The skin of a newborn has a sensitive skin barrier relative to an older child and an adult. Newborn's skin, for example, is extremely vulnerable to damage by environmental agents such as harsh detergents, some topical oils, and other irritant chemicals. Evolving perspectives on barrier dysfunction in newborn babies has led to the idea that there may be a window of opportunity in the first few months of a newborn's life to change the environmental agents that their skin is exposed to in order to maximize skin health. These environmental changes could involve the use of optimally formulated wash products and emollients, as well as the removal of all other irritant substances that could damage the skin barrier. Further research is required to identify skincare practices that are harmful and those that are positive, and to ultimately ascertain what the optimum skincare routine should be.