Newborn Lip Peel: What's Normal And What's Not?

Newborns are born with very thin and delicate skin, which is why it's normal for their lips to peel and appear dry and red. This happens as babies adjust to life outside the protective environment of the womb and shed their top layer of skin. While most cases of peeling lips are harmless, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition such as dehydration or an infection.

Chapped lips in newborns: causes and treatment

It is common for newborns to have chapped lips, and in most cases, it is not a cause for concern. However, it is important to monitor your baby for other symptoms and mention it to their pediatrician. Here are some of the causes and treatments for chapped lips in newborns:

Causes:

• Dehydration: Newborns can become dehydrated if they do not get enough breast milk or formula milk, especially on hot days.
• Skin adjustment: Newborns' skin adjusts to the environment outside the womb, leading to dryness and peeling.
• Lip licking or sucking: Newborns may lick or suck their lips frequently, causing dryness as the saliva evaporates.
• Weather conditions: Extreme weather, such as wind, cold, heat, and sun exposure, can dry out a newborn's sensitive lips.
• Irritants: Cosmetics, lotions, creams, wipes, cloths, and other products can irritate a newborn's sensitive skin and lead to chapped lips.
• Nutritional deficiencies: In rare cases, chapped lips could indicate a nutritional deficiency.
• Other health conditions: In some instances, chapped lips may be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as Kawasaki disease or eczema.

Treatments:

• Lanolin: Lanolin, a natural cream derived from sheep's wool, can be applied to soothe and hydrate chapped lips.
• Breast milk: Applying breast milk to the lips can help moisturize and protect against bacteria and viruses.
• Oils and petroleum jelly: Natural oils like olive oil and coconut oil, as well as petroleum jelly, can be used in small amounts to soften and moisturize the lips.
• Baby-safe lip balm: Use lip balms specifically designed for babies, as adult products may contain chemicals that are not safe for newborns.
• Humidifier: Using a humidifier in the baby's room can add moisture to the air and help prevent dryness.
• Frequent feeding: Newborns should be fed regularly to ensure adequate hydration, which can help alleviate chapped lips.
• Clothing and sun protection: Dressing the baby appropriately for the weather and using sun protection, such as a wide-brimmed hat, can help prevent chapped lips caused by sun exposure.
• Avoid adult skincare products: Adult moisturizers and creams may irritate a newborn's sensitive skin, so it is best to use products specifically designed for babies.

How to prevent chapped lips in newborns

Common Causes of Chapped Lips in Newborns

Before we get into how to prevent chapped lips in newborns, it's important to understand the common causes. Chapped lips in newborns can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dry weather: Cold, dry air during winter or hot, dry air during summer can cause lips to lose moisture.
• Friction: Sucking on their lips or lip-licking can cause chapping due to the friction.
• Sun exposure: Too much sun exposure can dry out the lips.
• Breastfeeding: The constant contact with the mother's skin can cause dryness and sometimes blisters on the lips.
• Dehydration: Not getting enough fluids can lead to dry lips.
• Allergies or sensitivities: Allergic reactions to certain products or materials can result in chapped lips.

Tips to Prevent Chapped Lips in Newborns:

Now, let's move on to some tips to help prevent chapped lips in your newborn:

• Breast milk: Applying breast milk to your baby's lips is a great natural remedy. Breast milk has antibacterial properties and will help heal and protect your baby's lips.
• Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your home, especially in your baby's nursery, can add moisture to the air and help prevent dryness.
• Nourishing stick/lip balm: Applying a small amount of a nourishing stick with cold cream or a natural, organic lip balm can provide protection and hydration to your baby's lips. Make sure to choose products specifically designed for babies.
• Protective clothing: When going outdoors, especially in cold, dry weather, dress your baby in protective clothing such as hats, mittens, socks, and scarves to shield them from the elements.
• Sunscreen: Invest in a sunscreen approved for infants and apply it to your baby's exposed skin to protect them from sun exposure.
• Avoid adult products: Do not use adult moisturisers or creams on your baby's lips as they can irritate their sensitive skin.
• Frequent feedings: Ensure your baby is well-nourished and hydrated by maintaining regular feedings of breast milk or formula.
• Limit pacifier use: If your baby uses a pacifier, try to limit its use as the constant sucking can contribute to chapped lips.
• Natural oils: You can apply a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil to your baby's lips to help lock in moisture.
• Keep hands away from the mouth: Try to keep your baby's hands away from their mouth to minimise the risk of them sucking on their hands or picking at their lips, which can make chapped lips worse.

Is it painful for newborns when their skin peels?

It's understandable for new parents to be concerned about their newborn's peeling skin. The good news is that it is a perfectly normal and necessary process for newborns to develop a new, stronger layer of skin suited to their new environment outside the womb.

Newborn skin peeling is typically not painful at all. Even in severe cases, infants are unlikely to notice or be affected by it. However, it is important to keep in mind that this does not mean you should ignore your baby's skin. Proper care is still crucial to ensure their comfort and well-being.

Causes of Newborn Skin Peeling

There are several reasons why a newborn's skin may peel:

• Loss of Vernix: Vernix caseosa, or simply vernix, is a waxy, cheese-like protective coating that develops on a baby's skin during gestation. It acts as a natural lubricant during labour and provides antibacterial protection. After birth, vernix is usually wiped off, leaving the baby's skin more vulnerable to dryness and peeling.
• Exposure to Amniotic Fluid: In the womb, babies are surrounded by amniotic fluid, which can cause their skin to dry and wrinkle if in direct contact for an extended period.
• Transition to Dry Air: Newborns are used to being surrounded by fluids, so the exposure to dry air outside the womb can lead to skin dryness and peeling.
• Overexposure to Water: Long baths or excessive time in water can wash away the natural oils from a newborn's skin, leading to irritation and dryness.
• Cold, Dry Air: The cold, dry air can lead to surface dehydration and skin dryness, especially since a newborn's skin is more sensitive than an adult's.
• Sun Exposure: While newborns should be kept out of direct sunlight, any exposure to the sun can contribute to skin dryness and peeling.
• Internal Factors: Dehydration and skin conditions like eczema can also cause peeling.

