The dissolution of fat from the skin surface may influence the hydration status leading to a dry and squamous skin. The increase of the skin pH irritates the physiological protective 'acid mantle', changes the composition of the cutaneous bacterial flora and the activity of enzymes in the upper epidermis, which have an acid pH optimum. No statistically significant differences were observed for hydration before versus after washing.Įach cleansing agent, even normal tap water, influences the skin surface. This difference was significant for compact detergents. In comparison to the compact and liquid detergents, the alkaline soap group had a higher decrease in fat content.

The fat content (mean starting value: 4.34 micrograms/cm2) decreased after washing in all groups the smallest effect was observed in the control group (decrease of 0.93 micrograms/cm2), the highest for the alkaline soap group (decrease of 4.81 micrograms/cm2). In comparison to the compact and liquid detergents, the alkaline soap group had a significantly higher increase in pH. After treatment with liquid or compact detergent, the increase of the pH was only 0.09 higher than for the control group.

The smallest increase (+0.19) was observed in the control group, the largest (+0.45) after washing with alkaline soap. The skin pH increased from an average of 6.60 after cleansing in all groups. Findings were statistically evaluated by parametric covariance analysis. The pH, fat content and hydration were measured before and 10 min after cleansing. Ten infants each had skin washed with tap water (control group), liquid detergent (pH 5.5), compact detergent (pH 5.5) or alkaline soap (pH 9.5). Infants without skin disease, aged 2 weeks to 16 months, entered an open, controlled and randomized study. Our study aimed at examining whether similar effects can be ascertained in infants. Studies in newborn and small infants have not been reported. In adults the influence of cleansing preparations on the pH, fat content and hydration of the skin is well documented. Buy Dreft : Active Hypoallergenic Liquid Baby Laundry Detergent For Baby, Newborn, Or Infant, 50 Ounces(32 Loads), 2 Count (Packaging May Vary), Brand.

Liquid detergent soap