Dr. Mona Amin, pediatrician and host of The PedsDocTalk Podcast, joins the show to share expert tips on newborn skincare. They discuss cleansing, moisturizing, managing eczema, along with how to choose safe products for your child.
Dr. Mona Amin, pediatrician and host of The PedsDocTalk Podcast, joins the show to share expert tips on newborn skincare. They discuss cleansing, moisturizing, managing eczema, along with how to choose safe products for your child.
Check out Dr. Amin's podcast The PedsDocTalk podcast here!
Project Parenthood is hosted by Chelsea Dorcich. A transcript is available as Simplecast.
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CHELSEA: We give so much time and thought in the care of our newborns and babies. What about their skin? Are we caring for their skin correctly? Are we falling to common myths surrounding newborn skin care? Listen and find out as we talk about our baby's skin and how to properly care for them with Dr. Amin.
Hi, welcome back to Project Parenthood. I am your host, Chelsea Dorcich, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I am here to join you on your conscious parenting journey, bringing more curiosity, openness, acceptance, kindness, and non judgment along the way. My goal is for us to accept what is out of our control, commit to improving our parenting life, and discover better outcomes for ourselves and our family.
Today we have an amazing guest. I'm so honored to have on Dr. Mona Amin. She is a board certified pediatrician, also the host of Peedstock Talk podcast and IBCLC, an online parenting educator and mother. She has been featured in the New York times, times magazine, good morning America, parents. com and ABC nightly news.
Through her brand, Peedstock Talk, her goal is to provide relatable and easy to digest guidance for the modern parent regarding child health, development, and parenting. Her platform aims to guide parents in a mindful way to bring more confidence into their parenting journey. Thank you so much, Dr. Mona, for coming today.
MONA: Thank you. I'm here with you, Chelsea. It's an honor.
CHELSEA: Yeah, I'm so excited. So we have a special topic today. We're going to talk about which we haven't done on the show is newborn skin and their skincare. Um, so I wanted to kind of dive into, you know, just caring for our newborn skin between like cleansing and moisturizing.
I know that there's so much information out there and it's probably, it's can be so overwhelming as a parent to know what's right. What do we do? How do we navigate?
MONA: Yeah. And I think it's so important to remember that caring for newborn skin is important and it shouldn't be stressful or overwhelming. Right. So how can we talk about skin in a whole episode?
Right. Um, there is so much, like you said, there's a lot of misconceptions. There's a lot of, should I not bathe? Should I bathe? How do I bathe? How do I moisturize? And so I think it's really important because the skin is the largest organ. Um, we forget that, um, people sometimes forget that the skin is a breathing, living organ.
And it's the largest one we have. And from the beginning, our newborns, you know, they have very tiny, they're tiny and delicate, but their skin is especially so. So their skin is 30 percent thinner than our skin. Um, that's why it's so important to care for it the best that we can. And during the last trimester of pregnancy and after birth, the skin is covered in that biofilm called the vernix that moisturizes and acts as a protective shield for your baby's skin. And it's that substance that looks white, cheesy or creamy and you're going to leave it on and then it finally wears off, right? And then you're going to start bathing them. And when it does, it's important to keep your baby's skin moisturized so it doesn't become susceptible to dryness, germs, and allergens.
And like you mentioned, I know there's a lot of conflicting guidelines out there on what to put on or not to put on newborn skin, but a moisturizer designed for newborn skin especially can really help. the future skin concern. So for me, um, the, one of the most ideal moisturizers is, um, Aveeno Baby Healthy Start Newborn Wash and Balm the regimen because it provides that proactive care for newborn skin.
Um, and it also, when you use the bomb and the wash together, it moisturizes and supports the skin barrier similar to what that vernix did. Um, and the bomb is clinically proven to boost hydration, um, which I really like as well.
CHELSEA: Oh, wow. That's so neat. Yeah. Yes. I love Avino. So that's good to know. They have a whole, it's a two step process.
