What Causes Baby Acne?

Baby acne is one of those aspects that may come up in the first few weeks or months of your baby’s life. Typically, it may come up 3-4 weeks after birth. It is a harmless and natural phenomenon so no need to become worried.

Baby acne is due to the hormonal changes babies are experiencing after being in the womb. These hormonal changes can stimulate the skin’s oil glands which triggers the breakouts.

Babies still have a large amount of mother’s hormones coursing through their bodies as they adjust. This can cause those pesky red and white bumps to appear. Thankfully, you don’t need to do much about this temporary condition.

That being said, knowledge is power. So let’s check out a quick breakdown of what to know about baby acne.

Baby Acne on Face

Usually you will see acne appear on babies' faces located on their cheeks, chin and foreheads. Although you may also see it appear in other places on the body, such as the chest, scalp, neck, or back. This is benign and will slowly fade out over a few months, sometime around 3-4 months old.

Some leading experts think a mother transferring hormones to their baby triggers newborn acne breakouts. Be mindful during this phase of life.

Be cognizant of the medications you’re taking as a new mom. If you’re breastfeeding, whatever ingredients are associated with the consumed medications can have a direct impact on your baby.  

Stages of Baby Acne

Babies get acne to varying degrees. Some have very little to none, while other infants will have it much heavier. Around 20-40% of newborn babies (or more) get acne in the first few weeks. This is called neonatal acne.

Neonatal acne looks like reddish bumps on a baby’s cheeks, chin and forehead. The condition clears up on its own in most cases. If the condition seems to last several months consult your doctor. They may recommend a medicated baby acne cream or may check hormone levels.

Acne after 3 months is called infantile acne. Infantile acne is rarer and usually causes blackheads and whiteheads. Some experts believe it is thought to be genetic. The best thing to do to help heal it up is to keep affected areas clean and dry.

Babies have very sensitive skin so there is no need to try any over-the-counter face creams or balms. Stay away from oily lotions too as that can make the condition worse.

Baby Acne Treatment

There’s no baby acne treatment per se (because it gets better on its own). But there are steps you can take to care for your baby’s skin. A way to help care for your newborn’s skin is to wash their face daily.

Gently wash with mild soap and warm water to keep clean and pat dry. Don’t pinch or scrub pimples as the irritation can lead to infection.

Another idea to try is to place a clean, soft swaddle blanket under your baby’s head when awake. This can avoid residue on sheets or clothing from laundry detergents from being absorbed by the skin. 

Does Breast Milk Help with Baby Acne?

Mothers want to know how they treat it if their newborn gets baby acne. Luckily, there is one baby acne remedy new moms can try out. If you are breastfeeding, apply a little milk to your baby’s face. It can help soothe their skin (and moisturize it).

Breast milk has amazing antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are wonderful in helping many issues babies have. So give it a try! Remember not to pick at or scrub the baby acne on the face or body.

Be mindful of the products you’re using on your own skin in the early days. These could be part of the reason for breakouts on your baby. Newborn’s pores get clogged more easily. You’ll be in close skin to skin contact often with your baby, especially if you are breastfeeding.

To avoid a cause of baby acne, you may try to cut out inflammatory foods such as refined sugar, dairy and unhealthy fats. Mothers and babies share a lot in the first few months. So be mindful of what goes into (and on) your body!

Baby Acne, Eczema or Heat Rash

While newborn acne is fairly common, there may be other things you should watch out for. Know the differences between acne and rashes. Rashes can be eczema or heat rash for example.

Keep an eye on anything that looks like a rash. Check the severity of by pressing on the rash and seeing if the skin turns white. If it stays red after applying pressure, contact your doctor as it may be a sign of something more serious.

Eczema is different than acne in that it usually develops later (around 6 months). It shows up as dry or flaky scaly patches of skin. It may look red and inflamed or swollen. The difference is usually found in where it develops.

Eczema often will appear on knees and elbows although may overlap with places newborns get acne. If you think your baby’s acne has gotten worse, or you are unsure if it’s something else, contact your pediatrician.

Heat rash is another common ailment to watch out for that may be confused for baby acne. Since babies don’t easily sweat, you often see red bumpy rashes appear in places that may get moist or hot. For example, the creases of elbows, knees or neck. You may also see heat rash on the back or torso. This will fade once the baby has cooled down.

Keep your baby in the shade and do not cover their stroller with a blanket on hot days. This can raise the temperature inside by up to 20 degrees. These tips can help avoid heat rash & heat stroke.

How Long Does Baby Acne Last For?

Seeing your infant’s sweet little chubby face covered with little red spots may cause some worry.  Rest assured, there is nothing to worry about. It will soon pass.

One way you can be open about what’s happening with your baby is by talking to other parents. It may give you needed reassurance knowing other parents once shared your concern. The pesky skin ailment passes quickly.

There’s no need to stress out. Baby acne clears up fairly rapidly on its own. It leaves no scars or marks long term. It’s just one of those parts of baby growth and development. Before you know it, they’ll be back to having perfectly soft skin in no time!