A–Z Glossary

Physiologic desquamation

Physiologic desquamation is the normal shedding of superficial epidermal cells as newborn skin adapts after birth.

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Peeling Newborn Skin: What Is Normal

Peeling Newborn Skin: What Is Normal

Why Newborn Skin Peels Peeling is usually a form of physiologic desquamation, meaning that superficial epidermal cells are shedding as the skin adapts after birth. Before delivery, the fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid and protected partly by vernix caseosa, a white, waxy substance made of water, lipids, and shed skin cells. After birth, vernix […]