What causes baby acne?

Baby acne, also known as neonatal acne, is a common condition that affects around 20% of newborns and infants. While it may look alarming, don’t stress too much — it's usually harmless and will go away on its own.

So, what causes baby acne? It’s believed to be caused by residual maternal hormones in the baby's body that were passed on during pregnancy. These leftover maternal hormones can stimulate the baby's oil-producing glands to go into overdrive, causing the formation of blemishes on the face, neck, and sometimes the back.

Baby acne usually begins to develop at 2 to 3 weeks of age and can last for several months, but typically clears up on its own by the time the baby is 3 to 6 months old, so just give it time.
In addition to hormones, there's another possible cause of baby acne — a type of yeast called Malassezia Sympodialis. This yeast is present on everyone's skin but in some cases, it can cause the formation of acne-like bumps and irritation, especially in babies with sensitive skin.

This can be mistaken for baby acne but, same as baby acne, is generally not harmful. If your baby’s acne isn’t improving or you’re concerned about their skin, we recommend reaching out to your pediatrician for guidance.