Objective: Recognizing the state of art regarding care for the skin of newborns. Method: It is an integrative literature review. The search for studies was performed in the Medline, Lilacs and BDENF databases, and 18 studies published between 2009 and 2013 were selected. Results: It indicated a variety of orientations, which may be used by health professionals in the care for the skin of newborns. The most frequently addressed topics were: causes for lesions, nursing care in the prevention of lesions, appropriate handling of the newborn infant, assessment of the skin, prevention of transepidermal water loss, body temperature regulation, use of emollients and antiseptics, bath, dressings, fixation of devices, prevention of pressure ulcers, care measures toward punctures and treatment of lesions. Conclusion: The study allowed updating the subject, enabling a humanized, individualized and qualified care that ensures the safety of the neonatal patient.