Acne And Breastfeeding: Causes, Treatments And Home Remedies

Hormonal changes and lifestyle may cause acne, and treatment depends on its severity.

Reviewed by Yinés Garcia-Taylor, IBCLC, RN Yinés Garcia-Taylor Yinés Garcia-TaylorIBCLC, RN MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on YouTubeFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Lactation consultantExperience: 10 years
Written by , BDS, CLC Dr. Ritika Shah BDS, CLC Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Dental and General Health, LactationExperience: 10 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , MSc, MA, BEd Ghazia Shah MSc, MA, BEd Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health & WellnessExperience: 3 years
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A lady checking her face acne in front of a mirror

Image: ShutterStock

For women prone to acne, it is not uncommon to experience breakouts during and after pregnancy. In this post, we talk about acne and breastfeeding. Acne occurs when dead skin and oil block the hair follicles. Bacterial growth multiplies in the blockage, leading to pimples or acne. While acne most commonly occurs on the face, it may also occur on the neck, chest, back, and arms (1). While over-the-counter (OTC) acne medicines may be working well for you, you may want to be doubly sure regarding their safety while using them during breastfeeding. Read on as we talk about the causes, home remedies, and safe treatment options for acne when breastfeeding.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Acne during breastfeeding can be caused by hormonal changes, lack of sleep, stress, dehydration, and unhealthy foods.
  • To prevent acne, drinking water, following a skincare routine, having a healthy diet, using tea tree oil, probiotics, basil oil, copaiba oil, honey, and coconut oil may be helpful.
  • Consult a doctor before using topical ointments containing antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid while breastfeeding.
  • Avoid using aspirin to make at-home salicylic acid.
  • Lauric acid found in human breast milk and coconut oil has potential for treating acne.

Can Breastfeeding Cause Acne?

A rise in serum androgen levels in pregnancy leads to increased sebumiA oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands, which acts as a lubricant and protects the skin. production and hence causes acne (2). This continues after delivery too. After delivery, it takes some time before the hormones settle down, and hence acne might occur. Moreover, for new mothers reduced sleep and increased stress may also cause pimples.

If your skin is prone to acne, you are likely to have it during breastfeeding as well (3). However, not all women who are breastfeeding will have the breakouts.

Causes Of Acne When Breastfeeding

Although it is suggested that maternal hormonal fluctuations or changing levels of estrogen and progesterone levels may lead to acne, the exact cause is still unknown (4). Below are some of the possible reasons for acne in women who are breastfeeding.

  • Lack of sleep and increased stress (5)
  • Dehydration
  • Fried, spicy foods, moderate processed foods

    Fried and processed foods may cause acne while breastfeeding

    Image: IStock

  • High androgen increases sebum production and may cause acne (6)
  • The small pores present on the skin surface are connected to the sebum-producing glands under the skin by a canal, which is also known as a hair follicle. At times, the sebum, hair, and dead skin cells can collect and form a plug. The bacteria present in the plug causes swelling, and eventually leads to acne (7)
  • An increase in sebum production in the last few months of pregnancy and during breastfeeding might also cause acne (8)
  • Endocrine system conditions like polycystic ovary syndromeiA hormonal condition in females characterized by irregular periods, cysts in the ovaries, weight gain, and excess body hair. (9)
  • Women with Cushing’s syndromeiDisorder occurring on exposure to excessive cortisol hormone, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, excess body hair, and weight gain. (10)

protip_icon Quick tip
Using oily skincare, haircare products, and cosmetics may cause acne. So, remove your makeup daily, wash your oily hair regularly, and keep your hair away from your face (26).

Some of the above causes are generic and might cause acne irrespective of whether a woman is breastfeeding or not.

Home Remedies For Acne During Breastfeeding

Developing a skin-care routine and sticking to it can help in the prevention and recurrence of pimples.

The following measures might help you deal with acne (6) (11).

  • Drink eight to ten glasses of water every day.

    Drink sufficient water to combat acne while breastfeeding

    Image: Shutterstock

  • Wash your face with a mild oil-free face wash and lukewarm water twice a day. Do not scrub the skin as it can increase oil production.
  • Do not burst the pimples as it can lead to the spread of bacteria to other parts of the body.
  • Use a mild cleanser for sensitive skin.
  • Apply fragrance-free moisturizer and sunscreen lotion.
  • Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Avoid eating junk food and very spicy food. Include healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your daily maternal diet. Avoid food with a high glycemic index.
  • Try and get sufficient sleep. Sleep when the baby sleeps. It might be difficult with an infant, so ask friends or family to help with cooking, cleaning, chores when possible.

