Postpartum Acne: Why Skin Breaks Out After Baby
Postpartum acne happens because hormones drop and shift rapidly after birth, often creating temporary androgen dominance that triggers breakouts. It usually improves within a few months as hormones stabilize. If breastfeeding, check that skincare ingredients are safe.
Managing postpartum breakouts
Hormones are shifting; this is temporary.
- Stick to gentle, consistent skincare.
- Salicylic acid and niacinamide are generally safe while breastfeeding.
- Retinoids are typically avoided while breastfeeding.
- Breakouts usually ease within a few months as hormones stabilize.
Get a skincare routine built around your cycle
PhaseBloom maps your breakouts to where you are in your cycle and builds an AM and PM routine that changes as your hormones do, so you treat skin before it flares.
Get a skincare routine built around your cycle
PhaseBloom maps your breakouts to where you are in your cycle and builds an AM and PM routine that changes as your hormones do, so you treat skin before it flares.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I breaking out after having a baby?
Rapidly shifting hormones after birth, including a temporary relative rise in androgens, trigger breakouts. Stress and sleep deprivation add to it. This usually improves as hormones stabilize.
What skincare is safe while breastfeeding?
Salicylic acid in cleansers, niacinamide, and azelaic acid are generally considered safe. Retinoids are typically avoided. When in doubt, check with your doctor.