Neonatal acne: symptoms and treatments

When we think of acne, we immediately imagine adolescence with its share of unsightly spots...
But did you know that even babies can get them? This is commonly referred to as baby acne, also known as neonatal acne.

This may seem surprising to new parents, but rest assured: it is a common phenomenon and completely harmless. These small spots often appear in the first few weeks of life and disappear spontaneously without leaving any marks. 

But then, why does your baby have neonatal acne? Is it related to their diet? What can be done to help them? Can its appearance be prevented? 

Read on, we'll explain! 

What are infant blemishes?

Baby acne, also known as neonatal acne, is a form of acne; that affects approximately 20% of newborns under 6 to 8 weeks of age⁽¹⁾. Beyond this age, we refer to it as infantile acne, which is a slightly different form⁽¹⁾. 
It manifests itself as small red or white spots, usually located on the cheeks, chin, forehead and sometimes even the eyelids. 
Unlike teenage acne, acne in babies does not cause pain or discomfort and disappears spontaneously within a few weeks or months. 
And the good news is that having baby acne does not increase the risk of developing acne as a teenager!

What causes neonatal acne?

Neonatal acne, or baby acne, is mainly caused by hormonal stimulation of the sebaceous glands.

Explanation: androgens, transmitted to the baby during pregnancy, promote excess sebum production, which can lead to acne in babies.

Contrary to popular belief, neonatal acne is not related to breastfeeding, breast milk, or the use of a specific infant formula. There is therefore no need to change the baby's meals.

However, applying cosmetics that are too oily can promote neonatal acne, so it is best to choose products that are suitable for their delicate skin.