Kenvue, the world’s largest consumer health company by revenue, recently partnered with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Delhi to host ‘Oat Nature Lab’—a scientific immersion event focused on raising awareness about sensitive skin conditions in children and highlighting the effectiveness of colloidal oat-based skincare in managing these issues.
Sensitive skin conditions like Atopic Dermatitis (AD), eczema, xerosis, and diaper dermatitis are increasingly common, with AD affecting children at twice the rate of adults worldwide. In India, the prevalence of these conditions has surged over the past decade due to factors such as urbanization, pollution, and changing climate patterns, including rising temperature and humidity. A recent consensus by Indian experts and the IAP indicates that 20-39% of Indian children now suffer from AD.
Currently, around 30% of children visiting pediatric outpatient departments present with dermatological problems, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and better management of AD in young patients. However, skincare for newborns and children often receives insufficient attention, impacting not only the child’s well-being but also family quality of life.
The ‘Oat Nature Lab’ event brought together India’s top pediatricians, dermatologists, and healthcare professionals to share the latest scientific research, clinical experiences, and evidence-based practices in pediatric skincare. The focus was on the proven benefits of colloidal oatmeal in treating sensitive skin conditions in children.
Experts expressed growing confidence in colloidal oat-based emollients, noting their ability to provide relief, repair the skin barrier, and maintain moisturization in sensitive skin. They stressed the need for comprehensive solutions tailored to each child’s sensitivity, including selecting appropriate ingredients and formulations.
Dr. Pankaj Garg, President of IAP Delhi, emphasized the critical need for awareness among pediatricians and parents. “With the rise in pediatric sensitive skin conditions, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics has established standardized guidelines focusing on gentle care, avoiding irritants, and the regular use of emollients containing ceramides, lipids, and natural colloidal oatmeal. These are key in managing sensitive skin in children. We commend Kenvue for their ongoing efforts to advance science and education in skin health for kids.”
During the event, pediatrician Dr. Arun Wadhwa and dermatologist Dr. Sheilly Kapoor shared case studies illustrating the practical challenges of treating sensitive skin and the benefits of emollient therapy, which can reduce reliance on steroids and improve babies’ quality of life.
The session was moderated by Dr. A.R. Somashekar and featured insights from dermatologists Dr. Sanjiv Kandhari and Dr. Sheilly Kapoor, along with pediatric allergist Dr. Neeraj Gupta, who discussed best practices for incorporating colloidal oat into daily pediatric skincare routines both in clinics and at home.
Earlier this year, Kenvue India introduced India’s first standardized consensus recommendations on colloidal oat-based skincare for managing children’s sensitive skin. Developed with IAP expert input, the guidelines highlight how moisturizers containing colloidal oatmeal hydrate skin effectively, help repair the skin barrier, and provide relief from various sensitive skin conditions. Regular use can also reduce flare-ups and minimize corticosteroid use, particularly for children with AD.
Mr. Manoj Gadgil, Vice President Marketing, Business Unit Essential Health and Skin Health at Kenvue, stated, “Kenvue is dedicated to everyday care, especially for babies whose sensitive skin conditions profoundly affect their and their families’ well-being. Despite this, awareness remains limited. Aveeno Baby has long championed education about sensitive skin. ‘Oat Nature Lab,’ a global first-of-its-kind scientific immersion on oat efficacy, is a major step toward increasing awareness and delivering clinically proven, science-backed solutions to healthcare experts and parents.”
Dr. Dilip Tripathi, Regional Head of Baby & Women’s Health R&D at Kenvue, added, “For generations, Kenvue has advanced colloidal oatmeal science to help restore, nourish, and protect babies’ skin. Unlike many ingredients that only moisturize, oats relieve dry, itchy skin and help restore the skin’s natural ceramide balance and microbiome. We remain committed to partnering with pediatricians and dermatologists to raise awareness and provide innovative solutions to improve children’s skin health outcomes.”
The ‘Oat Nature Lab’ experience was also shared with mothers, who engaged with Aveeno Baby’s legacy, learned about the Triple Oat Complex, participated in DIY product workshops, and discovered the superiority of oat-based formulations in caring for their babies’ sensitive skin.
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