Contrary to popular belief, acne doesn’t always start with puberty! It can start from the first few weeks after birth, known as baby acne or cradle cap. Luckily, typical cases of baby acne fade away in time without leaving scarring. But because baby skin is more delicate and sensitive than adult or teenage skin, even mild cases of acne can be irritating. 

Additionally, baby skin is easily aggravated by external and environmental factors, from saliva to atmospheric pollution to changing temperatures—not to mention everything that touches their face while they’re exploring the world. But that’s actually not why babies get acne (though it doesn’t help). 

The True Cause of Baby Acne

Babies get acne due to the maternal hormone that passes from placenta to child during pregnancy. This maternal hormone remains with the baby for the first six months of life. As the hormone targets and stimulates the oil glands, this may lead to breakouts on the baby’s skin—including the scalp, which is known as cradle cap. “Even after the hormone is metabolized, some babies’ oil glands may stay enlarged, allowing oil to clog pores, known as infantile acne,” Dr. Joyce Teng, Evereden’s Chief Scientific Officer, and Director of Pediatric Dermatology at Stanford Medical School, adds. Infantile acne can last longer than baby acne—until two years of age, and the more serious instances can lead to scarring. 

So, What Can I Do About My Baby's Acne?

There is a benefit to delicate baby skin, which is very thin. Because baby skin pores are not as tightly plugged up as adult pores, we don’t need to use harsh ingredients for treatment. “Just a gentle soap can lift up the tiny small plugs from the skin to allow oils to flow out,” Dr. Joyce advises. Our Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a gentle coconut-based cleanser that effectively cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. 

One particular ingredient found in moisturizers and cleansers that helps with baby acne is jojoba oil, which nourishes and protects the skin with vitamins A, E, and D while balancing the natural oil production of the skin. It only adds moisture where the skin needs it—nothing more, nothing less. This is a rare acne controlling ingredient that is also gentle enough for sensitive baby skin. Pair our Baby Shampoo & Body Wash with our NEW Nourishing Baby Face Cream, which has jojoba oil as its main ingredient. This acne-fighting ingredient helps to treat the acne with anti-inflammatory properties, without stripping the skin of its natural protective oils.  

Shop our NEW Nourishing Baby Face Cream now for clear, smooth skin.