Postpartum acne is acne that appears after you have given birth.
It happens because your hormone levels change after pregnancy.
Stress and sleep deprivation can also contribute.
Hero Images / Getty Images
Postpartum acne is normal.
It is usually mild and will disappear on its own within a few weeks of delivery.
What Is Postpartum Acne?
Postpartum acne describes the appearance (or reappearance) of pimples after pregnancy.
Acne is common during pregnancy.
Post-pregnancy acne may last for a short time and disappear on its own.
Some people experience it for much longer than others.
After pregnancy, your hormone levels drop.
This can trigger your skin to produce more of an oil called sebum.
People who breastfeed may experience postpartum acne for longer since breastfeeding contributes to an increase in the hormone progesterone.
Stress can also contribute to breakouts.
Symptoms
Postpartum acne looks like typical acne.
Diagnosis
Postpartum acne usually doesn’t require a medical diagnosis.
Breastfeeding
An OTC product containingsalicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, orglycolic acidcan help treat mild breakouts.
Topical treatments are preferred when youre breastfeeding.
Some people, however, will continue to experience acne for weeks or months after giving birth.
People who breastfeed may continue to experience acne until weaning due to higher levels of the hormone progesterone.
For some, acne will develop or get worse after giving birth.
This is called postpartum acne.
Breastfeeding can also contribute to acne in the weeks and months following delivery.
Most topical treatments for acne are considered safe while breastfeeding.
If you are not breastfeeding, your provider may recommend oral acne medications or contraceptives to prevent breakouts.
2023;13(1):115-130. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00854-3
Georgia Cancer Center.Skin and hair problems after baby?
Rajab F.Managing postpregnancy hormonal skin Issues in breastfeeding women.Dermatology Times.
2022:43(9).
University of New Mexico Health.Pregnancy acne: Top 3 questions, answered.
2022;26(1):71-78. doi:10.1177/12034754211035091
Mohiuddin AK.Acne protection: measures and miseries.Dermatol Clin Res.
2019;5(1):272-311.
Kong YL, Tey HL.Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation.Drugs.
2013;26(4):302-311. doi:10.1111/dth.12077
