Home Remedies for Baby Acne

Acne is often thought of as a teen or an adult problem. This is true most of the time, but some babies suffer from acne, too. In fact, since hormones are transferred to the baby in the womb, some acne may show up on the cheeks, forehead or chin for up to six months following birth. White bumps may also appear, called milia. Often, these clear on their own. However, if you wish to treat your baby's acne, there are a few home remedies you can try.

Gentle Cleanser

Your first course of action is to use a gentle cleanser on your baby's face. This can be a mild soap or baby soap that won't bother the eyes. Make it a point to wash your baby's face twice a day. Likewise, wash off milk, food or saliva that gets onto your baby's face. Don't let it sit for too long, as this can irritate the skin.

Drink Water & Juices

If you are breast-feeding your baby, you'll need to monitor what you eat and drink. Avoid eating oily or fatty foods that can worsen your baby's acne problem. Make sure you drink plenty of fresh water and fruit juices each day to encourage proper cell renewal and rejuvenation in your baby's skin.

Keep Clothing & Bedding Clean

Wash your baby's clothes, bed sheets, pillow cases and toys with a mild detergent regularly. This helps prevent the build up of oil, saliva and dead skin cells that are notorious for clogging pores and worsening your baby's skin condition. Anything that comes into contact with your child's face should be washed with care and often.

Honey & Lemon Juice

Another way to treat your baby's acne is to prepare a mixture of 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey. Dab this mixture onto the affected area with a new cotton swab. You can leave this on for up to a half an hour before rinsing with warm water. Be careful not to get this mixture in your baby's eyes. If her skin is very sensitive, use just the honey, as lemon can be an irritant.

Breast Milk

Some women use their breast milk as a treatment for their baby's acne. This can help to ease inflammation and dry up the pimple so that it can heal faster. This may not work on every baby, however, and could cause further irritation. If you notice your baby's acne getting worse instead of better, discontinue this method of treatment.