Some herbs and natural remedies are used for acne. However, it is not known if these are safe while breastfeeding.  Use these after consulting your doctor.

  • Applying tea tree oil is considered effective (12)
  • Consumption of probiotics might help reduce acne (13)
  • Essential oils, like basil oil and copaiba oil, might also be helpful (14)
  • Drinking green tea (14)
  • Topical application of citrus fruits (15)

    Topical application of citrus fruits helps relieve acne

    Image: Shutterstock

  • Topical application of honey can help, owing to its antibacterial and antifungal properties  (16)
  • Topical application of extra virgin coconut oil due to its antimicrobial and antiviral properties (17)
  • Anecdotal evidence suggests the use of baking soda
  • A mask made from oatmeal and cucumber
  • Apple cider vinegar can kill acne-causing bacteria (18). Mix one part of vinegar with three parts of water and apply it to your acne spots after cleansing your face. Leave it for 30 seconds, then rinse it off (19).
  • Using a honey and cinnamon face mask can help manage acne. Mix two tablespoons of honey with one tsp of cinnamon to make a smooth paste. Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes, and wash it off.
  • Aloe vera is recognized for its anti-acne abilities and has been medically employed to treat acne vulgaris (20). Apply freshly extracted aloe gel to acne-prone areas for faster healing.

Everything labeled under the tag of natural may not be safe when you are breastfeeding. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor before using these home remedies.

protip_icon Be watchful
Avoid the home remedy that suggests dissolving aspirin in the water to make at-home salicylic acid. It may burn the skin and have other adverse effects (27).

Acne Treatment When Breastfeeding

A doctor may prescribe ointments to treat acne while breastfeeding

Image: IStock

If the acne outbreak is severe, then the doctor may suggest a treatment plan that is safe during breastfeeding. The first line of treatment is the topical application. Ointments accumulate in the follicles and treat the acne due to their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The doctor might prescribe ointments containing one or a combination of the following drugs (21).

  • Antibiotics like erythromycin, clindamycin, metronidazole, dapsone, etc.
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Salicylic acid

All these medicines are available as OTC drugs, but do not use them without consulting your doctor.

Severe cases of acne, like cystic acneiLarge, painful, and pus-filled acne that develop deep within the skin follicles and leave scars. , might not cure with topical ointments alone. In such cases, the doctor might recommend the use of oral medications or light therapy (21). Oral medications include:

  • Oral macrolidesiA class of antibiotics that help manage bacterial infections by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. (erythromycin or azithromycin)
  • Cephalexin
  • Zinc compounds

Blue-violet or red-light phototherapyiA technique that involves exposure to lightwaves, usually used to treat specific skin conditions. is used as a separate treatment entity or is administered along with topical or oral medications.

protip_icon Quick tip
Topical medication for acne has a low risk of passing into breast milk. However, do not use it around the breast area or where the baby can touch it. Wash your hands after applying the medication (28).

Treatment To Avoid When Breastfeeding

Topical application and oral medications containing the following drugs are contraindicated for nursing mothers (21).

  • Hormonal therapy
  • Co-trimoxazole
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Topical and oral retinoids

Does Breast Milk Clear Acne?

Using virgin coconut oil for acne while breastfeeding

Image: Shutterstock

A study noted that human breast milk contains a natural compound called lauric acid, which could have the potential to treat acne (22). Lauric acid is also found in coconut oil. Therefore, you may use virgin coconut oil as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does acne that occurs while breastfeeding goes away?

The duration of postpartum acne can vary significantly from one woman to another. It is often caused by fluctuations in hormone levels that occur after giving birth, which can take some time to stabilize (23).

2. Can I get acne when I stop breastfeeding?

Yes. You may develop acne, or your existing acne might worsen after you stop breastfeeding (23).

3. Can I use salicylic acid while breastfeeding for acne?

It is generally considered safe to use salicylic acid while breastfeeding, as only a small amount of it is absorbed through the skin and is unlikely to affect breast milk. However, avoid applying it to body areas that might come into direct contact with the infant’s skin or where the infant might lick it (24).

