Baby acne: Causes, treatment, and how long it lasts

You can’t get enough of that sweet little face gazing up at you, until you spot a few tiny red bumps on those soft baby cheeks. Don’t worry, it’s likely baby acne, a common, harmless condition that many newborns experience.

It might look alarming, but pimples on your baby’s delicate skin are usually nothing to stress about and they tend to clear up on their own.

In this guide, we’ll cover what causes baby acne, how it differs from a baby rash or baby eczema, how to care for your baby’s skin, and when it’s time to check in with your pediatrician. Plus, we’ve got insights from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman, to help you navigate this stage with confidence.

What causes baby acne?

Baby acne, also known as neonatal acne, typically appears within the first few weeks after birth. 

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but several factors may contribute:

• Maternal hormones: Hormones passed from mother to baby during pregnancy can stimulate the baby’s oil glands, leading to acne.
• Skin irritants: Saliva, spit-up milk, or rough fabrics can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.
• Yeast: A yeast called Malassezia, commonly found on the skin, might play a role in some cases.
  

It’s important to note that baby acne isn’t caused by poor hygiene or allergies. It’s also not caused by breast milk touching your baby’s skin. That’s a common myth, and we’ve broken down why breast milk gets blamed for baby acne.

What does baby acne look like?

Baby acne most commonly appears on the face, especially the cheeks, forehead, and chin, though it can occasionally show up on the neck, chest, or upper back too. It presents as small red or white bumps and may become more noticeable when your baby is fussy or warm.

While it might be tempting to treat these spots, it’s best to let them be. Baby acne is usually painless and doesn’t bother your little one.

Baby acne vs. rash vs. eczema

Baby acne is easy to mix up with other newborn skin conditions, since several of them show up on your baby’s chubby cheeks.

How to tell them apart

• Baby acne shows up as small bumps that aren’t itchy and don’t bother your baby much. 
• A heat rash or diaper rash tends to look like flat red patches in areas where skin rubs together or overheats, like neck folds or the diaper area, and can be uncomfortable. 
• Roseola rash and other viral rashes usually come with a fever first and spread across the body. 
• Eczema looks different with dry, rough, red patches that are genuinely itchy, often starting on the face and scalp before moving to the elbows and knees as your baby grows.

Baby acne vs. rash vs. eczema

If your baby’s bumps look dry and itchy rather than small and bump-like, our guide to baby eczema walks through the signs, triggers, and how to soothe a flare-up.

Baby acne treatment

In most cases, baby acne doesn’t require any treatment and will clear up on its own.

Gentle skincare that can help with baby acne:

• Cleanse gently: Wash your baby’s face with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser once daily..
• Avoid scrubbing: Pat the skin dry gently; don’t scrub or pick at the acne.
• Skip lotions, oils, and baby acne products: These are too harsh for delicate newborn skin and can irritate it further.

Dr. Kopelman adds: I always emphasize to parents not to apply over-the-counter acne treatments designed for teens or adults to their baby’s skin without professional guidance—it can cause irritation or even chemical burns.

When does baby acne go away?

Baby acne typically resolves on its own within a few weeks to a few months. Most cases clear up by the time your baby is 3 to 6 months old.

Newborn acne vs. infantile acne

• Newborn acne: Appears within the first few weeks and usually clears up by 6 to 8 weeks.
• Infantile acne: Occurs after 6 weeks of age and may last longer, sometimes requiring treatment.

If your baby’s acne persists beyond 6 months or worsens, consult a pediatrician or dermatologist.

When to call your pediatrician

Cradlewise Tip: Keep a small log of when the bumps seem worse, like after a warm bath or a fussy stretch. It can help you describe what you’re seeing if you do call your pediatrician.

How to help baby acne

Here are some gentle ways to care for your baby’s skin:

• Use soft fabrics: Dress your baby in breathable, soft clothing to reduce irritation.
• Keep the face clean: Gently wipe away drool or spit-up to prevent skin irritation.
• Avoid overheating: Keep your baby’s environment cool to minimize sweating.

Remember, your baby’s skin is sensitive, and less is often more when it comes to skincare.

Conclusion

Baby acne is a normal part of many infants’ early development. While it may be concerning to see blemishes on your newborn’s face, remember that this condition is temporary and typically resolves without treatment. 

Knowing how it differs from a rash or eczema can help you understand and feel confident about what is going on with your baby. 

By maintaining gentle skincare practices and monitoring your baby’s skin, you can ensure their comfort and health. If you have any concerns or notice unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.

Meet the expert

Dr. Hannah Kopelman is a board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery. She holds dual fellowship training from Columbia University and Boston University, specializing in cutaneous oncology and hair loss. Beyond the clinic, Dr. Kopelman hosts The Derm Club podcast, a weekly show where she sits down with top dermatologists to discuss new advancements and personal perspectives across the field of dermatology.

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Sources:

1. Malassezia. Pediatric Dermatology. Neonatal and Infantile Acne Vulgaris: An Update. 
2. Baby acne affects about 20% of newborns. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 2023. Is that acne on my baby’s face?