Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne)  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Babies can develop blemishes on their face that looks exactly like acne commonly seen in teens. Although the cause of baby acne is unknown, it may be the result of maternal or infant hormones (androgens) stimulating glands in the face to produce oil, or sebum. Baby acne can essentially be divided into 2 groups: neonatal acne, which affects babies in their first month of life; and infantile acne, which typically affects babies 3–16 months of age. Neonatal acne that is confined to the face is called benign cephalic pustulosis, while infantile acne is usually more severe than neonatal acne and consists of more lesions. The later form may last a few weeks to a few months, but most cases usually resolve by age 3.