Leena Watts
Baby acne is a common skin condition that affects many newborns, with about 1 in 5 babies experiencing it in the first three months after birth. While the exact cause of baby acne is unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to its development, including maternal hormones, skin sensitivity, and genetic factors. Some sources suggest that a mother's diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding may also play a role, with a high-fat diet being considered a risk factor for neonatal acne. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support this claim, and most experts agree that baby acne is primarily caused by hormonal changes and skin sensitivity. While baby acne can cause concern for new parents, it is usually harmless and temporary, resolving on its own within a few days to a few weeks without leaving any scars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maternal diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding | A high-fat diet is considered a risk factor for neonatal acne. |
| Maternal medications | Medications taken by the mother during pregnancy or breastfeeding can worsen baby acne. |
| Maternal hormones | Hormones can be passed to the baby during pregnancy and through breast milk, causing acne. |
| Breast milk treatment | Applying breast milk to baby acne several times a day can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. |
| Maternal diet adjustments | Some sources suggest that breastfeeding mothers adjust their diet, especially limiting dairy and citrus foods. |
| Other treatments | Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and detergents, and soft fabrics to prevent skin irritation. |
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What You'll Learn
Maternal hormones during pregnancy
While a mother's diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding may affect their baby's acne, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support this claim. Most experts agree that baby acne is primarily caused by hormonal changes and skin sensitivity rather than maternal diet.
During the final stages of pregnancy, a mother's hormones cross the placenta into the baby. These hormones stimulate the oil glands on the baby's skin, causing baby acne. This is known as infantile acne and usually lasts until the baby is about six months old. It is characterised by red or white bumps and pustules and can be accompanied by cysts. Infantile acne is more likely to occur if either parent experienced acne as a teenager.
Maternal hormones can also affect the baby's skin condition during breastfeeding. After giving birth, a mother's hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone, drop sharply, leading to hormonal acne. This can be further exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, and increased sebum production. As a result, the baby may experience acne breakouts due to exposure to the mother's hormones through breast milk.
Additionally, medications taken by the mother during pregnancy or while breastfeeding can be passed to the baby and influence their hormonal balance or skin condition. Certain medications, such as antibiotics and topical retinoids, are known to cause acne and are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
While a mother's diet may not directly cause baby acne, some experts suggest that certain foods consumed by the mother can affect the baby's skin through breastfeeding. A high-fat diet, for example, is considered a risk factor for neonatal acne. However, this is not universally accepted, and most sources attribute baby acne primarily to hormonal changes.
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Hormonal exposure during breastfeeding
A mother's diet during breastfeeding may affect her baby's skin. Doctors suggest cutting out dairy, sugar, and highly fatty foods, as these can cause inflammation, which can trigger acne. While there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting this claim, some experts observe that certain foods consumed by the mother might affect the baby's skin through breastfeeding.
A mother's hormones can be found in her breast milk, and therefore they can cause breakouts. During the final moments of pregnancy, a mother's hormones cross the placenta into her baby. These hormones stimulate the oil glands on the baby's skin, causing baby acne. After giving birth, hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone drop sharply, leading to hormonal acne.
Breastfeeding mothers might try adjusting their diets to treat their newborn's acne. The most common culprits are dairy and citrus foods. However, there is not a lot of research proving that a mother's diet is responsible for her baby's breakouts.
To prevent acne, drinking water, following a skincare routine, having a healthy diet, and getting sufficient sleep may be helpful.
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Medication taken by the mother
While baby acne is usually harmless and temporary, certain medications taken by the mother during pregnancy or while breastfeeding can cause acne in newborns. These medications can influence the baby's hormonal balance or skin condition.
Maternal hormones are considered the most common cause of baby acne. During pregnancy, these hormones pass through the placenta to the baby, stimulating the baby's sebaceous glands and leading to acne. While breastfeeding, infants remain exposed to maternal hormones, which can cause acne breakouts.
Some experts suggest that a mother's diet may affect the baby's skin through breastfeeding, although there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support this claim. Instead, most experts agree that baby acne primarily results from hormonal changes and skin sensitivity.
Breast milk has been observed to improve baby acne due to its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying breast milk to the affected area several times a day can promote healing and reduce inflammation and redness.
In rare cases where baby acne does not improve, a pediatrician may prescribe topical acne medications. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid for use during pregnancy. However, it is generally advised to avoid topical retinoid medications like tretinoin and adapalene, as they are known to cause birth defects when taken orally.
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Genetics and family history
While there is no specific acne-causing gene, genetics and family history have been shown to play a role in acne development. Research has identified 29 new gene variants associated with acne risk and confirmed 14 previously linked variants. These genetic variants do not guarantee breakouts but, when combined with lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors, they increase the likelihood of acne.
If one or both parents have experienced acne breakouts, their children are at a higher risk of developing acne at an early age. This risk is further heightened when both parents have a history of acne. The heritability of acne is supported by multiple twin studies, which provide strong evidence of a genetic basis for the condition.
Genetics influence the immune system's ability to ward off Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria, which promote acne. P. acnes stimulate oil production in the follicle and cause inflammation, leading to pimples. Additionally, certain hormonal conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which has a genetic component, can contribute to acne development.
While genetics play a role, it is important to note that other factors also influence acne. These include diet, environmental factors, personal hygiene habits, stress, and skincare routines. Greasy and fast food, dairy products, refined sugar, and carbohydrates can promote acne. Environmental factors like pollution can also cause inflammatory acne. Stress can exacerbate acne by increasing cortisol levels, leading to higher oil production and potentially resulting in clogged pores.
Although genetics and family history can increase the likelihood of acne, a combination of preventative measures and treatments can help manage breakouts. These include maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, practising good hygiene, and consulting a dermatologist for personalised skincare regimens and treatments.
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Oils and lotions
While a mother's diet does not directly cause baby acne, certain foods consumed by the mother while breastfeeding may affect the baby's skin. Most experts agree that baby acne is caused by hormonal changes and skin sensitivity. During the final moments of pregnancy, a mother's hormones cross the placenta into the baby's system, stimulating the oil glands on the skin and causing baby acne.
Some sources suggest using natural remedies such as breast milk, which has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, to treat baby acne. Coconut oil and lavender essential oil have also been recommended by some parents to keep their baby's skin clean and moisturised. It is important to note that tea tree oil should be avoided, as it is too harsh for sensitive skin.
There are also some over-the-counter treatments available, such as Mustela's No Rinse Cleansing Water, which contains micellar water to draw out impurities without irritating sensitive skin. Additionally, diluted, alcohol-free witch hazel can help clear oil from the skin and pores when applied topically.
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Frequently asked questions
A mother's diet does not directly cause baby acne. However, some experts believe that certain foods consumed by the mother can affect the baby's skin through breastfeeding.
Baby acne is usually caused by hormonal changes and skin sensitivity. During pregnancy, maternal hormones pass through the placenta to the baby, stimulating the baby's sebaceous glands, leading to acne.
Baby acne usually clears up on its own within a few days to weeks. To help the acne clear up faster, gently wash your baby's skin with warm water at least once daily and clean up any residue on their face after feeding.
Many parents have observed an improvement in their baby's acne by applying breast milk to the affected area. Breast milk contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and irritation.
Baby acne cannot be prevented as it is a common condition affecting many newborns. However, you can help prevent further acne patches by using fragrance-free soap and lotion, and bathing your baby regularly.