It sounds like right for the cleansing and the moisturizing. So you get it all in one. Um, I think I remember hearing different things, every child and even, um, like you said that bathing don't bathe. Cause I think even with, um, skin conditions like eczema, like I had my youngest had severe eczema and I'd heard some dermatologists, some pediatricians say, don't no water.
And then some say, no, you need to be bathed them every day. So it's just, it can be so, you know, which way to go. I don't know if you have any, um, thoughts on that direction.
MONA: I love that question because it is, it's such a personalized decision and it also just depends on the on the person's skin. Um, so the American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends delaying bathing up to 24 hours after birth to allow that vernix to remain on.
So that vernix does have a lot of properties in terms of moisturization, immune properties. So we want to keep that on as long at minimum 24 hours. If longer, that's fine. Like comes off. But when it fi or you want to take it of is a big deal. And you're a gentle sort of sponge b cord is still on. Um, comfortably warm, but not hot when you test it with your elbow or wrists.
Okay. So you don't want it to be too hot. Um, and then the key with this is if you're, you're going to start with maybe a few times a day, um, and then you can build up as the skin tolerates. But one of the biggest mistakes that I see parents do is that they, they do the bath and maybe they use a little bit too hot of water, or maybe they'd forget to, um, pat dry or moisturize after.
So that's going to be a combined effect of stripping the skin. of the natural oils, right? So you want to make sure you keep the water lukewarm. If you're going to bathe the baby, you want to use effective products. Like I had mentioned the vino baby healthy, start newborn wash. It's the prebiotic oat and it's gentle cleansing.
And then when you wash, you're going to go neck to waist, paying attention to neck folds, ears, all of that. And then you're going to pat dry the skin after not scrub and rub, use a soft cotton or bamboo towel, make sure that you pat dry. And then you're going to. seal that skin in with a good moisturizer after so that you can repeat that cycle and the skin doesn't lose moisture and subsequently get dry.
Um, and so same thing goes for eczema babies. You want to make sure that, um, you provide that sort of nourishment for their skin and moisturization and they may need even more moisturization because of the way their skin works and the fact that it loses more moisture. So it's really important to look at the baby's skin and see what works best for for them and also choosing the right products as well.
CHELSEA: Okay, thank you No, that's good to know. Um, I think the pat dry, I think, you know, just even if snuggling the baby in the towel, you don't have to worry about. And then I think I've always heard that, right, putting the lotion on right afterwards, the skin's going to absorb that more readily once it's still a little bit damp as opposed to completely dry.
MONA: Yeah.
CHELSEA: Is that correct?
MONA: More so, more so that it helps so that the skin just doesn't stay dry from the water and from that. So yeah. And I also like the reason I like balms a lot, which is what the healthy stroke newborn bomb is, is that it It really is a little more. It's a little greasy, but doesn't leave a residue on it, um, on the skin.
Because I know a lot of times parents will use ointments or balms and it leaves like that, that sticky residue. This balm I actually still use for my daughter who's 18 months. Um, and so, and I like it too because it's a, it's the consistency allows for that moisture to stay in, um, without, you know, allowing it to get too greasy or slippery.
Um, which I know some parents don't really love a lot with balms or ointments. Thanks. Yeah. I love that.
CHELSEA: Yes. Because I've noticed that that can definitely transfer to the clothes and all the pajamas. You notice it. Yeah. Yeah. No. Um, and so when we talk about newborn skin and I love the reminder that our skin is our largest organ.
Because I think we forgot that. Um, and so, and I love the recommendation of the balms and the Aveeno brand. That's so good to know. And that you could probably extend it. Like you said, it doesn't have to just be for the first few months that you could extend that as long as needed. And so in terms of skin. It can be like newborn skin.
Would you say that like all newborn skin is pretty sensitive and that, you know, that we have to be mindful of what we're putting on it or what we're using to cleanse it?
