General Skin Care For Babies And Adults

Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what's on our minds when it comes to your health.

This week I had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Joni Sago back to the show for a practical conversation about caring for skin at every stage of life—from infancy through adulthood. Dr. Sago, a dermatologist and internal medicine physician, helped us break down what developing skin needs, what aging skin needs, and why simple, consistent care often matters more than an overcrowded routine. We began with infant skin, which continues developing during the first two years of life. Because baby skin loses moisture more quickly, it is especially delicate and prone to irritation. Dr. Sago emphasized limiting baths, using as few products as possible, avoiding bubbles and fragrances, choosing gentle cleansers, and favoring zinc oxide for diaper care rather than baby powder or heavily preserved wipes. We also discussed the importance of frequent diaper changes—even with today’s moisture-wicking gel diapers—to help protect the skin and prevent irritation.

Transitioning to adult skin, we unpacked why your approach should be tailored not just to your age, but also to your environment. For the face, it’s all about choosing a cleanser you enjoy, using a topical antioxidant like vitamin C in the morning to help protect against environmental and sun damage, and including an evening retinoid to encourage cell renewal. The key for adults, especially those over 50, is to focus on daily moisturizing—specifically, using thicker creams from tubs instead of lighter lotions from pumps for more effective barrier protection. This is particularly important on the legs, where poor venous return can make the skin more prone to dryness and slower healing. Throughout our discussion, Dr. Sago and I highlighted tried-and-true products like Vaseline and CeraVe and addressed common myths about their safety and usefulness. Sometimes, the simplest and most cost-effective products can be just as effective as the expensive, elaborate options.

PODCAST NOTES 

• Infant skin development continues for the first two years of life, making babies much more susceptible to water loss and external irritants. Their skin barrier, especially the stratum corneum, is thinner and not fully equipped with the ceramides and lipids that give adults better protection. This means that infants require gentler handling and specifically tailored skin care routines to avoid unnecessary irritation, rashes, and moisture loss.

• Babies under six months old lack mature sweat glands and the ability to handle heat well, so sunscreen isn’t even recommended or properly studied for this age group. Instead, the safest approach is to keep infants out of direct sun, shielded with hats and protective clothing, and indoors during hotter parts of the day. Overheating and sun exposure can be dangerous for these little ones, highlighting the need for shade and conservative heat management.

• Bathing babies should not be a daily, full-body event. Instead, attention should be focused on cleaning the parts of the body that actually get dirty—like under the neck, the diaper area, and skin folds—using a gentle, non-foaming cleanser. Avoidance of bubbles and fragrant soaps is crucial, as these common products can strip the already vulnerable infant skin barrier, potentially leading to dryness or eczema.

• For diaper care, zinc oxide ointments, particularly those at a 40% concentration (such as Desitin's maximum strength paste), offer superior protection by acting as a physical barrier and mimicking the skin’s own barrier function, far more effectively than corn starch-based baby powders. The conversation highlighted why baby powders are discouraged due to risks of inhalation and their potential to foster yeast growth, while frequent, thick application of zinc oxide is ideal to protect against diaper rash and irritation.

• At home, during diaper changes, the preference is to cleanse with water and a soft towel or paper towel rather than commercial baby wipes, which still may contain preservatives and potential allergens. If wipes are necessary, opting for brands without sensitizing preservatives (like methyl isothiazolinone) is key. The fewer chemicals and additives on a baby's skin, the less risk for allergic or irritant reactions.

• Vaseline (petroleum jelly) remains a safe, proven, and non-comedogenic occlusive moisturizer, ideal for both adults and children with dry skin or eczema. The podcast dispelled myths linking petroleum jelly to pore blockage or harmful contamination, noting that name-brand, cosmetic-grade Vaseline has been subject to rigorous standards for over a century. Layering ceramide-based moisturizers underneath Vaseline can further boost hydration and barrier repair for those with very dry or atopic-prone skin.

• The optimal skin care regimen for adults starts with a mild cleanser (no need for harsh soaps), then a topical antioxidant like L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the morning to defend against sun and pollution damage, followed by sunscreen. At night, layering targeted actives like growth factors, low-dose estriol (for hormone support in skin), and starting slow with retinoids can provide anti-aging and restorative benefits. Sensitivity (as in rosacea) may require modifications, but these basics are the foundation for resilient adult skin.

• As we age, especially past 50, the skin on our arms and legs becomes more vulnerable to dryness, slow healing, and even infections, in part due to reduced natural cholesterol and decreased venous return. The best defense is daily application of a thick, ceramide-rich moisturizer (preferably from a tub, not a pump—since tub creams have less water and more occlusive properties) on these areas. Paying close attention to the lower legs is particularly vital, as even small wounds can become chronic if dry, cracked skin isn’t adequately protected.

The foundation of great skin care doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Whether you’re caring for a newborn or looking to preserve your own skin’s health as you age, the focus should be on supporting the skin’s natural barrier with gentle, proven products and consistent routines. Pay attention to what’s actually in your products and don’t be fooled by marketing—sometimes the classics like Vaseline, zinc oxide, and ceramide-rich creams are the very best options. Make moisturizing a daily habit, be mindful with cleansers, and tailor your regimen as you grow and your needs change. 

If you have unique concerns or underlying conditions, talk to your healthcare provider to customize your approach. And as always, if you have questions or want help building a regimen, reach out to us or your dermatologist—we’re here to guide you to healthy, resilient skin at every stage of life.

Stay educated. Stay healthy. 

Till next week.