Newborn Skin Peeling On Face And Body: What Should Parents Do?

Maybe your like

HealthlineSubscribe

Parenthood

Why Is My Newborn’s Skin Peeling?

Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D. — Written by Valencia Higuera — Updated on July 18, 2025

Why it happens
Skin conditions
Treatments
Takeaway

Before leaving the hospital, or within days of coming home, your newborn’s skin may begin flaking or peeling. This isn’t unusual and can occur on any part of their body, such as the hands, soles of the feet, and ankles.

Peeling skin is natural for newborns. Nearly all newborns experience some flakiness.

A newborn’s appearance — including their skin — can change a lot within the first few weeks of life. Your baby’s hair can change colors, and their complexion may become lighter or darker.

Still, their peeling skin can be concerning. Understanding the cause might ease your worries. Here’s what you need to know about newborn skin peeling, including why it happens and how to protect their delicate skin.

Why does peeling, dry skin occur?

Newborns are born covered in various fluids, such as amniotic fluid, blood, and vernix. Vernix is a thick coating that protects a baby’s skin from amniotic fluid.

A nurse will wipe fluids off a newborn shortly after birth. Once the vernix is gone, your baby will begin to shed the outer layer of their skin within 1 to 3 weeks. The amount of peeling varies and depends on whether your baby was premature, delivered on time, or overdue.

The more vernix a baby has at birth, the less they may peel. Premature babies have more vernix, and they often peel less than a baby born at or after 40 weeks.

In either case, some dryness and peeling after birth are typical. Skin flaking will go away on its own and doesn’t usually require special care.

newborn has dry face, newborn peeling skin, baby's legs with dry skin — Diane Durongpisitkul/Stocksy United

Other factors behind facial peeling

Even though peeling can occur on any part of the body, you might notice more peeling on your baby’s face. This is likely nothing to worry about, and it should go away on its own.

The skin on a baby’s face is sometimes more sensitive than the skin on other body parts, so it’s prone to irritation. Other things can cause dryness on their little faces, too.

Spitting up and drooling can dry out and irritate their skin, as well as exposure to the elements (wind, sun, and cold). These factors, and those that follow, might contribute to extra peeling and flakiness on their face.

If you’re concerned about your baby’s skin, contact their pediatrician. The doctor may refer you to a pediatric dermatologist, who can diagnose potential issues and offer treatment.

Conditions that cause a baby’s skin to peel

Some skin conditions may cause newborn skin to peel. A pediatrician or a pediatric dermatologist can help you identify whether your baby’s peeling skin is typical or a cause for concern.

»FIND CARE:Find a pediatrician in your area today.

Eczema

Sometimes eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can cause peeling and dry skin. Depending on your baby’s skin tone, eczema may cause dry, red, itchy patches. The condition is rare right after birth but may develop later in infancy.

The exact cause of this skin condition is unknown. Several factors can trigger a flare-up, including exposure to irritants such as shampoos and detergents.

Their doctor may also recommend special moisturizing creams, such as Aveeno or Cetaphil baby care products, for eczema.

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis, a genetic condition, can also cause peeling and dryness. Ichthyosis causes scaly, itchy skin and skin shedding.

Your baby’s doctor may diagnose a condition based on your family’s medical history and a physical examination. They may also take a blood or skin sample.

There’s no cure for ichthyosis, but regular creams can relieve dryness and improve the skin’s condition.

Psoriasis

Flaky patches of skin may be a sign of psoriasis. This immune-mediated skin condition leads to overactive skin cell growth that leads to raised, itchy scales on the skin.

Though psoriasis commonly develops between ages 15 and 35 years old, in rare cases, it may occur in infants. It’s worth noting that it’s still very rare.

If your baby has a diaper rash, cradle cap, or yeast infection that doesn’t improve with treatment, see your baby’s doctor. This may be a sign of psoriasis.

There is no cure for psoriasis, but treatments are available to manage the condition.

Treatments for peeling, dry skin

You may worry about your infant’s skin cracking or becoming overly dry in certain areas. Some simple strategies may protect your newborn’s skin and reduce dryness.

Reduce bathtime

Long baths can strip natural oils from the skin. Considering keeping bathtime for newborns to 5 to 10 minutes.

Use lukewarm instead of hot water and only fragrance-free, soap-free cleansers. Regular soap and bubble baths are too harsh for a newborn’s skin.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Because a newborn’s skin is sensitive, avoid harsh chemicals, which can irritate your baby’s skin. Don’t apply perfumes or scented products.

Instead of washing your newborn’s clothes with regular laundry detergent, choose a detergent designed specifically for a baby’s sensitive skin.

Keep your newborn hydrated

Keeping your baby as hydrated as possible also reduces dry skin. Make sure they’re getting enough breastmilk or formula. Babies shouldn’t drink water until 6 months old unless your doctor says otherwise.

Protect your newborn from the sun

Keep your newborn outdoors in the shade, out of direct sunlight. In warm weather, be sure to dress your baby in cool, comfortable cotton clothing. A hat will protect their face, ears, and the back of their neck.

While regularly applying sunscreen is best for children, sunscreen isn’t recommended for regular use in babies under 6 months.

Protect your newborn from cold air

Make sure your newborn’s skin isn’t exposed to the cold or wind when outdoors. Put socks or mittens over their hands and feet. You can also place a blanket over your newborn’s car seat or carrier to protect their face from the wind and cold air.

Use a humidifier

If the air in your home is too dry, a cool-mist humidifier can raise the moisture level. A humidifier helps relieve eczema and dry skin.

The takeaway

You can’t prevent your newborn baby’s skin from peeling. The time it takes to shed the outer layer of skin varies from baby to baby.

If dry skin and flaking don’t improve within a few weeks or worsen, speak with their doctor. If needed, they may refer you to a skin specialist known as a pediatric dermatologist for further evaluation.

Parenthood
Baby

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Baby eczema: Causes, symptoms, treatment and more. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/children/
Can a child have psoriasis? (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/could-have/child-have
Children with psoriasis. (2023).https://www.psoriasis.org/children-with-psoriasis/
Craiglow BG. (2014). Ichthyosis in the newborn.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758581/
Eczema causes and triggers. (2025).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/causes-and-triggers-of-eczema/
How to care for your baby's skin, hair, and nails. (2021).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/baby-care-skin-hair-nails
How to treat eczema in babies. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/treating/treat-babies
Sun safety: Information for parents about sunburn & sunscreen. (2024).https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx
Vernix caseosa. (2023).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559238/
When can babies drink water? (2020).https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/when-can-babies-drink-water

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D. — Written by Valencia Higuera — Updated on July 18, 2025

Health Conditions

Condition Spotlight

Wellness Topics

Product Reviews

Featured Programs

Featured

Lessons

Newsletters

Lifestyle Quizzes

Health News

This Just In

Top Reads

Video Series

Find Your Bezzy Community

Follow us on social media