MONA: Yeah. I will say that some kids are going to be obviously more in the spectrum of being more sensitive versus less sensitive, but baby skin, because it's 30 percent thinner, you know, what I mentioned at the beginning, it's going to be a little bit different, right?
There's going to be more irritation that can happen. And the example and personal antidote is that yeah. I'll have parents come in and then they'll hold their baby with like their hands and then they'll hand them to me. And all of a sudden there's like little rash on their skin, on their baby's skin.
And they're like, what happened? I'm like, Oh, it's probably just from the natural oils or the things, things that you may have on your hands, whether it's lotions or your natural oils or any ointments or perfumes. And then the skin breaks out and then it goes away. But that's just a good example of like the skin being more sensitive than our skin.
Right. Even for adults, some of us may have. more sensitive skin than others. Um, and so it is nice to know that there are products out there and there is a regimen there that you want to support that baby's sensitive newborn skin. Um, because it is, I think across the board, something I commonly see. And then as they get older, depending on the baby, you're going to see less of that, you know, those blemishes or rashes sort of break out, um, depending on the skin history and what that what's happening with that child.
CHELSEA: Yeah. Okay. No, that makes sense. So yes, it's definitely an individualized and just kind of making note of how your baby's skin reacts and knowing it might be a little bit more sensitive or it might not. And just obviously, again, given the fact that it's 30 percent thinner, it's going to play a role in what it's able to handle.
And are there any things in general or good to know that parents to avoid on putting on a newborn skin?
MONA: Yeah. So when it comes to products, right, I think one of the biggest things that parents. I think parents tell me is that they want obviously quote unquote safe products. They want products that are gentle or products that are, you know, better for the baby's skin.
So I do think it's important to be mindful of the ingredients in baby products, because we know that, like you said, that newborn skin is sensitive. Um, and it also can be sensitive to Soaps, fragrances, detergent, dyes that maybe an adult skin may not be, um, you know, have an issue with. So it's really important to sort of look for products that are geared towards children and babies, um, that don't have any fragrances in it.
Um, no added dyes or anything like that, which can really help. And so again, using products that work. And I, one of my biggest tips is when you're starting a new product, just because it works for you, I don't want to say that it'll work for everybody. So I like. You know, I'm partnering with Aveeno right now because I love Aveeno's line of products.
I do see it work for a lot of my families. Um, but that being said, you know, test it on an area. I think you'll be surprised as to how amazing it works. Um, most of my family, like I said, love using it for themselves as well. But you want to find those types of products. I also find that if your child has more sensitive skin, um, using products with either oat or colloidal oatmeal can help moisturize the skin and strengthen that natural skin barrier function even more so.
Um, so it's something to consider. Um, if your child has very severe eczema, um, it’s always good to speak to your clinician about the best ointments for your child based on their clinical picture, how severe the eczema is, um, so that they can get more curtailed, um, guidance, um, just because their skin is more on that higher level of degree of sensitivity if they're a moderate to severe eczema patient.
CHELSEA: Right. And I, I love the recommendation with the oatmeal too, because I know Aveeno has, we use those in our house, that, um, the bath that you could put in the bath. Yeah. Those always worked well. Um, yeah, I think that, um, it's yes, obviously going to the doctor for any specific or high needs and yes, fragrances.
I think that's a hard one that I feel like these days people just want to throw in everything. So it's definitely good to know. Um, Let's keep that in mind. And you said, Oh, you said, cause you said detergents, like we're not just talking about moisturizing and cleansing, but we think about the clothes we're putting on because that's touching all areas of their skin.
So it's the first thing in contact with their skin. So just to look at that with the detergent too, when we're testing their skin, it's like, I think about how we, you know, do that when we're treating our carpets or whatever, right? So it's a test the patch, right? So would we like test the inner forearm or, you know, inner wrists with a baby?
