Has your baby developed bumps or small pimples on their chin or cheeks? This can be very disturbing to parents who want their baby to look beautiful at every moment. You expect your baby’s skin to be flawless, and to stay that way in those first precious months. Baby acne is common, and you should not worry, but what are you going to do about it?

The first step is to understand the likely cause of baby acne. While no one is completely sure of the cause, the likely reason is the major changes in hormones going on in the baby’s body. They are in the process of shedding off excess hormones from their mother. There is nothing you can do to change this simple fact, it is just part of the normal baby process.

The real key to baby acne treatment is to not treat it. Yes, that is right, you do not want to try to treat it. If you start trying to do extra washing you are going to irritate the acne and probably increase the amount.

While it is tempting to try an acne medication you have in the bathroom cabinet, drop the idea right now. It is too potent and dangerous for your baby’s skin. It is almost sure to have the exact opposite effect of what you desire. You will see more redness, more acne, and potentially damage your baby’s skin.

You may start wondering if using baby lotion, or washing the baby extra times each day will help. Once again, it is not going to reduce the baby acne any faster than nature can take care of it. You will just cause greater amounts of irritation, potentially opening the acne, and spreading the acne further.

How long is the baby acne going to last? Most baby’s are over it in a couple weeks. For some baby’s it lasts up to three months. This will seem very long if it happens with your baby, but learn to be patient. If you are worried about the severity, or length of time it is lasting, then visit with your pediatrician. Never try any treatments recommended by family or friends without consulting with a pediatrician first. Your baby’s skin is too important to risk damaging it.

You may be worried about taking pictures and other important moments you want your baby to look perfect for. Do not attempt to cover the acne with makeup. You are going to make the condition worse. If you want a picture of your baby without acne, use a professional photographer and ask him about touch-up work he can do on the photo. A professional photographer can do amazing things.

Baby acne is a short term problem which should clear up in just a few weeks. Be patient, understand it is normal, and just keep giving your baby all the love they deserve. You have done nothing wrong, and do not need to do anything special. Your baby is still perfect.