Home Remedies for Baby Acne
According to the Mayo Clinic, baby acne is usually caused by hormonal changes that occurred during pregnancy, and it usually appears on the cheeks, chin and forehead. While baby acne is generally not serious, there are some home remedies that can help to get rid of the symptoms naturally. Supporters of these remedies claim that they work, but these treatments are not approved by the FDA, so you should consult your doctor before trying any of these home remedies on your child.
Honey and Lemon Juice
According to Vasant Lad, author of "The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies,” a mixture of honey and all-natural lemon juice can be applied to your baby’s skin to help clear up baby acne. Combine 1 tbsp. raw, all-natural honey with 1 tbsp. freshly-squeezed lemon juice in a small container. Stir the mixture thoroughly, and gently massage a small amount of the mixture onto the affected area. Leave the mixture on your baby’s skin for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with cool water and very mild cleanser. This process can be repeated daily as long as you see no skin irritation, and unused portions of the mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Breast Milk
According to Jethro Kloss, author of "Back to Eden: Classic Guide to Herbal Medicine, Natural Food and Home Remedies Since 1939,” breast milk can be applied to a baby’s skin as a topical treatment for baby acne. To use breast milk on the skin, soak a clean cotton ball or pad in 1 tbsp. of fresh breast milk for five minutes. Apply the cotton ball or cotton pad to the baby’s skin, and gently wipe the area for 15 to 20 seconds. Leave the breast milk on the baby’s skin for approximately 30 minutes before rinsing with cool, clean water and washing with a very mild cleanser. This process can be repeated up to two times per day as long as you do not see any irritation on your baby’s skin. Note that Kloss recommends using breast milk that is no more than 24 hours old for this treatment.
Neem Leaves
According to Melanie A. Sachs, author of "Ayurvedic Beauty Care,” boiled neem leaves can be applied to a baby’s skin as a topical treatment for baby acne. To use this treatment, boil 1/2 cup of neem leaves with 1 cup of water for five minutes. Remove and discard the neem leaves and let the liquid cool to room temperature. Soak a clean cotton pad or cotton ball in the mixture for two minutes and gently wipe your baby’s skin with the mixture. Leave the liquid on the skin for five minutes before rinsing with cool, clean water and washing with a very gentle cleanser. This process can be repeated every day as long as you do not notice any skin irritation, and unused portions of the mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for three to five days before discarding. Again, use caution with any herbal mixture as they have not been clinically tested for safety or efficacy.
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