Or is there a good spot that we would just kind of put it on one part of them?
MONA: Yeah. Well, knowing when you look at the skin, even on ourselves, right, our face skin is going to be more sensitive than maybe our arm skin or our groin skin. Right. I mean, that's definitely because even in an adult, an adult body, the skin is going to be different.
So looking at a baby, there's going to be, you know, knowing that their skin is already thinner, their facial skin is going to be much thinner than the skin of their arm. So you can, you can patch test a small area on their cheek is what I usually recommend. And patch testing is again, just to make sure a few times, how's their skin reacting to it.
Um, and if it is usually something like a vino, it's just to make sure probably going to be okay, you know, in terms of their like not having any reaction, but you can do it for a few days, see if it, see if they tolerate it well, and then you can do it as you want to their whole body. Um, that's kind of a way that you can approach that, but there isn't like a definitive, you must do it like this.
Um, but yeah, a face is going to be your good, your best bet. Um, and that being said, um, for little babies like newborns. I would really touch base with a clinician on putting moisturizers on faces because although I think moisture is a more moisturization is great. I'm really talking about more of the body.
Um, so if it is like a under three month old and you're like, Oh, their skin is a little bit dry on their face. I would really make sure you talk to the clinician because typically I don't like too much moisturization on the face, um, because that can. inadvertently sometimes cause more breakouts. So we want to make sure that we balance the, the different skin types across the body and maybe do the body, you know, you, you, the patch testing can be for anything going on the face to make sure it's not too sensitive there.
Um, but you can approach it that way.
CHELSEA: Okay. Oh, that's good to know.
MONA: Yes.
CHELSEA: Um, I know that's common with the babies to the breakouts on their skin. Yeah. Okay. So we, yes, we've gotten best practices for kind of cleansing and moisturizing, um, testing and sensitive skin eczema. What kind of to avoid anything else that, um, maybe especially with new parents or, um, that were kind of, you want to make sure they go home keeping in mind whether it's something to reach out to you if something comes up or just general knowledge.
MONA: I love it. I think one of the biggest things since we're talking about newborn skin, there's obviously many different skin conditions that newborns can experience. But one of the biggest things I see is eczema. And I know we alluded to eczema in terms of like, um, a little bit of, you know, skin care, but knowing that, you know, the exact cause of eczema is not known.
not known, right? We don't have like one thing that we say, okay, this is it. And I think you mentioned that you had children with eczema.
CHELSEA: Yes. I agree with mine. My youngest is still my five year old is definitely still dealing with it.
MONA: Yeah. And I, you know, eczema in itself can be its own road to navigate.
Right. Um, and there's so many different things is that it could be related to the impaired skin barrier function that I mentioned, right? The dry, like they don't hold in moisture as much and they lose moisture more, um, environmental allergens or products like we mentioned, or genetics. And there's no cure.
Um, but eczema symptoms can be managed with good moisturization. So the, the itching, the dryness, the inflammation, the idea here for all babies, especially our eczema babies, we want to make sure that we are allowing them to have a good moisturizer on board. And I cannot stress this enough for our eczema babies, because sometimes my families will come in and they'll want the steroid cream or want something else.
And I say, What are we doing for maintenance therapy for the eczema? And, you know, you asked that great question about every baby has different sensitivity of skin. If you, you know, your baby has more, uh, is more prone to getting dry skin or more prone to having sensitive skin. You want to make sure that you are staying on top of moisturization.
Um, more right after baths, you want to pat dry. You want to add those layer of moisturization. The Aveeno baby eczema therapy. And I know you use the probably the oat, the oat bats and all that. Um, I really liked their line, you know, for babies and toddlers, it's been clinically proven to help relieve that dry itchiness, irritated skin with eczema.
And it contains that oat or colloidal oatmeal that I mentioned is really great. And if you, again, if your child has severe eczema, speaking to your clinician, if this is a good option for you, um, is always a great thing, you know, just to make sure that, you know, you get the right regimen so that you're not getting as many flare ups.
