Is Breast Milk Good for Baby Acne?
Baby acne is a common condition that generally affects newborns and infants. Many believe that breast milk can help clear up baby acne, but is this true? Let’s explore what causes baby acne and whether breast milk can effectively treat it.
What Causes Baby Acne?
Baby acne is caused by increased levels of hormones that the mother passes to the baby while in the womb. These hormones can cause the baby’s sebaceous glands to become overactive, leading to visible skin blemishes. Baby acne typically appears in the first week after birth and can last up to 4 weeks.
Can Breast Milk Help Treat Baby Acne?
Some parents, after hearing that breast milk is beneficial for skin conditions, believe that it can also help treat baby acne. The antioxidants, probiotics and immune-boosting properties of breast milk can help improve skin conditions, including eczema, diaper rash and even sunburn. However, there is no scientific evidence that breast milk can help baby acne.
Alternatives To Breast Milk
Although there is no evidence that breast milk is effective for baby acne, there are several alternatives for treating the condition.
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- Gentle Cleansers: A mild, non-soap cleanser can help to remove excess oil from the baby’s skin.
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- Moisturisers: Using a gentle moisturiser that is specially designed for babies can help to hydrate their skin and reduce irritation.
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- OTC Creams: Over-the-counter acne creams that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be effective in treating baby acne.
It is best to speak to a medical professional before attempting to treat baby acne. This is especially important if the skin is red, swollen or painful.
Conclusion
Baby acne can be a common problem for newborns and infants, but it is usually not a cause for concern. Although some believe that breast milk can help treat baby acne, there is no scientific evidence to support this. Fortunately, there are alternatives such as gentle cleansers, moisturisers and OTC creams that can help reduce symptoms of baby acne.
It is important to speak to a medical professional before attempting to treat baby acne on your own.