4. Can I use retinol on my face while breastfeeding for acne?

Maternal use of topical retinoids (a synthetic form of vitamin A) is generally safe for breastfeeding infants, as only a small amount is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, speak to your doctor before use to ensure their safety. To reduce the risk of exposure to your baby, avoid applying the product to your breasts and keep it away from your baby’s skin (25).

Acne while breastfeeding is not uncommon and is mostly temporary. The hormonal imbalance during postpartum and breastfeeding, the stress of giving birth and caring for the child, sleeplessness, etc., are some common causes of acne while breastfeeding. However, refrain from using any OTC ointments or prescription drugs without consulting your gynecologist or dermatologist. Proper hydration, a well-balanced diet, and avoiding junk food can help get rid of acne during breastfeeding. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns about acne while breastfeeding.

Infographic: Causes Of Acne During Breastfeeding And Home Remedies

Acne may not be specific to breastfeeding, but certain factors might make you prone to developing it during lactation. However, acne is typically an unalarming condition, and you can adopt a few self-management techniques to cope with it. Explore the causes and home remedies to deal with acne during breastfeeding.

reasons and remedies for acne in breastfeeding women (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Acne And Breastfeeding: Causes Treatments And Home Remedies

Acne And Breastfeeding: Causes, Treatments And Home Remedies_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team


Are you a breastfeeding mom wondering if it’s okay to use acne treatment and stretch mark cream? Watch this video to find out!

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Acne; Family Doctor Organization
2. U. Tan, B.J. Schlosser, and A.S. Paller, A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients; U.S. National Library of Medicine
3. YL Kong, Hong Liang Tey; Treatment of Acne Vulgaris During Pregnancy and Lactation; ResearchGate
4. What causes acne; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
5. Stress and Acne; Acne organization
6. Alicja Kucharska, Agnieszka Szmurlo, and Beata Sinska, Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris; U.S. National Library of Medicine
7. What is acne; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
8. Rita V. Vora et al., Pregnancy and Skin; U.S. National Library of Medicine
9. Breastfeeding with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); la leche league international
10. Margarita Victoria B Holgado-Galicia et al., Cushing’s syndrome in pregnancy; U.S. National Library of Medicine
11. Acne: What you need to know; Harvard Health Publishing
12. Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS, A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne; S. National Library of Medicine
13. Jung GW et al., Prospective, randomized, open-label trial comparing the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of an acne treatment regimen with and without a probiotic supplement and minocycline in subjects with mild to moderate acne; U.S. National Library of Medicine
14. Lizelle Fox et al., Treatment Modalities for Acne; U.S. National Library of Medicine
15. Sri Agung Fitri Kusuma, Marline Abdassah, Bobby Ellyas Valas, Formulation and evaluation of anti acne gel containing citrus aurantifolia fruit juice using carbopol as gelling agent; International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics
16. Pauline McLoone et al, Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin; S. National Library of Medicine
17. Tzu-Kai Lin, Lily Zhong, and Juan Luis Santiago, Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils; U.S. National Library of Medicine
18. Naturopathic Approaches to Acne; AANMC
19. Tzu-Kai Lin, Lily Zhong, and Juan Luis Santiago, Acne Papules; Cleveland Clinic
20. Amar Surjushe et al., Aloe vera: a short review; National Library of Medicine
21. Kong YL, Tey HL, Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation; U.S. National Library of Medicine
22. Treat acne with coconut oil and nano-bombs; American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
23. Postpartum Acne; Cleveland Clinic
24. Salicylic Acid; Drugs and Lactation Database; NCBI
25. Retinol; Cleveland Clinic
26. What is Acne?Penn Medicine
27. Acne Home Remedies; acne.org
28. Topical Acne Treatments; Mother To Baby

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Yinés Garcia-Taylor
Yinés Garcia-TaylorBSN, RN, IBCLC
Yinés Garcia-Taylor is an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), registered nurse (RN), mother, and founder of Prenatal Yini; a private in-home and virtual lactation consulting service.In her ten years of experience, she has been supporting breastfeeding families in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Read full bio of Yinés Garcia-Taylor
Dr. Ritika Shah
Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC
Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College.

Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Ghazia Shah
Ghazia ShahMSc, MA, BEd
Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

Read full bio of Ghazia Shah
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