Hormonal acne after pregnancy is rude. You just went through months of body changes, sleepless nights, and now—bam!—breakouts? But don’t worry, Mama, I got you. Let’s talk about why postpartum acne happens and, more importantly, how to get that glow back.
Why Am I Breaking Out After Having a Baby?
Your hormones are all over the place post-baby, and that includes androgens (the ones responsible for oil production). More oil = clogged pores = breakouts. Add in stress, sleep deprivation, and postpartum sweating, and your skin might be going through it.
Common Postpartum Acne Triggers:
How to Treat & Prevent Postpartum Acne
Keep It Simple & Gentle
Your skin is already stressed—don’t overcomplicate things. Stick to a basic, effective routine:
Try:
Exfoliate (But Don’t Overdo It!)
A little exfoliation helps keep pores clear, but your skin is sensitive postpartum. Skip harsh scrubs and go for chemical exfoliants like:
Try:
Tip: If you’re nursing, consult your doctor before using strong actives.
Balance Your Hormones Through Diet
What you eat affects your skin! Focus on:
🥑 Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil)
🥗 Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
🫐 Antioxidant-rich foods (berries, dark chocolate)
💦 Lots of water (hydration = happy skin)
Cut back on:
❌ Dairy (can trigger breakouts in some people)
❌ Sugar (spikes insulin, which affects oil production)
❌ Processed foods (can increase inflammation)
Prioritize Sleep & Stress Management
Easier said than done, I know. But stress = cortisol = breakouts. Even short self-care moments can help:
💆🏽♀️ 5-minute deep breathing
🛁 A warm shower before bed
📖 Unplugging from screens at night
Tip: If you have severe postpartum acne, consult a dermatologist. They can help with safe, effective treatments.
Glow Mama Approved Routine for Postpartum Acne
- Gentle Cleanser (CeraVe or La Roche-Posay)
- Hydrating Toner (like Thayers Unscented Witch Hazel)
- Lightweight Moisturizer (La Roche Posay Moisturizer or CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion)
- Sunscreen (La Roche-Posay Sunscreen)
- Gentle Cleanser
- Exfoliating Treatment (2-3x/week) (Paula’s Choice BHA)
- Moisturizer
🚨 Bonus: Spot treat breakouts with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (2.5%)
Final Thoughts: Be Patient & Kind to Your Skin
Your body just did something amazing. Hormonal acne is frustrating, but it’s temporary. Stay consistent with your routine, take care of yourself, and that glow will be back before you know it.
