Breast Milk for Baby Acne? Yes! Many mothers have reported that it works exceptionally well. Also, there are other homemade remedies you can try to treat baby acne naturally.
My son had (and still has) some minor skin abnormalities every now and then. Just after few weeks of birth, his skin, especially around his mouth, broke out into tiny red bumps that my doctor said was baby acne.
I was so worried but my doctor reassured that it is a very common skin condition in newborns. In fact, about 20% of the newborn babies get baby acne.
In medical terms, baby acne is referred to as neonatal acne, where your newborn skin flares up into small reddish pimples. Even though we feel miserable looking at our baby’s skin, baby acne does not cause any discomfort or pain to the baby.
Also, baby acne almost always resolves itself after a few weeks or months and does not progress into a long-term skin condition. So, you can relax knowing that your baby is not going to turn into an acne-prone teenager.
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What Causes it and How long will it last?
No one can exactly tell what triggers neonatal acne.Trust me, I have researched a lot. Science does puts forward a lot of hypothesis that might be the reason for skin break outs in newborns.
Maternal Hormones
Hormones are transferred from mom to baby after child birth. This excess hormones can cause skin break outs.
Over Heat
Over active seat glands can also make newborn skin acne.Make sure to keep your baby cool. If weather permits, undress your baby and let them jazz around in diaper. In cooler climates, dress your baby in light, breathable layers. Organic cotton and bamboo clothes are naturally breathable.
Irritants
Irritants can be anything that aggravates your newborns skin. It could be a fabric material that is rubbed against his face. A laundry detergent or a skin care product that has strong chemicals that your baby reacts to.
Food Allergies
For breastfeeding babies , it could something in mom’s diet. Try avoiding dairy and grains are major allergy triggers.If acne breaks out after eating a particular food, they cutting them.If your baby is eating formula, try switching to organic and dairy free formula to see if that makes a difference.
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The Magic of Breast Milk:
Many mothers vouch that breast milk has helped clear baby acne when applied topically. Apply a few drops of breastmilk on baby’s face and let it air dry. Repeat this twice a day, wash it with water and pat it dry with a clean towel. It is important that you wash baby’s skin after the breast milk dries. You do not want any residue clogging the pores and delay healing.
Breast milk has excellent anti inflammatory and anti microbial properties that helps clearing up the skin. (Source)
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Other Natural Remedies:
When it comes to dealing with a newborn, it is best to use natural remedies. Newborn skin is very delicate.
Did you know that your baby’s skin is only one fifth of the thickness of an adults skin? For this reason, I strongly recommend against using over the counter creams, harsh soaps on your baby’s skin.
Home remedies are gentle and you don’t have to worry about any chemicals absorbed into your baby’skin.
Did you know?
Baby’s skin is only one fifth the thickness of an adult’s skin. It is important to avoid over the counter creams and harsh soaps while cleansing your baby’s skin.
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is an elixir for the skin. Lauric acid, which is abundant in coconut oil, is an medium chain fatty acid that does a lot of skin repairing.
Apply coconut oil on the acne and let it dry. Coconut oil gets absorbed in the skin and has antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties. Coconut oil is specifically active against the bacteria P.acnes, which cause acne in adults.
Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar:
Vinegar is acidic in nature which balances the ph levels of the skin and helps dry out acnes. Make sure to use diluted vinegar as raw vinegar can burn newborn skin. Using raw ACV, with the mother, which has the live culture of bacteria is even more beneficial to treat neonatal acne.
Turmeric Paste:
Turmeric is an ancient herb that carries amazing medicinal properties. Historically it used as an anti septic to heal cut and bruises.Mix organic turmeric powder with some water until it forms a paste like consistency and dab it over acne.
Note
You should note that turmeric can leave behind yellow stain on the skin. Don’t mistake this hue for jaundice.
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Important Notes on Proper Hygiene:
The most important part is about maintaining a good cleansing routine with your newborn.
Do not wash baby’s skin often. In fact, newborns do not need to be bathed daily. A simple sponge bath with water will do.
Avoid using soap on your baby. If you absolutely prefer to use skin care products, choose mild, and non toxic baby body wash.
Do not apply any lotions or over the counter acne creams. It will only make the condition worse by clogging the pores.
Do not pinch, poke or scrub the acne skin.
Pat dry baby’s face with a clean, soft wash cloth.
Avoid over dressing your baby. Make sure they are not over heated and sweaty.
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Frequently asked Questions:
Essential Oils for Baby Acne?
Not needed!
Essentials oils are strong and potent. There is no need to use such powerful oils on your newborn skin. Also, some essentials are not safe to be directly used on babies.
Baby Acne flares after breastfeeding?
It could be possible that a particular food in your diet may aggravate your baby’s acne.
Keep a log of your diet. In general, cut down dairy and grains (the major allergens) and caffeine to see if it makes a difference.
When to talk to the doctor?
It would be a good idea to mention this to your pediatrician during your regular check up. It can also help confirm that this is indeed baby acne and not any type of rash or eczema that you should be concerned about Baby Acne usually goes away after few months. If acne persists even after three months, it would be good to get it checked again.
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Let’s Wrap Up:
Don’t worry! Baby acne is a very common newborn condition and the best things about it is it doesn’t last longer.
Maintain proper hygiene, keep your baby’s face clean and resist applying lotions and store bought acne creams. Instead, try some of the above mentioned natural remedies heal faster.
Share your Thoughts!
Please share this with your other mama friends. Let me know whether your baby had acne and what you did that worked for you!
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Disclaimer
All material provided on this website is for your information only and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Please consult with a medical professional regarding any matters related to the health and well-being of yourself or others. The information and opinions expressed here are believed to be accurate based on my best judgement. Readers who fail to consult with a medical professional assume the risk of any injuries.
