Baby acne and breast milk: Old wives’ tale or nature’s remedy?

Your baby’s face is supposed to be soft as a marshmallow, right? And then, BAM! Tiny red bumps show up out of nowhere.

Don’t worry, baby acne (also called neonatal or infantile acne) is pretty common. It often shows up in the first few weeks or months and tends to resolve on its own over time.

Still, it’s only natural for parents to wonder if there’s a gentle, natural remedy that might help. Breast milk is often the first that comes to mind.

This blog unpacks what science really says about breast milk and baby acne, plus key things to know if you try it, with expert insights from dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman.

What is baby acne? (neonatal and infantile acne)

Baby acne looks a lot like teenage acne, only cuter. You’ll usually spot it as red or white bumps on your newborn’s cheeks, forehead, or chin. 

• Neonatal acne: It shows up in the first few weeks of life and often clears on its own.
• Infantile acne: It starts a little later (usually 2 – 6 months) and can sometimes last longer, even needing treatment.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association notes that newborn acne is nothing to worry about. Think of it as your baby’s skin saying, “Hey world, I’m still figuring things out.”

What causes baby acne?

The main culprit is hormones – specifically, mom’s. Maternal hormones can linger in your baby’s system after birth. They stimulate the oil glands and leading to those little bumps. Combine that with sensitive pores and skin that’s still adjusting to life outside the womb, and acne can appear.

Breast milk dripping on your baby’s face does not cause it. Also, it’s not from leftover shampoo. So you can cross those worries off your list – this isn’t something you caused.

Dr. Hannah reiterates, “The most important thing is not to blame yourself or feel like you need to intervene aggressively. With time and gentle care, your baby’s skin will smooth out on its own.”

Does breast milk help treat baby acne?

Some parents swear by dabbing breast milk on baby acne, hoping it will clear the bumps. The idea comes from a few logical clues:

• Because breast milk contains antibodies and naturally occurring antimicrobial agents, it might help reduce bacteria on the skin.
• It also has factors that support skin healing and reduce irritation or inflammation.
• And since it’s something the baby is already ingesting, many parents assume using it externally is low risk.

That said, these are theoretical benefits. No scientific evidence exists that breast milk clears or prevents baby acne. At best, it may soothe your baby’s skin, but it isn’t a proven treatment.

What to do if you want to try breast milk on baby acne?

If you check with your pediatrician and decide to use breast milk for your baby’s acne, here are some gentle tips:

• Use fresh milk: Use milk that’s been expressed just before applying; avoid using milk that’s been stored for a long time.
• Clean hands & clean tools: Always wash your hands thoroughly, and use a clean cotton swab or pad.
• Test a small patch first: Apply to a tiny area for a day or so, and watch for any worsening or irritation. As Dr. Hannah notes, “What parents sometimes notice is that breast milk contact on the skin can soothe or, in other cases, slightly irritate depending on how the skin reacts.“
• Stop if any irritation occurs: Such as redness, swelling, or worsening of bumps.
• See a doctor if needed. If the acne gets severe, crusty, or looks infected, seek professional advice.

How to treat baby acne?

Most cases of baby acne clear up on their own within a few weeks. So the best approach is patience. In the meantime:

• Wash the baby’s face daily with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
• Pat the skin dry gently – no scrubbing needed.
• Keep the baby’s face clean and dry, especially after feeding.
• Skip fancy creams or treatments; for newborn skin, less is more.

What not to do with baby acne?

• Doctors recommend not picking, popping, or squeezing the acne. Yes, it’s tempting. No, don’t do it.
• Skip harsh lotions, oils, or over-the-counter acne treatments. Baby skin isn’t ready for benzoyl peroxide boot camp.
• Do not panic if it looks worse before it gets better. This is normal.

How to prevent baby acne?

Baby acne can appear no matter what you do, and that’s completely normal. 

But there are a few simple steps you can take to keep it from getting worse:

• Dress the baby in soft, breathable cotton.
• Avoid overheating and stuffy rooms.
• Keep laundry detergents fragrance-free.
• Gently clean milk dribble and drool from baby’s face.
• Stick to simple skincare: No extra oils or lotions unless your pediatrician says so.

When to seek intervention from an expert?

Sometimes it’s not acne at all, but another skin condition like eczema or an infection and your doctor can help tell the difference.

Call your pediatrician if:

• The acne is severe or spreading beyond the face.
• It lasts longer than a few months.
• It looks painful, crusty, or infected.

Conclusion

Baby acne might seem concerning at first, but it is just a small bump in your baby’s journey. It usually goes away on its own.

Breast milk has many great health benefits. In some small studies, it has helped with skin irritations and mild eczema in babies. But there’s currently no strong scientific evidence showing that breast milk can treat baby acne. If you want to try it, do so gently and carefully. Always keep your pediatrician or dermatologist in the loop. 

Sources:

1. When does baby acne occur?. AAD. “Is that acne on my baby’s face?”
2. How to treat baby acne? AAP. “First Month: Physical Appearance and Growth”
3. Acne in newborn. NCBI. 2021. “Acne in the newborn”

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