Hormonal Acne: Why It Flares During Pregnancy and Postpartum — and What To Do!

If you’re breaking out more than usual during pregnancy or after giving birth, you’re not alone. Hormonal acne is one of the most common (and frustrating) skin challenges mothers face during this time — and it has everything to do with what your body is going through.

Here’s what’s really happening under the surface — and how to support your skin without compromising safety.

Behind the Breakouts

Pregnancy and postpartum are marked by intense hormonal changes. As levels of progesterone and estrogen shift dramatically, they can stimulate your oil glands (sebaceous glands) to go into overdrive. This excess oil (sebum) mixes with dead skin cells, clogging pores and creating the perfect environment for breakouts — especially around the chin, jawline, and cheeks.

In the postpartum period, estrogen drops sharply, often causing a second wave of breakouts — even if your skin was glowing during pregnancy.

Other contributing factors:

• Stress: Cortisol (the stress hormone) can increase inflammation and oil production.

• Sleep deprivation: Impacts skin regeneration and immunity.

• Breastfeeding: Many new mamas notice more breakouts as hormones regulate again.

• Skincare ingredients: Traditional acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, retinoids, or benzoyl peroxide are not safe for use while pregnant or breastfeeding.

What Can You Safely Use for Hormonal Acne?

If you’re pregnant or postpartum, the first step is avoiding harsh, hormone-disrupting ingredients — even those labeled “clean.” Look for formulas that are:

• OB/GYN-approved

• Hormone-safe

• Free from endocrine-disrupting chemicals

• Targeted toward inflammation and barrier repair, rather than just oil control

The Matrescence Approach: Gentle, Targeted, and Safe

Our hormone-safe skincare is designed with the delicate balance of hormonal skin in mind. For acne-prone skin during pregnancy and postpartum, we recommend:

1. Rose Glow Purifying Cleanser
A gentle, sulfate-free gel cleanser with gentle botanical extracts that cleanse and calm — without stripping or irritating skin.

2. Rose Glow Brightening Essence
Formulated to target dark spots and post-acne marks with lactic acid (a gentle AHA), vitamin C, and bladderwrack algae—a pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol. 

3. Rose Glow Brilliance Protection Cream
Nourishes and hydrates while helping to soothe inflammation and protect the skin barrier — essential for acne-prone skin under stress.

Reset Your Routine with the Rose Glow Trio

Instead of mixing and matching products and wondering if they’re safe, start with the Rose Glow Trio — our most-loved 3-step ritual designed specifically for hormonal changes. Together, this cleanser, essence, and cream work in harmony to gently clear breakouts, fade dark spots, and rebuild a calm, balanced barrier.

Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, or simply navigating hormonal fluctuations — this is skincare that works with your body, not against it.