How Long Does Postpartum Acne Last? (And How to Treat It)

After sailing through my teens with mostly clear skin, I was shocked when I was faced with what felt like a constant crop of pimples after welcoming my first child. I was already hormonal and sleep-deprived. Trying to figure out how to get rid of postpartum acne on top of all of that just wasn’t on my new-mom bingo card.

Fortunately, I made it through to the other side of postpartum acne with the help of dermatologists and a few skin-care tweaks. So, if you’re struggling with postpartum acne, know that there are excellent treatment options available.

Ready to nip breakouts in the bud? Here’s what’s causing this common post-baby skin issue (spoiler: it’s hormones!)—plus, how doctors recommend tackling pesky postpartum pimples and blackheads when they surface.

Key Takeaways

• Postpartum acne is driven by hormones. A rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone combined with a spike in oil-producing androgens are the main culprits behind postpartum pimples.
• Timeline of postpartum breakouts. While blemishes typically emerge two to six weeks after delivery, they can appear immediately or persist for months.
• Safe postpartum acne treatments. Most over-the-counter treatments with active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide are generally safe to use, even while breastfeeding.
• What to avoid. Skip products containing retinoids (both OTC and prescription) if you are breastfeeding or pumping, as their effects on nursing infants haven’t been fully studied.

What Is Postpartum Acne?

Postpartum acne isn’t a formal diagnosis; it’s just acne that crops up after giving birth, says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “This is a time of large hormonal fluctuations that can impact the skin, increasing oil production and promoting inflammation leading to breakouts.”

Basically, many of the same things that can lead to acne during your teenage years can also fuel pimples in the postpartum period. "It can range from red, angry pimples to blackheads and whiteheads that develop on the face, chest, back or even the shoulders,” Dr. Zeichner says.

When Does Postpartum Acne Start?

Like everything in the postpartum period, postpartum pimples and acne can show up at different times for different women. “It typically occurs two to six weeks after delivery, but it can occur for the first three to six months,” says Dr. Tanya Evans, MD, dermatologist at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California. It’s also possible to get postpartum acne immediately after birth, Dr. Zeichner says.

What Causes Postpartum Acne?

It should come as no surprise that hormones play a major role in the appearance of postpartum acne. “It’s usually due to a rapid drop of estrogen and progesterone,” Dr. Evans says, adding that estrogen is the main driver.

At the same time, your body will often have an increase in androgens, which are testosterone-like hormones. Androgens tend to increase oil production in the skin, raising the risk that you’ll end up with clogged pores and pimples.

To add insult to injury, it’s common to deal with higher-than-usual levels of the stress hormone cortisol during the postpartum period. That—along with sleep deprivation and all of the other new-mom elements you’re navigating—can raise the risk of postpartum acne, Dr. Evans says.

How Long Does Postpartum Acne Last?

Postpartum acne will eventually clear up. Dr. Evans says it typically goes away within three to six months, but others may experience breakouts for up to a year while hormones stabilize.

Because it can stick around for months, it’s important to acknowledge that postpartum acne can be more than skin deep. For many, skin struggles directly impact mental health during an already vulnerable time. Mom Ivana Davies says her postpartum skin-care struggles led to social isolation: “There were times I didn’t want to leave the house… because I didn’t want to go outside without makeup—and wearing makeup meant more acne. So I just stayed inside,” she says. “I was ashamed, which made me feel 10 times worse.”

This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how you feel in your own skin. If breakouts are affecting your mental health during an already intense adjustment, you aren’t alone. Reaching out to a friend or therapist can help you navigate the emotional toll, while the right routine and products can address the physical one—helping you on your way to a clearer mind and clearer skin.

How to Treat Postpartum Acne

The best treatment options depend on the severity of your breakouts and your breastfeeding status. Fortunately, many of the most effective ingredients are safe for all new moms.

Safe ingredients to look for

Regardless of whether you’re nursing, these over-the-counter ingredients are generally considered safe and effective for postpartum skin:

• Salicylic acid: Dissolves oil and sheds the dead skin cells that clog pores.
• Benzoyl peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and calms skin inflammation.
• Sulfur: Absorbs excess oil and provides gentle exfoliation.
• Niacinamide: Strengthens the skin’s barrier while tamping down oil production.

What to avoid while breastfeeding

While most over-the-counter products are fine to use while nursing or pumping, there are a few important exceptions to keep in mind:

• Skip the retinoids: Avoid these in both over-the-counter and prescription formulas. “They have a little bit of absorption,” says Dr. Evans, noting that the impact of retinoids on nursing babies hasn’t been fully studied.
• Talk to your doctor. Always tell your dermatologist if you’re breastfeeding before starting any oral or topical prescription medications. Of course, if you’re not breastfeeding, retinoid products and prescription options are both still on the table.

Lifestyle tips to treat postpartum acne

Topicals and medications aside, there are some easy steps to take—and swaps to make—to quell postpartum acne.

• Simplify skincare. Dr. Evans suggests using a gentle cleanser in the morning and before bed, and applying sunscreen daily.
• Avoid heavy-duty products. “Avoid really thick, clogging moisturizers,” advises Dr. Evans. “A lot of times, a patient’s skin is really dry after delivery so they add a lot of moisturizer. Unfortunately, that can make skin woes even worse.”
• Prioritize rest and relaxation. “We always talk about reducing stress and getting enough sleep, but that’s kind of hard postpartum,” Dr. Evans says. Nevertheless, she recommends trying your best.
• Monitor your diet. Cut back on sugary foods and keep a diary of how your skin reacts when you eat certain things. If you notice a flare up, it might point to a pattern.
• Don’t ignore dramatic skin changes. “Without treatment, postpartum acne may resolve on its own over weeks to months, but it can leave behind scars in more severe cases,” says Dr. Zeichner.

To Sum It Up

Postpartum acne may be par for the course during this hormone-driven journey. The good news is that your hormone levels will return to normal, and your skin will too. But if it’s bothering you or seems severe, there are steps you can take and treatments to try, ranging from over-the-counter topicals to prescription oral medications. Start by visiting a dermatologist and talking to them about your postpartum journey, skin routine and breastfeeding status. They will evaluate before making recommendations.

How We Developed This Article

There’s a lot that happens in the weeks and months following baby’s arrival. So we know that dealing with postpartum pimples and acne can feel like an unnecessary (and unwelcome) struggle. To give our readers the best answers, tips and solutions, we spoke to two dermatologists, plus two real moms—including an editor at The Bump—who lived through their own experiences with postpartum acne. We also consulted research journals and medical institutions to ensure we’re providing the latest guidance. Finally, this article went through our extensive fact-checking and medical review process.

About the author: Korin Miller knows how deflating it can feel to look at your face in the mirror weeks after giving birth only to see pimples, blemishes and blackheads staring back at you. After her first child was born, she was surprised that her skin suffered the consequences of all those sudden hormone dips. Of course, she still went on to have three more kids—so she accepted the fact that postpartum acne is a temporary albeit inconvenient blip (although this truth doesn’t make it any easier in the moment!) As a mom of four and freelance writer for The Bump, Korin uses her personal experiences to share words of wisdom and empathy in her articles about pregnancy, baby and parenting. In addition to The Bump, she has written for publications such as Women’s Health, Self and Cosmopolitan.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.