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What Is Baby Acne

Baby acne or rash is a common condition in the newborns marked by the tiny red bumps on the cheeks, forehead and nose. These bumps could also be white in colour and usually develop within the first month after the birth. However, do not confuse baby acne with milia as these are just white bumps around the nose, chin and cheeks. Baby acne usually lasts between 6 months and 1 year but in the rarest of the cases, it can even last till the teenage years of the child.

What Causes Baby Acne

There have been various research and studies conducted around the causes of baby acne. However, most of the studies conclude that it is caused by the hormone imbalance, in this case that of the mother. The hormones of a mother do circulate within the bloodstream of the baby after the pregnancy. These hormones invigorate the otherwise subtle oil producing glands of the baby thereby causing pimples appearing on the forehead, chin and cheek of the baby. You might also notice these pimples on the forehead, eyelids, head, neck and upper chest in some babies. That said there are several natural remedies that new parents can try to get rid of these baby acne before heading to the doctor.

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Baby Acne

Here are some effective Baby acne treatment home remedies that we are sharing with you for the best results and quick heal.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is full of soothing and beneficial ingredients for the skin of a baby. It is recommended as one of the safest oils that can be used for massaging the babies. Just a few drops of unrefined or extra virgin coconut oil works effectively is massaging the skin of the baby and reducing the acne. The skin of babies is soft and therefore it is important to ensure that the product used is not harsh. Take a few drops of coconut oil and apply on the baby's skin 3-4 times in a day for the best results. Coconut oil is also recognised as an amazingly effective treatment for baby eczema or other mild skin conditions. This magical oil has the natural germ-killing properties and known to be amazingly effective on flaking and dry skin. Moreover, the oil prevents the skin of the babies against dryness and is effective in curing the minor infections.

Sunflower Seed Oil

Yet another easy to get and super effective natural oil, sunflower seed oil is perfect remedy for getting rid of baby acne and eczema just like coconut oil. There have been a range of studies conducted showing that sunflower seed can effectively increase the skin barrier function and help in healing the skin. The anti-bacterial properties of sunflower seed oil effectively works even on the skin of the babies and is completely harmful. The antioxidant properties of the sunflower are also beneficial for the babies as well as the adults with regular use. However, do make sure that you are aware, if your baby is prone to allergies because sunflower oil unlike coconut oil might not suit all skin types. Furthermore, make sure that the oil does not go around or in the eyes of the baby as it might cause burning effect.

Use Diluted, Alcohol-free Witch Hazel

Mostly used for making the wipes and cleanser for the babies, witch hazel also works wonderfully for healing babies acne. Witch hazel is widely known for its natural astringent properties and the organic, alcohol free witch hazel is safe for using on the skin of baby. However, make sure that you are using the unscented and alcohol-free witch hazel and therefore getting it from the reputed brand is always a good option. Apply the diluted witch hazel with the help of a cotton ball gently on the skin of the baby once a day. Also ensure that you wash the face clean after using the astringent and pat it dry. Apply natural moisturiser if the skin feels very dry thereafter.

Vitamin B12

Known for its magical properties, vitamin B12 is one of the most recommended remedies to get rid of baby acne. Not only is it important in diet but using it on skin also ensures that the skin does not get dry and flaky. Until now, if you have heard of the significance of B12 rich diet and the supplements for the adults, it is time to recognise and appreciate its benefits for reducing baby skin issues such as acne and eczema. There has been a host of studies stating that B12 lowers the production of nitric oxide and therefore reduces the symptoms of baby acne. Just ensure that you have consulted your paediatrician before using B12 on the baby skin. Doctors would tell you the right way of using vitamin B12 on the baby skin in order to get rid of the acne problem once and for all.

Honey and Lemon

Well, we all know the immense benefit of Lemon and honey in our lives. But hold on, it is not just the effect on your body that honey and lemon water shows but the benefits of these ingredients go a long way. Just like adults can put the mixture of honey and lemon on their skin so can the babies. Best part of this mixture is that it works even on the delicate skin such as that of a baby. However, do not overdo the dose of lemon in the mixture as it might cause itching on the baby skin. Take appropriate portion of both honey and lemon and apply on the affected area. Since, baby skin is more delicate, wash it off after 15 minutes and put a baby moisturiser after that to prevent any dryness. Use honey and lemon mixture once a day and see the results.

Probiotics for Mom and Baby

Probiotics are especially important for baby’s health in the longer run. Moreover, probiotics in supplement or food form is good for the baby health and helps in reducing the baby acne. You can find baby probiotics over the counter or just consult your doctor on which is the best probiotic out there. There have been various studies suggesting that babies' skin suffer from issues such as eczema, acne etc because of the imbalance caused due to gut flora. Moreover, digestive issues are one of the most well known factor that cause acne issues whether in the babies or the adults. Probiotics are known for their effectiveness towards improving the digestive system and therefore resolving the baby acne issue from within.

