Baby acne specialists

Baby acne – also known as neonatal acne – is a temporary skin condition that affects newborns. It usually develops within the first few weeks of life and typically resolves on its own within a few months. Baby acne causes small red or white pimples to appear on the skin, most commonly on the face.

While baby acne might look uncomfortable for your child, it is not harmful, and most babies do not feel at all affected by it. If your baby experiences acne, it does not increase their chances of having any long-term skin problems or scarring.

Baby acne most typically appears as:

• Small red or white bumps or spots
• Clusters of pimples on the face
• Mild redness or inflammation around the blemishes

Unlike rashes caused by allergies or eczema, baby acne is not usually itchy or painful. The skin may appear slightly oily, but it typically doesn’t cause your baby any problems.

The places you’re most likely to notice acne on your baby are:  

• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Nose
• Chin 

In some cases, baby acne can also appear on the scalp, neck, chest or upper back, but it’s less common than on the face.

There is no known cause of baby acne, but it’s understood to be linked to:

• Maternal hormones: Hormones passed from mother to baby before birth may stimulate your baby’s oil glands.
• Developing oil glands: A baby’s oil glands can become overactive and produce more sebum than needed.
• Natural yeast on the skin: This harmless yeast lives on the skin, and can react to increased sebum production in newborns, which can cause blemishes.

There’s no real evidence to suggest that breastfeeding causes baby acne. However, the maternal hormones that you will pass to your baby during pregnancy – and to some extent through breast milk – are believed to play a role in causing baby acne. It’s important to note that breastfeeding offers significant benefits for your baby’s overall health and development, and if it’s your choice to breastfeed, you should not stop because of baby acne.

Our team of Consultant Dermatologists will be able to tell you whether your baby has acne on sight; there are no specific tests or investigations needed to diagnose baby acne. If your baby’s skin develops more severe symptoms, such as pustules, deep cysts, or signs of infection, we can explore other possible conditions, such as infantile acne, eczema, or a possible allergy.

In most cases, baby acne doesn’t need treatment and will clear up naturally within a few weeks to months. However, for more persistent or pronounced cases, a specialist may recommend mild topical treatments. These will always be carefully chosen to suit your baby’s sensitive skin.

While you can’t speed up the healing process, there are a few simple steps you can take to help care for your baby’s skin and prevent irritation:

• Gently cleanse daily: Use warm water and a soft cloth to clean your baby’s face. You may use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser for babies if needed.
• Keep your baby’s skin dry: After washing, gently pat dry with a clean towel.
• Use moisturiser sparingly: You can use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser if your baby’s skin seems dry, but avoid heavy creams or oils unless recommended by a doctor.
• Avoid scrubbing or picking: Never scrub the skin or try to pop the spots, as this can lead to irritation or infection.
• Steer clear of scented or oily products: Even products labelled as ‘natural’ may make baby acne worse. Stick to simple, non-comedogenic skincare suitable for babies.

Most cases of baby acne don’t need medical intervention, but you should speak to a doctor if:

• Your baby’s acne lasts beyond three months
• Your baby develops blackheads, cysts, or widespread pimples
• The skin becomes crusty, swollen, or appears to be infected
• You’re unsure whether it’s acne or another skin condition

Our specialist team can help diagnose your baby’s skin condition and provide personalised care or treatment options if needed.

Although they may look similar, baby acne, infantile acne, and teenage acne are different in terms of timing, causes, and severity:

Baby acne (neonatal acne):

Usually appears within the first 2–6 weeks after birth and typically goes away on its own, usually within a few months. It is linked to maternal hormones and is not likely to need treatment.

Infantile acne:

Appears later, between 3 and 12 months of age. It can involve whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed pimples. Infantile acne may appear for longer and may sometimes need treatment, if it causes your baby discomfort.

Teenage acne:

Common during puberty and thought to be caused by hormonal changes, oily skin, and blocked pores. It often requires specific skincare routines or treatment.