Effects of Topical Oils on Neonatal Skin: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify studies that aimed to determine the effects of topical oils on neonatal skin. DATA SOURCES Authors searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Science Direct databases. STUDY SELECTION The databases were searched for studies published through February 2022 (when the search was conducted) using the keywords “skin”, “neonatal”, “infant”, and “oil”. Fourteen randomized controlled trials that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. DATA EXTRACTION Researchers used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) reporting guidelines to guide this systematic review. Two authors reviewed and evaluated the articles independently. DATA SYNTHESIS The 14 studies included in this review were conducted with a total of 5,683 neonates, most of whom were preterm. The included studies used blended sunflower (n = 8), coconut (n = 5), almond (n = 2), olive (n = 1), mustard (n = 1), and vegetable (n = 1) oils. These studies investigated the effects of topical oils on the skin’s barrier functions and skin integrity. Most studies used noninvasive measurement devices to evaluate the skin’s barrier functions; they used a variety of scoring systems to evaluate skin integrity. Eleven of the studies concluded that the oils used in the skincare of neonates effectively improve the skin condition and barrier functions of the skin. However, three studies found equivocal, negative, or mixed findings. CONCLUSION Although current evidence indicates a potential benefit, more studies with a high level of evidence on the subject are required.