The skin of children is more delicate than that of adults: while its structure is identical, its outermost layer is thinner, making it more sensitive to external agents.
Children's skin has a lower water content in the stratum corneum and a higher trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). The pH of the skin's surface in children is lower than that of adult skin.
Therefore, it is common for children to suffer from dry skin, especially on the cheeks and hands, the areas most exposed to external aggressions. Cold air, wind, pollution, and environments that are too hot or dry lead to evaporation of the water content in the skin. This increased water loss, or trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), results in:
-dry skin,
- redness,
- itching,
- and small cracks or cuts.
Children's skin is also less pigmented than that of adults, making it very sensitive to UV radiation. Adequate sun protection is essential.