Your baby has suddenly developed small red and white spots on their face. It can look alarming, but in the vast majority of cases this is baby acne — a completely harmless condition that clears up on its own.

Baby acne is one of the most common skin conditions in newborns and young infants. Here's what it is, why it happens, and what you can (and shouldn't) do about it.

What Is Baby Acne?

Baby acne, also called neonatal acne, consists of small red or whitish pimples that typically appear on your baby's face. They look similar to regular pimples and can appear on:

Cheeks (most common)
Nose
Forehead
Chin
Sometimes on the chest or back

The condition affects approximately 20–30 percent of all newborns and is therefore very common.

Baby acne is cosmetic and harmless. It doesn't affect your baby at all — it neither itches nor hurts. It looks worse than it is.

When Does It Appear?

Baby acne typically shows up within the first 2–4 weeks after birth, but can appear in the very first days. In some babies, it doesn't emerge until around 6 weeks of age.

It's important to distinguish between:

Neonatal acne (0–6 weeks) — the most common form, harmless
Infantile acne (3–16 months) — less common, should be assessed by a doctor as it may have hormonal causes

Causes of Baby Acne

The exact cause isn't fully understood, but research points to several factors:

Mother's Hormones

During pregnancy, hormones (androgens) are transferred from mother to baby via the placenta. These hormones stimulate the baby's sebaceous glands, which are not yet mature enough to regulate production. The result is clogged pores and pimples.

Immature Skin

Your baby's skin is still developing during the first months. The sebaceous glands are active, but the pores are small, making them more prone to becoming blocked.

Bacteria and Yeast

Some researchers believe that the yeast Malassezia, which is naturally present on the skin, may play a role. This yeast thrives in sebum-rich environments and can contribute to inflammatory reactions.

Parent gently washing baby's face with a soft cloth

What You Can Do

Do This

Wash gently — clean the face with lukewarm water and a soft cloth daily
Dry gently — pat the skin dry, don't rub
Be patient — baby acne clears up on its own, usually within a few weeks
Breastfeed as normal — nursing does not affect the acne
Let the skin breathe — avoid applying excessive products to the face

Don't Do This

Don't squeeze or pick — this can cause infection and scarring
Don't use acne creams — products designed for teenagers or adults are far too strong for baby skin
Don't scrub — vigorous cleansing irritates the skin and makes it worse
Don't apply oil to the face — it can further clog the pores
Don't use fragranced products — they can irritate your baby's sensitive skin

Never use over-the-counter acne creams, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or other adult acne treatments on baby skin. These ingredients are too harsh and can damage your baby's delicate skin.

Baby Acne vs. Other Skin Rashes

There are several skin conditions in babies that can be confused with baby acne:

Milia (Milk Spots)

Tiny white bumps, often on the nose
Caused by trapped skin cells beneath the surface
Clear up on their own after a few weeks
No treatment needed

Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Yellow, greasy flakes on the scalp
Can also appear on the face
A different cause from acne, but can occur simultaneously

Read more in our article on cradle cap in babies.

Atopic Eczema

Dry, red, itchy skin
Often appears on the cheeks, inside of elbows, and behind the knees
Usually appears from 2–3 months of age
Often needs treatment with moisturizer and sometimes a mild topical steroid

Read our guide to baby skincare.

Erythema Toxicum

Red blotches with a yellowish-white spot in the center
Very common in the first days after birth
Completely harmless and disappears on its own
Can look dramatic but needs no treatment

Not sure what kind of rash your baby has? Take a photo and show it to your pediatrician or child health nurse at the next checkup. You can save photos in My Baby — Health on Babysential for easy reference.

When Does Baby Acne Clear Up?

Most cases of neonatal acne disappear on their own within 1–3 months. Some babies have it for just a few days, while others may have it for up to 6 months.

Typical timeline:

Weeks 2–4 — acne appears
Weeks 4–8 — may temporarily worsen
Weeks 8–12 — starts to improve
3–4 months — most cases have cleared

Baby acne leaves no scars or lasting marks.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Consult your doctor or pediatrician if:

The acne has not improved after 3 months
It appears after 6 weeks of age (may be infantile acne)
Your baby seems bothered — scratching, restless
The rash spreads to other parts of the body
There are signs of infection — pus, warmth, swelling
Your baby has a fever in addition to the rash

Infantile acne (from 3 months) should always be assessed by a doctor, as it may have other underlying causes that need investigation.

Can Baby Acne Be Prevented?

No, baby acne cannot be prevented. It is a natural consequence of hormones and immature skin, and you have done nothing wrong if your baby develops it.

What you can do is:

Keep your baby's face clean with lukewarm water
Use gentle, fragrance-free products
Avoid dressing your baby too warmly (sweat can worsen acne)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can breastfeeding cause baby acne?

No. Baby acne is caused by hormones transferred during pregnancy, not through breast milk. You can safely continue breastfeeding as normal.

Should I stop using moisturizer on my baby?

You don't need to stop using moisturizer on your baby's body, but avoid applying thick creams or oils directly to the pimples on the face. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer on the rest of the body is perfectly fine.

Does baby acne mean my child will get acne as a teenager?

No, there is no proven connection between baby acne and teenage acne. The two conditions have different causes.

Can my baby bathe as normal with baby acne?

Yes, bathe as normal. Use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free baby wash. Avoid scrubbing the face, and pat the skin gently dry afterward.

Does sunlight help with baby acne?

No, and direct sunlight is harmful to baby skin. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun. Sunlight does not help with acne and can cause sunburn.

Sources

AAP - Newborn skin conditions — American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines
WHO - Newborn care — International health recommendations
NHS - Baby acne — UK National Health Service guidance

Baby Acne: Causes, Treatment, and When It Clears Up