Pimple Remedies for Baby Acne

Pimple Remedies for Baby Acne – Yes, Ugly, But It’ll Soon be a Thing of the Past!

When my younger son was born, he had amazing skin, blemish free and gorgeous. By week 3 his face was covered in baby acne, and it grossed me out. I was at my lowest with too little sleep and too much stress, and just wanted to make it go away so I could feel confident showing off my sweet baby.

Now I commonly have parents ask me what it is and how to get rid of it.

Don’t despair – it is a short phase and then your baby’s gorgeous, smooth skin will be back for you to be jealous of again!

What causes pimples?

We think baby acne stems from mom’s hormones right before birth. Estrogen crosses the placenta, leading to stimulation of the baby’s oil glands. Most babies have red pimples or whiteheads on the cheeks and nose, though some have on the forehead and chin as well.

Baby acne looks most impressive when the baby is fussy, hot, or when the skin is irritated. Moisture, such as from drool or milk, or sweat from a parents chest, can irritate acne.

When Do Babies Have Acne?

Though babies can be born with acne, most don’t develop it till about a month of age. It is usually gone by 3-4 months of age.

Pimple Remedies

Baby acne is a self limited condition and will fade with time, as the hormone levels stabilize. Try to clean with gentle soap and water, though not excessively. Avoid oils and lotions, as this can make it worse. A great simpler home remedy for acne – breast milk can help to dry the acne out if applied a few times a day. Topical steroids are sometimes used in aggressive cases.

Need more info? Read my article on Different Types of Baby Acne and Treatments.

Nutrition is also key, here is useful information on healthy snacks for your child.

Overall, Don’t Despair

Baby acne is a short phase and then your baby’s gorgeous, smooth skin will be back for you to be jealous of again!

Written By: Dr. Dina Kulik, MD, FRCPC, PEM

Dina is a wife, mother of 4, and adrenaline junky. She loves to share children’s health information from her professional and personal experience. More About Dr Dina.

You might also enjoy

10 Most Common Newborn Rashes

When your baby has a rash, it can be pretty scary for parents. We often worry a rash is the sign of something serious, though it rarely is! A newborn’s skin is very delicate and can be unfortunately plagued by a variety of baby rashes. Here are some of the more common childhood rashes..

Your 2-Month Old Baby’s Milestones and Development

Your 2-month old – an exciting milestone in your baby’s life. Your baby’s personality will start to emerge at this stage. Below are some milestones that you can expect to see this month and some tips on how to support the growth of your baby. Your baby is unique, and they may not develop in the same way or as quickly as other babies.

Your 4 Month Old Baby’s Milestones & Development

At age four months old, your baby will be alert and aware of people and surroundings. Your baby has gone through significant developmental milestones and cognitive development, and you can relax and enjoy your baby’s company more than when they were a newborn.

Or click any topic below

The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Do NOT use this Website for medical emergencies.

If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.

Pimple Remedies for Baby Acne