Because my goal here is to prevent flares to prevent issues by setting a good skin foundation with healthy bathing and moisturization, locking in that moisture, and then, um, you know, speaking to a clinician or getting more evaluation. If things are going in another direction that we don't want to see.
CHELSEA: Oh, that makes sense. Yes. And definitely, I love that. Just, we, we can again, on this podcast, just definitely speak to your own clinician about it because every child is so different. Um, and we can edit this question out if it's not for you, but I was thinking, so especially when we get to newborns, it's easier to moisturize. Toddlers it gets a little hairier where we're, you know, no one, I feel like, especially if, you know, there's kids that just like, I do not want lotion. Do you have any tips for like. again, maybe there is a m it included or putting so that um, maybe if you can't physically moisturize your kid after every bath. If a battle.
MONA: Yeah. So using using products that don't are going to be great. So So, you know, like the, you know, line that, you know, baby wash, um, or any of the, you know, baby eczema products I like so that you maybe are not going to get as dry now. Some tips for that toddler age group, because I am a toddler mom, I had a toddler who's now a preschooler is giving them a lot of control whenever we can.
So just say you have the product and you just say it's in like a little tub. or it's in a pump, whatever you're using, but let's say it's a little tub of the Aveeno eczema, um, Aveeno baby eczema therapy treatment, right? So you can open the tub up, you can show them what it feels like. You can have them stick their finger inside their clean fingers so that they feel like they're in control of what's going on.
And then you can have them put a little bit on themselves or take it out yourself, put it in their hand and model what it is to put on lotion. Children want to learn. They want to do good by us. And if we're giving them positive reinforcement, if we're giving them a little bit of autonomy of not just pinning them down and trying to get ointment on them, but actually showing them what it is, they're going to be less afraid, right?
And then also making it part of the routine. So, you know, using my daughter as an example or any kid, you know, she was, she doesn't, she always does that alligator role, you know, like wanting to get away from you when it's diaper, but talking to them, you know, over the age of nine months, they understand what you're saying.
So saying, sweetie, I know you want to roll, I'm going to put lotion on you, or I'm going to put your ointment on you now, and we're going to go and then I could do a little massage and I sing. And the more you do that, and the more you just make it part of your routine, the more they will show up for it.
And yes, you're going to have moments that there'll be like, I don't want to do it, but you're going to say. This is part of our day. It's time to put the ointment on and here you want to take it. You want to put the bomb on and then you can have them have a little bit of control. So make it fun. Give them a little bit of control if you can and autonomy.
Um, and then also just bring it part of your routine would be the three ways to kind of make that happen. So it's not a chore and more of part of our life. I love that.
CHELSEA: Yes. The autonomy is such a huge piece, right? How we can Creatively insert that to our child's daily life is definitely crucial.
MONA: Yeah. And it's so important.
I mean, my, I love, this is my platform. Like I love raising children who understand their bodies and feel in control, but we also with hygiene, there's some things that we have to get done. Right. So I always say that caveat that yes, I want autonomy with our children, but when it comes to brushing teeth, hair brushing, taking baths and also ointment and moisturizing, those are non negotiables in my mind, right?
They have to happen, but they don't have to be this power struggle situation. Absolutely. I love that. Yes. Yeah. And you can, like you said, you can still have choices like you can put it on or I can put it on. What's your choice, right? Yeah, exactly.
CHELSEA: Yeah. I love that. Uh, anything else that I feel like I, maybe I didn't forget, I forgot to ask or any to, you know, you see, I know you see all these parents with newborns on a daily basis.
It's not who I see. So it's like, yeah, I'm not sure, you know, in case I'm forgetting anything.
