Everything You Need to Know About Baby Acne

Bumps, pimples, rashes, and other blemishes are part of life, even for babies. But it’s normal for new parents to wonder what to do about them and when to see the doctor. Columbia Pediatrician Katie Keown, MD, MPH, answers common questions about baby acne, its causes, and the best things to do if it develops.

What is baby acne?

There are two main types of baby acne.

Newborn (a.k.a neonatal) acne is a harmless, bumpy rash that appears on newborns. Usually, it:

• Is present at birth or appears within the first three weeks of life
• Can be worrisome for parents but typically does not bother the baby
• Goes away without scarring.

Infantile acne appears later in life. Typically, it:

• Begins between three and six months of age
• Can be caused by irritants like skin products or skin conditions like eczema or infection

If your baby develops acne after six weeks old or if a rash starts after taking a new medicine, using a new product, or having an illness, let your baby’s doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider know.

What does baby acne look like?

Newborn acne looks like other acne: small red bumps, small pustules (bumps filled with white material), or clogged pores.

Baby acne often affects the face, back, scalp, chest, and neck, but it is most commonly found on the cheeks, nose, and forehead.

Are all red bumps on a newborn baby acne?

No. Babies also get newborn rashes. The good news is most are not dangerous, but if your baby has a rash, it is best to talk to your baby’s healthcare provider.

Why do babies get acne?

Doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes baby acne. It could be related to the mom’s hormones that impacted the baby during pregnancy, or it could be caused by yeast commonly found on the skin.

How long does baby acne last?

Baby acne typically goes away on its own in a few weeks or months.

Is baby acne a sign that the child will have teenage or adult acne?

No. Baby acne is not caused by the same factors that cause adolescent and adult acne. Having baby acne is not necessarily associated with having acne as a teenager or adult.

Is baby acne a sign of bathing too much or too little?

No. Baby acne has nothing to do with how often the baby is bathed. You should wash your baby’s skin with warm water and a mild, non-scented baby soap. You can do this daily after the umbilical stump has fallen off. Until then, it is best to give your baby a sponge bath with warm water and mild soap when they are messy.

Is it true that you shouldn't bathe a baby after a feeding?

No. There is no proof bathing a baby after feeding leads to baby acne. If your baby has milk on the face, wiping it away with warm water is a good idea. You may also use a mild, non-scented baby soap.

How do you wash a baby’s face?

If your baby’s face has excess spit-up, tearing, or other material, use a soft cloth with warm water and mild, non-scented baby soap.

Certain products and materials might cause a rash on a baby. If you notice that a new product has caused irritation, it is best to stop using that product or to avoid that material and talk with your healthcare provider.

How do you get rid of baby acne?

There isn’t anything you can do to get rid of baby acne. The good news is it will go away on its own with time, and newborn acne will not leave a scar.

Does formula or breast milk help baby acne?

No, but breast milk has many amazing properties!

Many families feel that breast milk on the skin helps the baby, but it hasn’t been proven to help get rid of baby acne. It’s generally safe to apply breast milk to a baby’s skin, but if this irritates your baby’s skin, it is best to stop and talk with your baby’s healthcare provider.

Does coconut oil help baby acne?

No. Coconut oil has not been proven to help with baby acne.

Can you pop baby acne?

No. It is not recommended to “pop” or “squeeze” any bump on a baby’s skin. This could lead to problems, including infection. If you have concerns about a worsening rash on your baby’s body, talk with your healthcare provider.

Can you kiss a baby who has acne? It’s a common internet search question.

Yes! You can kiss a baby with acne. Kissing or touching the baby will not cause the baby a skin problem, and you will not get acne from kissing or touching the baby.

That said, avoid exposing babies to viruses that can spread through coughing and sneezing. They struggle to fight off colds and other illnesses. Encourage older brothers, sisters, and cousins to touch and kiss a newborn’s feet, rather than their face, until the baby is older and stronger.