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Infants have smooth skin, right? After all, the phrase “baby soft” had to come from somewhere. Well, not necessarily. Acne is actually common in newborns, and often starts soon after they’re born.
As mom Claire Swinarski told Mom.com, seeing little pimples on a baby’s face can be quite a surprise. “I thought we weren’t washing his face well enough, but it turns out that’s perfectly normal.”
So, take a deep breath, cuddle your little one, and read on to get the whole story about baby acne.
Neonatal acne
Natural remedies
Worried about your baby’s skin, but just as worried about using chemicals on it? Try one of these natural remedies for baby acne. (Just make sure to run it by your pediatrician first.)
- Calendula oil: This essential oil comes from marigold flowers, and is full of great properties: It’s antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. In addition to soothing your baby’s skin, the antibacterial properties can also help prevent any infections.
- Apple cider vinegar: Simply stir apple cider vinegar into equal parts water, and dab onto your baby’s acne. More than one mom swears by it!
- Witch hazel: Inflammation is a big part of the problem when it comes to baby acne, so diluted witch hazel can be helpful. Definitely make sure you talk to your pediatrician before using it. If you get the go-ahead, mix the solution with water and use a cotton ball to put it wherever there’s a problem. Avoid getting it on any other areas of your baby’s skin.
- Cornstarch: Mixing cornstarch and water can dry out baby acne, which will help it clear up more quickly. It’s important to make sure that your baby’s acne isn’t related to dry skin if you’re using this method, though, as it can further irritate that particular issue.
- Organic detergent: Sometimes, a baby’s skin can be irritated by the laundry detergent you use. If this is the case for your little one, look for a gentle organic detergent that doesn’t have dyes or other harsh chemicals.