MONA: I think one of the biggest things is sometimes parents will come to me in the office and they'll feel. Yeah. they'll feel ashamed to talk about skin concerns because they think it's a cosmetic thing. Um, using examples of eczema and then even later on, like I have teenagers with acne, right?
But using this example, I really want to give parents this empowerment that if they are concerned about their child's skin, let's say it's eczema. Let's say it's baby acne. Let's say there's blemishes to talk to your clinician because maybe there are things or products that we can recommend. And I get this often that, well, it's just cosmetic.
It's nothing serious. I'm like, even if it's not something serious, right? I get this a lot with eczema that, oh, it's, I'm like, it's uncomfortable. Like I, you know, probably for your children, dry skin and eczema especially is not easy to deal with for the family, for the patient. It's itchy. It's, it can cause redness and flares.
So my goal is to, you know, always, Give product recommendations and guidance so that we can really help bring more joy back into the parenting experience and more joy for that child. And so I'm like really happy when I get to partner with brands like Aveeno who are on that mission as well. You know, they are in this, in this ballgame to really help, um, and empower parents and I that wants more, I actually skincare video with them.
care one on one on their called motherly. So if you want more information about caring for newborn that out on motherly's website or Aveen.com and Avino b works from babies to older children, right? Um, they have a line of, um, of, you know, kids products, age three to seven, which we use for our son as well. And you can check it out anywhere.
Um, Amazon, Walmart, Target, and CVS and my podcast, um, you know, final message of like picking out my podcast. Now, I don't talk about skin all day, but I do incorporate a lot of resources on my podcast and my YouTube that are free because I really like, you know, like we're doing here. I think so much of this education and information should be free and accessible to all families regardless of their ability to pay.
Um, and it's such an exciting thing to be able to come and talk to you and really provide this sort of foundation for knowledge for parents, but also for healthy skin for their child's life because it's their biggest organ and I want to take care of it.
CHELSEA: Oh, I love that. Thank you. And thank you so much.
Those were going to be my final questions was just to how people can reach out to you. And so they obviously have your podcast, um, and YouTube. And I know you're on Instagram as well. So make sure to check you out. And I love that. I appreciate that your willingness to, I think, even validate. I think that's such a big word too, for these parents, that they're not alone in all of these things and that it's okay.
Like you said, even to bring up a little concern, it's okay to bring up a concern. There's nothing, there's no shame in that. It's, You're advocating for your child and your comfort. And like, we can know that if a child is uncomfortable or itchy, that means they're also irritable or not content and not in their best place.
So I love that. Yeah, no, I love it.
MONA: Every time I have parent comes in my office, um, and I see something on the exam, I, even if they didn't bring it up, I always bring it up. Not like to like, I just like verbalize and say, Hey, oh, I noticed this thing on your, on your baby's skin. I just want you to know that it's completely normal.
Yeah. There's nothing to do about it. Or, Hey, I noticed that your child has this patch. Are you concerned about it? Is there anything, you know, you've been doing for it? Because I do believe that, you know, that's our job as clinicians and parents sometimes feel scared to ask those questions. So I love that advocacy piece cause I'm a mom too.
I know how scary it is on the other side. Um, and I've been on, I've been fortunate to be on both sides. So thank you for acknowledging that. That means a lot.
CHELSEA: Of course. Well, thank you so much, Dr. Mona for taking the time to share your knowledge and information.
MONA: Yes. Happy to be here with you, Chelsea. This was awesome.
That's it for this week's edition of Project Parenthood. Remember to be curious, open, accepting, kind, and nonjudgmental on your conscious parenting journey. If you have any questions about this episode, about your parenting journey and or topics you'd like to hear more about, please reach out to parenthoodatquickanddirtytips.com. Or leave a message at 646 926 3243. Project Parenthood is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast. Thanks to the team at Quick and Dirty Tips, Holly Hutchings, Davina Tomlin, Morgan Christianson, and Brannan Goetschius. May you be happy, safe and protected, healthy and strong, and live with ease.