Breast milk, coconut oil, avoid scrubbing, do not squeeze the bumps, cornstarch, don’t use rough fabric, baby powder, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, neem oil and sandalwood are some of the ways to get rid of baby acne on face.
Baby acne also known as neonatal acne is a skin condition where tiny red or white pustules or bumps develop on a baby’s face or body in the first few weeks after birth. It is a very common skin condition which occurs in about 20% of newborns and will go away on its own without needing treatment. In most of the cases baby acne clears by the time the infant reaches six months old.
Though baby acne is temporary and common, it might sometimes last up to months which can be irritating for the baby’s skin. If you notice that the acne is spreading from face to the other parts of the body, then you should start taking precautions, and in severe conditions consult a doctor.
Baby acne mostly appears on parts of face such as cheeks, forehead and in rare cases nose and chin. The exact cause for this problem has not yet been discovered but some researchers say that exposure to maternal hormones in the womb, certain medications, and pro-biotic imbalance may be the reason behind baby acne.
Just give it some time and the acne should clear itself out naturally, unless you find it discomforting on your baby’s face you may try taking the following precautions which might help reduce the acne as soon as possible.
11 Ways to Get Rid of Baby Acne
Breast Milk
Breast milk contains lauric acid which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics, hence applying it on the affected area is said to treat the acne and help keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth. Dab small amount of breast milk on the inflamed skin using your finger whenever you breastfeed your baby. Continue the process for a few days and you might notice the results.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a tried and true baby acne treatment around the world. This ultra-hydrating oil keeps the baby’s skin moisturized. Most of the doctors also recommend this oil to treat acne. Add few drops of this oil to a cotton ball and dab it on the affected area.
Avoid Scrubbing
Baby acne can cause due to over-active oil-glands rather than dirt, scrubbing the skin will irritate it and cause the glands to produce more oil. So whenever you give your baby a bath or wash their face, instead of scrubbing, pat dry their face or wipe it gently with a soft cloth.
Do Not Squeeze The Bumps
Popping your baby’s zits will only worsen the condition, since doing so is never helpful but almost always harmful. Be patient and wait for the bumps to heal by themselves.
Cornstarch
One of the common kitchen ingredients used in pies and other dishes can be a loyal ally in your battle against acne. It is said to be a good agent which will absorb excess oil from skin. Mix a small amount of cornstarch to warm water and apply it only on the affected area. Wait for a 30 minutes and then wash it off. Don’t scrub or rub the acne. Repeat once a day.
Don’t Use Rough Fabric
Rough and coarse fabrics such as towels, woolen clothes, and washcloths are not meant for your baby’s sensitive skin. The sensitive skin of babies is easily prone to infections, therefore using rough clothes might worsen the condition and spread the acne to other parts of the body. Avoid rough cloths and use soft material like cotton and polyester for your baby.
Baby Powder
Another common thing which can be useful in treating baby acne is baby powder, since we have already discussed using oily lotions may not be a good idea for your baby’s skin. Wash the baby’s face and pat it dry gently using a soft cloth, put some baby powder on your palm and rub it on the baby’s face using your fingertips. Be careful while applying it near nose or eyes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a favorite home remedy for many skin problems, and popular for treating acne. It works as a skin toner and also a probiotic which has helpful bacteria. Take small amounts of water and apple cider vinegar, mix them and dab on the affected area using a cotton ball, wash the baby’s face later and dry pat gently.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is another great natural ingredient which works magic on the skin. It is hence used to treat baby acne. Aloe vera contains antioxidant zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E, it can also aid in blood purification and helps cell growth to heal damaged skin. Peel an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel and boil it in water for 15 minutes. Then strain the solution and let it cool. Using a cotton ball dab it on the affected area and wash it off after a few minutes.
Neem Oil
Neem oil can be used to cure baby acne naturally and fast since it has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal properties. This oil can be used for long term treatment of acne. Mix neem oil with almond oil and dab it on the affected area on the face using a cotton swab. Keep it for 20 minutes and rinse it off and pat dry the skin.
Sandalwood
The anti-inflammatory properties of sandalwood help to treat baby acne. Just dab some sandalwood paste on the affected areas of your baby’s skin keep it for a few minutes then rinse it off. It is also a cooling agent which helps treat acne naturally.
These are some of the natural home remedies and the steps to follow while dealing with baby acne. You need to be careful while using any product on your baby’s face since their skin is super sensitive. Before trying any of the remedies test it on a small area. If you do not see any changes even after taking proper precautions consult a doctor immediately. Nevertheless, baby acne is supposed to heal naturally, so do not worry or panic, just give it some time and be patient.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5135542/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323656.php
- https://theacneproject.com/baby-acne-treatments
