There’s a unique kind of exhaustion that comes with new motherhood. Sleepless nights, feeding schedules, endless cycle of diapers and laundry, Oh my! But what many women aren’t prepared for, amid all the changes, is the sudden onset of hormonal acne. As if the roller coaster of new motherhood wasn’t enough, now you’re dealing with breakouts that remind you of teenage years you’d rather forget.
For many women, postpartum acne hits hard. And it’s not just the occasional pimple. It’s persistent, red, inflamed bumps, particularly around the jawline, chin, and cheeks, that only seem to get worse each day. The frustration is real, and for some, it becomes more than skin-deep. It can feel like your skin has become an enemy, magnifying the exhaustion and postpartum blues that are already at your door.
Why Postpartum Hormonal Acne Happens
When you’re pregnant, estrogen levels rise and, for some, result in that mythical “pregnancy glow.” I remember thinking my skin was the best it had ever been! But after birth, hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, drop sharply. For some women, this hormonal shift leads to an increase in androgens, male hormones that can trigger excess oil production and, in turn, acne, and surprise....facial hair. Add in the stress of caring for a newborn, sleep deprivation, and likely less-than-ideal nutrition in the flurry of new motherhood, and you’ve got a perfect storm for hormonal acne.
If you’re experiencing this, please know you’re not alone. There’s no shame in feeling like your skin isn’t behaving, or that each new breakout feels like a personal defeat. You may even feel resentment toward your body for putting you through one more battle.
Rediscovering Hope and Finding Solutions
Let’s take a breath together. You are doing something extraordinary every single day. But you deserve to feel confident, and you deserve to feel cared for, too.
I’ve been where you are—desperate to make it go away, trying every product I could get my hands on, only to be let down again and again. And after many years, I realized it wasn’t about an overnight fix. It was about understanding what my skin needed and giving it grace, patience, and gentleness. It was about learning to love myself despite my imperfections.
Here are a few things that have helped me and many other mommas get through the worst of hormonal acne:
Simplify Your Routine: A few quality products can go a long way. Focus on a gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer, and (when you’re ready) a treatment like glycolic acid or another AHA. Less is more, especially on sensitive, inflamed skin.
Focus on Nourishment: When you’re exhausted, it’s easy to reach for quick snacks and sugary drinks. I get it—I've been there. But small changes, like adding more greens and healthy fats, can have a calming effect on inflamed skin over time. Make the investment in high quality, plant based protein powders to get your nutrients on the go.
Be Kind to Yourself: Don’t let your skin’s appearance affect how you see yourself. You are enough, exactly as you are. Those tiny humans you’re raising love you unconditionally, acne and all. So SHOW up in the dang selfie with your baby!
Seek Support: Talk to your healthcare provider if your acne is severe, as there may be postpartum-safe treatments that can help. And remember, there are communities of women who’ve been through this and understand the struggle. You don’t have to face it alone.
Moving Forward Together
If there’s one thing I want you to take from this, it’s that you are seen and understood. You are not alone on this journey. Hormonal acne doesn’t define you, and it will get better. Be gentle with yourself, give your skin the time it needs, and remember to look at that beautiful face in the mirror with the same love you show to everyone else.
