Baby acne : Why do infants get acne and what to do about it

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Baby Acne : Why does an infant get acne and how to treat baby acne

When most people think of babies they picture a glowing little pink facet radiating cuteness. But few associate acne with babies. But in reality, many babies do have infant acne that may appear when the baby is around three or four weeks old. And this condition is also fairly common in newborn babies.

Most new parents may be a little disappointed at the sight of acne on their baby’s beautiful little face but the good news is that infant acne is temporary and does not usually need any treatment at all. Although baby acne does not usually need treatment, it also may not disappear totally all at once. Many parents may expect to see acne appearing on and off during their baby’s first six months.

Why does infant acne occur ?

Infant acne occurs when the mother's hormones cross into the baby through the placenta. Now, these hormones do a lot of good to the child - they stimulate the skin, oil glands and possibly a lot more. But these also result in acne in the baby.

Acne in the infant is an indication of the hormones in the baby's body. And it also means that the baby is eliminating hormones that are not necessary out of the system.

The baby’s skin is now going through what a pediatrician would call an “awakening” and it occurs as the baby cleanses itself of all the unwanted elements. Sometimes it is these unwanted elements that emerge as infant acne. This is just a natural process and babies go through. And there maybe really nothing that can be done to stop infant acne.

And there may be no way to treat it, either. Parents may make this condition worse by washing their baby’s face very frequently ... but too much washing can actually make acne in the infant inflamed.

Other things that factor into the baby breakouts include detergents, milk and spit-up. Even the baby’s favorite blanket can contribute to infant acne.

This may seem a little disheartening, especially for parents who are attached to a camera at all times waiting for that special moment that desperately needs to be captured on film for all eternity. During the first six months, parents can expect to capture infant acne along with the precious smile. Not to worry, though. The smile will make the insignificant little bumps seem to disappear.