Change in skin properties over the first 10 years of life: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study investigated skin characteristics in healthy Chinese children aged from 1 to 10 years and compared these findings with similar measures from the child’s mothers. Children aged 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 years (n = 29–30 per age group) and the child’s mothers were enrolled in a single-visit cross-sectional study. Clinical parameters evaluated on the face, ventral forearm, and calf were softness, smoothness, erythema, edema, rash, dryness, and scaling. Instrumental evaluations included transepidermal water loss, moisture content, and water-holding capacity. The clinical evaluations indicated a general decrease in softness, smoothness, and overall skin condition with increased child age. In general, the child’s clinical scores were better than in adults. Children had a more permeable skin barrier that matured to adult values by approximately 5 years of age. Mothers had greater skin moisture than children. Clinical and instrumental measures were consistent with skin being softer and smoother and in better overall condition in younger children. As the skin matured with age, higher scores were observed. Instrumental measures demonstrated a more permeable skin barrier in younger children compared with older children and with adults.