Help! Is That Baby Acne?!?

Baby acne happens to just about every baby, but normally, the newborn stage is when you will see it most often. Newborn baby pimples usually begin around week two, but sometimes as late as weeks three or four. Baby Acne What causes baby acne? Well, it can be a variety of factors. Most pediatricians believe that the tiny pimples can be caused by hormones that are left over from the mother, still in the baby’s body.

Another thought is that the baby’s skin is becoming accustomed to being outside of the womb environment. The skin is trying to figure out how to remain moisturized, and so, is created excess oil.

Whichever school of thought is correct, rest assured, baby acne is only temporary, and there are a few things that you can start doing now to help your little one regain his beautiful newborn complexion again.

Keep His Face Clean

This may seem like an obvious place to start, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Don’t use soap on your baby’s face. You run the risk of getting it in his eyes, and it will most likely dry out his delicate skin.
2. Use plain warm water. When my baby is going through a bout of baby acne I like to gently wipe his face and neck with a warm baby washcloth. Start at the eyes, by the tear duct and gently wipe around them. Then wipe the rest of the face and neck.
3. Wipe off your baby’s face twice a day, I usually do it in the morning and the evening.
4. If your baby spits up a lot, go ahead and wipe him off with a warm wash cloth after each feeding as well.

Keep in mind, the products you are using on your baby’s skin might actually be causing the breakouts. Many common baby soaps and shampoos actually have a lot of harmful chemicals that can cause rashes and eczema in babies.

My favorite baby soap and shampoo is from California Baby. It is one of the most pure baby soaps you can buy. It is extremely gentle and suitable for the most sensitive skin.

Click Here To Read More About My Favorite Baby Shampoo And Soap

 

Make Sure He Is Getting Time In The Sunshine

When my baby is getting little pimples, I try to get him out in the sun every day. The sunlight has valuable Vitamin D, which will also help your baby’s bone health, but it also has good effects on the skin, and hormone balance.

Just remember, the baby’s skin is very delicate, so don’t let him remain in direct sunlight for an extended amount of time.

 

Keep Your Hands Off Of His Face

Always resist the urge to pop any whiteheads, blackheads or pimples on your baby’s face. This will not make them go away faster, and may even make the problem worse

The oils from your hands will get on his skin, or even worse, them pimples may get infected.

 

Keep Your Baby’s Face Dry

Some babies drool a lot more than others. If your baby is a drooler, this may be the cause of baby acne around his chin, mouth and neck. I know that it is a lot of work, but really try to keep your baby’s skin dry, that includes his shirt.

I have one child who constantly drooled as a baby. His shirt was always soaked with drool, and as a result, he had acne on his chest.

I started putting a bib on him, and would change it every hour or two. This kept his shirt underneath dry, and after about a week, the baby acne disappeared.

 

If You Are Breastfeeding, Pay Attention To Your Diet

Sometimes a baby will be sensitive to foods his mother is eating. If you have tried all of the above steps, but your baby is still battling acne, take a good hard look at your diet.
1. Are you getting at least 64 oz. of water every day? This is important not just for baby’s skin, but also to maintain a good milk supply.
2. How much chocolate are you eating each day? Chocolate can contribute to acne.
3. Are you eating at least six servings of fruits and vegetables every day?
4. How much fried food are you eating?
5. Are you getting a good amount of protein? I try to make sure to get at least 75 grams of protein when I am nursing.

 

Time

If you are dealing with newborn baby acne, then time really is the best cure. Baby acne rarely lasts for more than a few weeks, and then it will be a distant memory. Just remember to keep your baby’s face clean, and keep your hands off of his face, keep his face dry, get outside and eat a good healthy diet.

 

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