the antimicrobial barrier.
- Thermoregulation: More efficient thanks to a well-developed fat layer and improved perspiration capacity.
- Skin microflora: more stable and diversified.
- Sensitivity: Although the skin is generally more resistant, some adults may have sensitive or reactive skin.
