Baby acne: what is it really - and what should you definitely not do?

Your baby is barely a few weeks old… and suddenly small red bumps and spots appear on those soft cheeks. Panic. Does your baby have an allergy? Did you eat something wrong? Is that new baby cream the culprit?

First of all: take a breath. Baby acne is very normal. And usually the best treatment… is to do almost nothing.

What is baby acne actually?

What most people call “baby acne” are actually two different skin problems. And that difference is important.

1. Neonatal acne (the most common form)

This usually appears in the first weeks after birth. You see small red bumps or spots on:

• the cheeks
• the forehead
• the chin

Important: these are not real clogged pores like in teenage acne. Dermatologists believe this form is more linked to a natural yeast (Malassezia) that temporarily resides on the baby’s skin.

The good news?

This form almost always disappears on its own within a few weeks to months.

2. Infantile acne

This form appears later - usually after 6 to 8 weeks of age - and resembles more like “real” acne:

• whiteheads
• blackheads
• deeper spots
• sometimes even small cysts

This form often has a hormonal cause and can leave scars in some cases. Therefore, it is wise to contact a doctor or dermatologist about this.

The biggest myths about baby acne

“It’s caused by mum’s hormones”

You hear that everywhere online. But it’s not that simple.

For a long time, it was thought that hormones from the mother during pregnancy or breastfeeding were the cause of baby acne. Today we know that this story is much more nuanced. Especially with neonatal acne, the link with hormones seems less strong than previously thought.

So no: you haven’t done anything wrong.

What should you do about baby acne?

Less is more. Much less.

For typical newborn baby acne, the best approach is surprisingly simple:

• Gently rinse the face with lukewarm water
• Optionally use a soft cloth
• Leave the skin alone as much as possible

More is usually not needed for a baby’s skin.

What you should definitely NOT do

1. No coconut oil

Coconut oil sounds natural and harmless, but it can clog pores and make the situation worse.

2. No breast milk on the skin

TikTok and mommy blogs swear by it, but scientific evidence is lacking. It can even introduce extra bacteria to an irritated skin.

3. No “miracle creams” or natural DIY remedies

Aloe vera, calendula, all sorts of natural ointments… they sound lovely, but baby skin usually just needs rest.

4. No adult acne products

Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol… absolutely not meant for newborn skin.

When should you contact a doctor?

Contact a doctor if:

• the acne suddenly becomes very severe
• your baby is older than 6–8 weeks
• deep inflammations occur
• your baby feels unwell
• you notice other hormonal changes

Infantile acne sometimes requires real medical follow-up.

The bottom line

Baby acne often looks worse than it is.

In most cases, it is a temporary, harmless skin reaction that goes away on its own. The biggest mistake parents make? Trying to solve it too much.

A baby's skin is still very much in development. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply: care gently, not force anything, and be patient.

That perfect baby skin will come back on its own.

​