Infant skin maturation: Preliminary outcomes for color and biomechanical properties

Background Newborn infant skin changes after birth but studies have focused on the epidermal barrier. Dermal properties are relevant for care, but literature on postnatal changes is sparse. We further characterized skin maturational changes in lightness, color and response to biomechanical stress. Methods Normal skin sites from subsets of participants in a trial on the progression and stage of infantile hemangiomas were retrospectively examined. Standardized photographs were analyzed as L*, a*, and b* images. Biomechanics were measured with the Cutometer®. Results Color changed significantly with increasing age. Skin was darker and redder at 2.0 vs. 5.4, 8.5 and 12.8 months. Yellow color increased, with higher values at 12.8 vs. 2.0, 3.5 and 5.4 months. Chest tissue was consistently more elastic than arm and face sites, with significantly higher elasticity for the youngest and oldest age groups. Biological elasticity, elastic recovery, and total recovery were significantly greater for the oldest subjects. Viscoelasticity and elastic deformation were lower at 5.5 vs. 8.8 and 17.6 months. Arm viscoelastic creep was highest at 2.8 months. Conclusion Skin maturation continues into year two. Increasing elasticity and decreasing viscoelasticity may reflect increased collagen structure/function. The findings have implications for prevention of skin injury associated with mechanical forces.