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vernix

Vernix, or vernix caseosa, is a cheesy substance covering the newborn, especially if born before a full 40 weeks gestation. It is mainly comprised of sebum¹, the oily material secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin. It has recently been shown to contain certain peptides (short chains of amino acids) that have antibacterial activity - natural antibiotics.² It is ordinarily removed at Baby's first bath; some people advocate leaving it on the skin until it flakes off of its own accord. I doubt it matters.

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