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Different types of baby acne (and how to manage them)

Every baby’s face is beautiful. Here’s what parents need to know about those occasional spots and patches.

Published: December 7, 2023 |7 minute read

Written by Jessica Sebor

Illustration of a baby over an adult's shoulder with visible baby acne on the skin.

Little ears, a sweet button nose and pea-sized toes. What’s more adorable than a tiny newborn? What new parents might not expect, however, are a few surprise visitors: miniature acne spots on a baby’s face.

While we often associate breakouts with adolescence, about one in five babies will get neonatal acne before they’re 6 weeks old.1 In fact, some infants develop skin issues while still in the womb. They’re born with little raised dots on their foreheads or cheeks.2 Here are the important things to know about this common condition.

In this article:

What causes baby acne? 

Baby acne and teenage acne aren’t exactly the same thing. In older children and adults, acne crops up when pores become obstructed. Hormones play a role by stimulating the oil glands that can cause those obstructions to happen. 3

“But in general, babies don’t really get acne,” says Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, chief of dermatology at Children’s National Hospital. 5  “What we call ‘baby acne’ doctors call neonatal cephalic pustulosis.”

Neonatal cephalic pustulosis is a rash that occurs before 6 weeks of age. 6  “We think it reflects a normal response to the skin’s microbiome being established,” Dr. Kirkorian says. A yeast that lives on our skin (called Malassezia) establishes itself at that time, and some babies experience an inflammatory response that looks like clusters of pimples. 7

In babies older than 3 months, however, more traditional forms of acne can develop. This is much less common — found in less than 2 percent of babies. Unlike neonatal cephalic pustulosis, infantile acne is believed to be related to hormones, increased oil production and clogged pores. It can also leave scars on the skin. 8

What does baby acne look like? 

Newborn acne, which appears before a child is 6 weeks old, looks like small, raised bumps. The bumps can be white or red and often appear in clusters. They often show up on the chin, forehead and nose but can also appear on the back, chest, neck and scalp.9

Infantile acne, which appears after the six-week mark, looks similar and is found on the face, chest and back. Because it’s caused by oil production, you may also see bumps that look more like pustules or cysts.10

Help managing baby acne 

Dermatologists agree that the best treatment for acne on babies under 6 weeks old is often to leave it alone.11 “There is no need to treat baby acne because it will resolve on its own,” says Dr. Kirkorian. Be sure to avoid acne medications or creams intended for older children and adults. Newborn skin is extremely sensitive, and any harsh medication can cause further irritation.12

Lauren Ploch, MD, MEd, a dermatologist in Augusta, GA, and Aiken, SC, notes that in rare cases, a dermatologist may have tests done and prescribe topical medications. In most instances, though, choose gentle cleansers and creams to keep a baby’s skin happy and healthy. “I look for the mildest ingredients and avoid things that could irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions,” says Dr. Ploch.

Bathe your baby using warm (not hot) water and fragrance-free soaps (and avoid scrubbing any areas where acne occurs). Follow with a gentle moisturizer.

Fragrance free soaps include Aveeno Baby Wash and Shampoo, Johnson’s Skin Nourish Moisture Baby Body Wash and CVS Health® Baby Body Wash and Shampoo.14 15 Moisturizer options include Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream for Sensitive Skin, CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion.

“Vanicream and CeraVe Baby are my favorite brands to recommend,” says Dr. Ploch.

If your baby develops acne at 6 weeks or older, it’s a good idea to see a board-certified pediatric dermatologist, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).16 They can help ensure that it’s actually acne and check for any underlying issue. A dermatologist can also give advice to help prevent skin scarring and recommend medication if it’s needed.

Is this baby acne or something else? 

Babies may suffer from a number of different mild rashes and skin conditions. Common issues include the following:

  • Eczema. A red, weepy or crusty rash could be baby eczema. While baby acne most often affects newborns, eczema can crop up in children and adults of any age.17 Consulting a health care provider is an important step, and after a diagnosis, certain products may be recommended.
  • Milia. Also called milk spots, “milia are white cystic bumps similar to acne but not as pink,” says Dr. Ploch. They appear in roughly half of newborns and will typically clear up without intervention in the first few months.18
  • Miliaria. Known as heat rash, this condition develops when a baby gets too warm and sweat glands are blocked. It looks similar to baby acne but will improve with cooling measures — think a cool bath or air conditioning.19
  • Seborrheic dermatitis. If you see yellow, scaly skin appear on your baby’s scalp, face and ears, it’s likely seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as cradle cap. This condition will go generally away on its own but symptoms can be addressed by applying baby oil.20

“Rarely, there can be other serious rashes that babies can get, so any unusual or worsening rash in a newborn should be evaluated by a pediatrician or board-certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Kirkorian.

Baby skin care

Most newborns don’t need an extensive, multistep skin care routine. But using products specific to babies and kids is key, explains Dr. Kirkorian, because “babies have very sensitive skin.” Look for solutions designed for newborns. “Over-the-counter baby care lines are meant for baby skin and have products that are safe to use,” she says.

The AAD recommends bathing a baby only two to three times per week while keeping the diaper area as clean and dry as possible throughout the day and night.21

Some cleansers are fragrance free and formulated with baby-safe and mild ingredients. And alcohol-free wipes can help a baby stay clean between washes.

Cleansers that fit the bill include CeraVe Baby Bath Wash & Shampoo, Eucerin Baby Wash and Shampoo and The Honest Company 2-in-1 Purely Sensitive Fragrance Free Shampoo & Body Wash. Baby wipes to try include Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes and Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes.

Parents may also want to apply a moisturizer to the skin after the bath, explains Dr. Kirkorian. Try lotions formulated for babies, especially if there are any signs of dry or peeling skin.

Remember that skin issues in newborns and babies are often a normal part of growing up. However, if anything concerning appears, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist to ensure that your baby stays healthy, happy and free of discomfort.

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.