It causes tiny red bumps on the skin in the first few months of life.

Baby acne usually develops on a baby’s forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.

This condition affects about 20% of newborns.

An image of a newborn with face acne

Henadzi Pechan / Getty Images

After birth, a baby’s body experiences hormonal changes that stimulate the skin’s oil glands.

A buildup of oil on the skin can lead to acne.

Baby acne usually occurs around 2 weeks of age.

This condition is harmless and usually resolves on its own without treatment.

Babies who develop acne after 6 weeks old may require treatment.

The skin around the acne may also appear swollen.

It most commonly develops on the cheeks and nose.

Baby acne usually develops around 2 to 4 weeks of age.

It typically resolves after a few weeks.

Talk with your child’s healthcare provider if their acne does not improve after they turn 6 weeks old.

Does Baby Acne Go Away On Its Own?

Fortunately, baby acne usually goes away on its own without treatment.

Most cases of baby acne resolve after 6 weeks of age.

If your babys acne lasts for months, a healthcare provider may prescribe a topical treatment to improve it.

It is important to note that baby acne treatments differ from medications used in teens and adults.

Babies have sensitive skin and need gentle treatment options made especially for their skin.

Let a medical professional know if your babys acne seems painful or bothersome to them.

Call a healthcare provider or pediatrician if their acne has lasted for months.

Seek medical care right away if your babys acne appears infected.

This may look like pus-filled bumps or inflammation.

A clogged pore develops into apimple.

Hormonal changes may be to blame for your babys acne.Babies have sensitive skin that can easily become irritated.

Babies experiencehormonal changesafter birth and during their first few weeks.

This is due to the hormones in theplacenta.

Hormonal changes affect the amount of oil (sebum) on the skin.

A build-up of sebum can clog the pores and lead to acne.

Conditions That Could Be the Cause

Certain health conditions may raise the risk of acne.

Other chronic conditions may appear as acne.

Baby acne usually clears up on its own without treatment or intervention.

Baby acne shows up when a babys skin pores become clogged.

Clogged pores can develop into pimples.

If your baby has developed acne, remember that it will likely go away on its own.

Never attempt to pop a babys pimples, and avoid any harsh soaps or products.

To cleanse your babys skin, use a mild baby wash with a soft washcloth.

See your childs healthcare provider if the acne does not clear up within a few weeks.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Is that acne on my babys face?

Samycia M, Lam JM.Infantile acne.CMAJ.

2016;188(17-18):E540.

doi:10.1503/cmaj.160139

Nationwide Children’s.Understanding baby acne: A guide for parents.

American Academy of Pediatrics.Newborn rashes and birthmarks.

Santos GS, Ianhez M, Miot HA.Papulopustular infantile acne treated with oral isotretinoin.An Bras Dermatol.

2023;98(3):400-402. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.05.026