Baby Acne Basics: Caring For Your Newborn’s Skin

Pregnancy and postpartum hormones might be doing a number on your normally-clear complexion - but you might also notice pesky red bumps and blotches all over your new baby’s face and even other parts of his body! Although it can be frustrating to see, baby acne is very common and harmless, and usually clears up all on its own. Don’t fret - your adorable newborn will be picture-perfect again within a matter of months. 

About 1 in 5 babies experience baby acne in the first three months after birth. Baby acne is most likely caused by hormonal fluctuations in your baby after delivery. The mother’s hormones might play a role in stimulating her baby’s oil glands, but those little bumps can also be a sort of inflammatory reaction on your baby’s skin. At the end of pregnancy, a mother’s hormones cross the placenta into your baby’s system and might cause baby’s oil glands to become overactive. In addition, yeast might play a part in your newborn pesky breakouts, causing inflammation on the skin. Thankfully, aside from showing up in your newborn pictures, baby acne doesn’t signal any lifelong health issues and usually clears up on its own by the time your baby is out of the “fourth trimester.” 

Getting rid of baby acne can be tricky. Your baby’s skin is extra-sensitive to fragrances, dyes, and temperature, so use caution when treating newborn breakouts. Since baby acne doesn’t hurt or itch, you might as well choose to leave it alone and let it resolve as your baby grows and matures. 

However, if your baby’s acne really bothers you, here are a few things you can try:

1. Be gentle. 

Don’t scrub your baby‘s sensitive skin. Use a soft wash cloth or just gently pour water over your baby’s face and body during bath time. Avoid using your nails to harshly pick at your baby’s tiny pimples, as this might make it worse and open your baby up to infection. 

2. Keep it clean. 

Keep your baby’s face clean and dry at all times, if possible. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap on your baby‘s face and body during bathing, and be sure to moisturize with a lotion made for your baby‘s sensitive skin. Gently wipe off milk, sweat, drool, and spit-up throughout the day to ensure your baby’s skin stays dry. 

3. Keep the air moist.

Baby acne can become more severe during harsh, dry weather conditions. Using a humidifier in your baby’s room might help improve your baby’s skin as it releases moisture into the air. 

4. Try a natural remedy (or two).

Treating your baby’s unique skin can be a lot of trial-and-error. Always check with your child’s pediatrician before trying a new skincare routine. 

Using a little coconut oil on your baby’s face can help keep it clean and moisturized, preventing the spread of baby acne. Some mothers swear by using breast milk to treat newborn acne as well. Science shows that breastmilk contains antibodies and antimicrobial properties that might help ward off frustrating skin breakouts. A few drops of breastmilk or a dab of coconut oil on a cotton ball, spread over your baby’s face daily, might just help clear up those little bumps. 

When you wash your baby’s face, be sure to use the KeaBabies Baby Bamboo Washcloths. We know your sweet baby’s skin is delicate and deserves only the best quality materials to prevent irritation and dryness. Made from luxurious bamboo fibers, these washcloths are super soft to the touch and gentle on your little one’s sensitive skin. The bamboo fabric is thick and sturdy, unlike regular cotton or muslin washcloths, so they won’t fall apart or fray over time. Using soft washcloths on your newborn’s face can prevent the spread of baby acne and avoid causing further redness and irritation. 

Breastfeeding mothers might also try adjusting their diet to treat their newborn’s acne. The most common culprits are dairy and citrus foods, although there isn’t a lot of research that proves that a mother’s diet is responsible for her baby’s breakouts. 

Baby acne usually clears up within the first three months, so if none of these remedies work, don’t fret. Your baby’s face will be spotless in no time! You can help prevent further acne patches by using fragrance free soap and lotion, bathing your baby regularly, and patting your baby’s skin instead of scrubbing or picking at it. 

Does your baby need to see a pediatrician? Mostly likely no. However, if your baby’s acne seems painful or severe, it’s best to consult a pediatrician for advice. Certain skincare products can be used safely on babies with severe acne, but only under the guidance of a doctor. 

Caring for your newborn’s skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember, always use pure, gentle products like unscented soap and the ultra-soft KeaBabies Washcloths on your little one’s sensitive skin!

Do remember to follow us on Instagram @keababies and join our loving and supportive KeaCommunity Facebook Group!

Parenting is awesome. Sleep is overrated. Every day is an adventure.