How to Treat Newborn Acne
Newborn acne is a common condition, usually caused by the mother's hormones. It looks like small red bumps on the face, back, chest and neck. It can appear anytime from birth to about six months and almost always clears up on its own. It's not painful for your baby and isn't caused by anything you've done wrong. There are some things you can do to help clear your baby's skin and prevent additional breakouts.
Instructions
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Keep your baby's face clean and dry. Constant moisture from drool or spit up can prolong baby acne. Keeping her skin free of excess moisture will help clear things up.
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Wash your baby's face daily. Use a gently baby soap and wash his face once a day. Repeated washing will dry out your baby's skin and make the problem worse.
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Change your laundry detergent. Use a detergent designed for sensitive baby skin on your baby's clothes and your own. When you hold your baby, her face is pressed up against your clothes, exposing it to chemicals in your laundry detergent. Wash the baby's bedding and blankets in chemical-free detergent as well.
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Avoid baby lotion or baby oil. Applying this to your baby's face will prolong acne and make it worse. If your baby's skin is overly dry, use a light moisturizer once a day. Don't continually slather your baby's skin in products.
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Avoid concealers and baby make-up on family picture day. This does nothing but make newborn acne worse. Ask the photographer to use soft, diffused lighting and to digitally edit the photos to make the acne less noticeable.
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Have patience. Newborn acne is not likely bothering your baby and almost always clears up on its own.
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Tips & Warnings
If your baby's acne gets worse, develops into a more sever looking rash or doesn't start to clear up in a few weeks, consult your doctor, midwife or healing practitioner.
Cleanse gently. Never scrub a baby's face, and never use adult acne products on a baby's skin.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1129588