Breast Milk

Across the world, mother’s milk is touted as elixir for the baby initially in three months. It is because breast milk has lauric acid which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from feeding the newborn, you can also take a couple of drops on the cotton and wipe it over acne leaving it to dry. Thereafter wash the face of the baby gently and see baby acne getting lighter and finally disappear after a few days.

Moisturiser

There are several brands offering an entire range of skin care products for the babies. These formulations are made specifically for the soft skin of the babies and is therefore safe to apply on a daily basis. While appropriate moisturiser is good for the babies and very effective in reducing and essentially eliminating baby acne, it is important to do a bit of research when selecting products for the babies, especially something that has to be used on a daily basis.

While selecting the moisturiser or skin cream for your baby, make sure that it is chemical free. Chemicals such as parabens, sulphates etc are neither good for the skin of the adults and definitely very harmful for the babies. Similarly, products formulated for the babies should also be hypoallergenic which means that there is a least risk of any type of allergies even when applying daily on the skin of the baby. Moisturisers are for sure a great remedy for getting rid of baby acne.

Sandalwood Paste

There are many soothing properties of sandalwood and it is safe for use on the baby's skin as well. Sandalwood is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and therefore helps in treating baby acne effectively. You must have seen the advertisements where the companies swear by the benefits of sandalwood for your skin and therefore claim that their products include sandalwoods. However, using natural sandalwood is preferred for the babies rather than using the products claiming to be rich in sandalwood. For your baby, take one part of sandalwood and mix two parts of mustard oil to apply on the affected area. A regular application of this paste will start showing the effect and reduce the acne problems. Sandalwood is an effective remedy for eczema also in the new-born babies.

Calendula Oil

Last but not the least calendula oil is one of the most effective and natural remedies for getting rid of baby acne. The oil is extracted from the marigold flower and is known for its various properties such as anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. These properties are a boon for a new-born baby as the oil is not just effective on acne but also used to treat diaper rashes and prevent skin from the infection. Apply calendula oil on the affected area with a cotton ball and notice the difference after a few days.

Steps You Can Take to Avoid Baby Acne

While natural remedies definitely work in curing baby acne, not having it in the first place is always preferred by the parents. Some babies will have acne right from the birth and in that case homemade remedies will be of great help. On the other hand, few babies develop acne a few months later. Here are the few tips that you should follow to avoid baby acne issues.

Keep Your Baby's Face Clean

Skin of your baby is very delicate and therefore prone to bacterial and other types of infection more often. In such a case you would need to ensure that skin of the baby is kept clean all the time. Wash your baby’s face with warm water and contrary to what brands want you to believe, water is just efficient in cleaning the face of the baby and keep it breakout free.

Wipe the Face and Apply Baby Acne Cream Gently

Rough handling and cleaning your baby’s face with rough cloth will also cause frequent breakouts. Therefore, use exceptionally soft clothes and wipes and clean the face of the baby gently.

Do not Frequently Use Lotions or Oils on Directly on Baby's Face

We did discuss about the natural oils that can be used to treat baby acne. However, using lotions and oils too frequently on the baby’s face is not recommended by the doctors. Since the skin of your baby is still forming and is very delicate, over usage of different products on the skin might cause some sort of allergy and therefore should be used regularly but not frequently.

When Should You See a Doctor

Reasons:

  • Well, there are a lot of natural remedies that are effective for baby acne. However, there are conditions where, seeking a doctor’s advice is recommended. For instance, there is a very little difference between different baby skin conditions such as acne, milia, eczema and so on. However, parents would not know the minute difference and hence continue the wrong treatment.
  • Next, if baby acne starts converting into blackheads, inflammation or pus filled bumps then it is time to consult a doctor immediately. Doctors would suggest solutions such as 2.5% benzoyl peroxide lotion. In the rarest of the cases, doctor might also recommended antibiotic for the baby acne.
  • If you feel that the baby is at discomfort or the acne might be paining then it is the right time to visit a doctor.
  • If your baby is suffering from acne after 6 weeks of birth, then consulting a doctor is a better option.

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Soothe and Lessen the Baby's Acne Distress with Effective Home Remedies

Similar to teens, research proves acne may cause distress to an infant or toddler too. Baby Acne occurs due hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, though no one is to blame, when acne appears, it would be best to deal with it from the onset. To help relieve your baby from this state are some recommended home remedies. With adult supplements such as Vitamin B12, and other many great suggestions given above, it would help mitigate the condition. There are also some tips above to help keep the baby safe from acne too.