Treating and Preventing Newborn Skin Peeling

• Short, Infrequent Baths: Limit bath time to 5-10 minutes, no more than once per day. Use lukewarm water and baby-friendly cleansers instead of regular soap.
• Moisturize: Apply a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer or ointment to your baby's skin, especially after bath time, to seal in moisture and prevent dryness.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from perfumes, scented products, and regular laundry detergents. Opt for baby-friendly, gentle, and hypoallergenic products.
• Keep Them Hydrated: Ensure your newborn is getting enough breast milk or formula to stay hydrated and promote skin hydration.
• Protect from Sun and Cold: Keep your baby in the shade, dress them appropriately for the weather, and cover their hands, feet, and head in cold or sunny conditions.
• Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help treat and prevent skin peeling.
• Gentle Clothing: Wash new baby clothes before use, and choose soft, gentle fabrics that won't irritate their skin. Dress them in loose-fitting layers to keep them comfortable.

How long does it take for newborn skin to stop peeling?

Newborn skin peeling is a normal condition and is usually nothing to worry about. In fact, all newborns lose their outer layer of skin in the first two to three weeks after birth.

Babies spend their first nine months surrounded by protective liquids, so being exposed to dry air is a new phenomenon for them. As newborn babies adjust to life outside the womb, they must create a new layer of skin suitable for their new environment. This means getting rid of their old skin and replacing it with an outer layer that is tougher and more resilient. So, most newborns' skin will peel off in their first few weeks of life.

The protective coating that babies are born with is called vernix caseosa, or simply vernix. It is a thick, cheese-like substance that acts as a protective barrier between the baby's skin and the surrounding fluid in the womb. The more vernix a baby is born with, the less their skin will peel later on. This is why premature babies, who are born with more vernix, tend to have less peeling than babies born after 40 weeks.

The skin peeling usually clears up on its own without the need for lotion or any other intervention. However, if your baby's skin is still peeling when they are a month or two old, it is recommended to bring it up with their doctor.

• Make baths short and sweet: Limit bath time for newborns to 5 to 10 minutes and bathe them no more than once per day. Long baths can remove moisture and hydration from your newborn's delicate skin.
• Use a baby cleanser: Wash your newborn with a cleanser specially formulated with natural ingredients for babies. Avoid using regular soap, as it is likely too harsh for their delicate skin.
• Apply a baby moisturizer: Use a mild lotion or moisturizer designed specifically for newborns. Look for products that are hypoallergenic and free of parabens or other harsh ingredients.
• Keep your newborn hydrated: Make sure your baby is getting enough breast milk or formula to stay hydrated. This will help keep their skin hydrated and prevent dryness and peeling.
• Protect your newborn from the sun: Keep your newborn in the shade and out of direct sunlight. Dress them in cool, comfortable cotton clothing and a hat to protect their skin from the sun.
• Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier in your home can add moisture to the air and help treat and prevent newborn skin peeling.

What can I put on my newborn's peeling skin?

It is perfectly normal for newborns to have peeling skin. In the first two to three weeks after birth, all newborns lose their outer layer of skin as they adjust to life outside the womb. During this transition, they must create a new layer of skin that is more suitable for their new environment.

• Use a baby cleanser: Wash your newborn with a cleanser that is specially formulated with natural ingredients for babies. Avoid using soap, as it may be too harsh for their delicate skin.
• Make baths short and sweet: Limit baths to once per day and keep them under 10 minutes. Long baths can remove moisture and hydration from your newborn's delicate skin.
• Use bath oil: Add a drop or two of bath oil to the water before the bath. This will help to preserve the skin barrier and keep your baby's skin hydrated.
• Avoid cold air and wind: Keep your home at a comfortable temperature and bundle up your newborn when going outside in chilly weather.
• Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier in your home can add moisture to the air, helping to treat and prevent peeling skin.
• Apply a baby moisturizer: Use a small amount of a mild lotion or moisturizer that is specifically designed for newborns. Avoid products that contain parabens or other harsh ingredients.
• Wash clothing with gentle detergents: New baby clothes may have irritants on them, so it's important to wash all clothing items before putting them on your newborn. Use gentle, baby-friendly laundry detergent.
• Dress your baby in the right clothing: Choose soft, gentle fabrics that won't irritate your newborn's peeling skin. Opt for loose-fitting clothing instead of tight clothes, as this can prevent their skin from breathing.
• Choose the right products: Avoid products with harmful chemicals that can irritate your baby's delicate skin. Use hypoallergenic skincare products made with natural ingredients.
• Give your newborn plenty of fluids: Newborns need to eat frequently, and breast milk or baby formula provides the necessary nutrients for their growth. Ensure your baby is well-hydrated to promote healthy skin.
• Keep your newborn comfortable: Provide extra love and attention to your baby if they seem uncomfortable due to their peeling skin.
• Check for allergies: Your baby's dry skin may be caused by an allergy to certain products or materials. Try switching to different products or materials to see if that helps improve their skin condition.

Frequently asked questions