Baby acne is a temporary skin condition normally present in newborn babies, especially when seen at 2 to 3 weeks of age. Infantile acne generally affects 20-40 percent of newborns.
This is a common skin issue that may bring panic to new or unfamiliar mothers. The sight of acne does no favor to the appearance of the babies either, but experts believe that genes play a role.
Some studies show that it is linked to the mother’s hormones that babies receive during the third trimester. It is also possible that certain medications, whether taken by the nursing mother or the baby, may trigger these skin conditions.
Skin care products that are greasy can also clog the baby’s pores, and may trigger inflammation, so using lotions on acne-prone skin should be avoided.
Rough fabrics, strong detergents, saliva, and milk spots that lingered too long on the face may trigger irritations on the already-sensitive skin.
In most cases, this type of acne disappears on its own with time, but this article has some tips on how you can reduce or get rid of this skin problem. Read on ahead to learn some of the best counter acne treatments.
Some Insight on Baby Acne
It is a common type of acne found almost all over babies bodies such as the face where it may be localized to cheeks and the chin, forehead and neck. This happens when dead cells and impurities accumulate in the pockets of skin, causing acne which looks like a heat rash.
If you try to fix it without having it diagnosed properly, you may make the acne worse. The patches of skin which are affected may lead to additional skin irritation if not dealt with correctly.
Adult acne is very different from infantile acne, so this will require skin care restrictions owing to the delicacy of the skin.
Natural, plant-based, and gentle ingredients should be prioritized.
Types of soaps should be limited to some sort of a gentle soap for cleaning the baby’s skin to keep the acne under control; a mild soap or soap-free cleanser even is good for the over-sensitive skin.
Consult a doctor about a prescription for any over-the-counter medication which you want to try to treat the soft skin; never risk self-medication. To learn quick baby acne remedies, read ahead.
Let Time Heal
Infantile acne is a temporary skin condition commonly present among babies for which the best, and safest, treatment is time because it is very common for the acne to disappear within a week of an infant’s birth.
It goes away on its own (in most cases) without any treatment. You may bring your baby to a trusted pediatrician in the event that the acne has lingered for too long or has become severe.
The doctor should be able to provide remedies that can solve the skin problem. After all, baby skin care isn’t as tough as adult skin care.
Also keep in mind to fight the temptation of popping a pesky pimple; this would break skin to allow a swarm of bacterial infections and, not to mention, scars.
Apply Coconut Oil
Many mothers swear by coconut oil for baby acne treatment. It is known for its moisturizing properties, but make sure to use the unrefined and organic coconut oil. You can easily apply this on the inflamed skin by rubbing a small amount a few times a day.
Coconut oils that are 100 percent natural are free from chemicals which is why many mothers have reported seeing improvements on their baby’s skin after a few applications. It is recommended to incorporate this ingredient in a baby’s skin care habits.
This is a better alternative for a lotion or a cream, because you can’t be sure of what the ingredients will do to babies with acne. Only products with natural ingredients should be used.
Apply Cornstarch
Cornstarch can help solve your baby’s acne problem. Simply mix this ingredient with a small amount of water before applying on your baby’s flaky skin.
Cornstarch can dry the acne, and many believe that this is the reason why it helps combat skin irritations, as well as newborn acne.
Apply the mixture thinly on your child’s skin, leave it for an hour, and then wash off with warm water. Since the ingredients are known to lead towards dry skin, it is recommended that you only do this once a day.
Try breast milk
The power of breast milk has always been helpful in child growth. It is one of the most natural and safe ways to treat infant acne. You can do this by soaking a cotton pad in your breast milk.
Wipe the soaked cotton pad gently over the baby skin breakouts a few times daily. Many mothers have reported the significant improvements seen on their baby’s skin after using this remedy.
Try Baking Soda
Baking soda is a well-known household cleaning agent, but it can also help treat skin issues such as acne breakouts.
This ingredient is said to have the ability to absorb the excess oil, thereby removing the bacteria trapped in the pores. Keeping the baby’s skin in mind, however, you will want to dilute the baking soda into 10 parts water before applying over affected areas, because you wouldn’t want to over burden the baby’s skin.
Use Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy food that does wonders to the skin, as well. Its moisturizing properties can soothe irritated skin.
This home remedy, however, should not come in contact with the eyes as it may cause irritation such as stings when it gets into the eyes.
It is best used on baby acne found on other body parts besides the face, as well as rashes. In addition, make sure that the baby is secured and will not move during application.
Try Baby Powder
Talcum powder can be used to treat baby acne and diaper rash because of its ability to dry out the surface of the skin without clogging the pores.
Check the product to know whether or not it contains drying ingredients such as cornstarch or talc.
To use it on your baby’s tender skin, simply clean and dry the affected areas first before sprinkling some baby powder on your hand and rubbing it gently on the face. Keeping the skin clean is detrimental.
You can repeat the process after bath time until the acne subsides and disappears. Use the powder with caution because it can harm the baby’s health when inhaled. Be careful whilst applying the powder around the nose area.
Use Honey and Lemon
Lemon and honey have anti-inflammatory properties that are effective and relatively safe in treating newborn acne.
Simply mix a teaspoon of each, and then dip a cotton swab in the mixture. Apply the soaked cotton over the affected bumps, and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing off with warm water and then pat dry.
Use Water
Water is the fastest and most natural way of fighting baby acne. Give the baby a bath every other day with mild soap, and only use a water-soaked washcloth to clean the body.
This process will also wash away the dead skin cells which accumulate in the skin pores and cause those pesky white bumps.
It is also best to stop the use of fabric conditioners and use the most organic laundry detergent available for washing the baby’s clothes.
Sometimes, taking away anything with chemicals can already help improve this common skin condition. You should start seeing improvements in the neonatal acne after some time.
Apply Vinegar (Diluted!)
Vinegar is another treatment option that you can easily find in your kitchen. It works great in absorbing the excess oil and it also contains antibacterial properties. Dilute a small amount of vinegar into 10 parts of water.
Dip a clean cotton in the solution and gently apply on the affected areas. Allow it to set for over a minute before washing off with warm water and mild baby soap.
Never apply undiluted vinegar on the skin to prevent further irritation. You can also use vinegar to treat diaper rash.
Change Your Diet
Sometimes, over the counter medications to treat baby acne can be ignored, especially if nursing moms consider changing their diet to help clear up the baby’s acne. Some women drink dandelion tea to help fix their baby’s skin condition.
Others have said that by cutting dairy or sugar out of their diet, they have seen improvements in this newborn skin condition.
It is also thought that consuming citrus fruits can cause acne. So a better diet will help in keeping the baby’s skin healthy.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of the best home remedies to treat your baby’s acne. While time can heal the flare-ups, it is understandable when a mother becomes too bothered about the unpleasant sight.
It is recommended that you bring your baby to a pediatrician to have the skin checked just to put aside the suspicion of any allergic reaction, inflammatory reaction or skin infection such as eczema, especially when the acne fails to subside in a few weeks or has become severe.
A trip to the doctor should become a priority when the acne is persistent up to six weeks of age.
Also read: Best Potassium Supplement
