Pregnancy and Rosacea: How to Manage Symptoms Before and After Birth

Pregnancy can bring some unexpected changes to your skin, and if you’re dealing with rosacea—or noticing redness and bumps for the first time—you’re not alone. Many moms-to-be find that their rosacea symptoms show up or get worse during pregnancy, thanks to all the hormonal changes going on. It can be frustrating, especially when your usual skincare routine suddenly doesn’t seem to work anymore, and you’re unsure what’s safe to use.

In this guide, we’ll cover why rosacea can flare up during pregnancy, what might be causing it, and how to keep your skin calm with pregnancy-safe tips and gentle remedies. Whether you’re wondering if it’ll go away or just need relief now, you’re in the right place.

Is Rosacea Common During Pregnancy?

Rosacea isn’t exactly “caused” by pregnancy, but it’s common for symptoms to show up or get worse while you’re expecting. The reason? Those intense hormonal shifts and increased blood flow can make your skin extra sensitive, sometimes leading to redness, bumps, or flare-ups you might not have noticed before.

Symptoms and Types of Rosacea in Pregnancy

Rosacea during pregnancy may appear as persistent redness on the cheeks, nose, forehead, or chin, along with visible blood vessels, bumps, or pimples. Some people experience more specific types of rosacea, such as:

• Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Redness with visible blood vessels and sometimes a burning sensation.
• Papulopustular rosacea: Often mistaken for acne, this type includes red bumps and pus-filled pimples.
• Ocular rosacea: This affects the eyes, causing dryness or irritation.

While rosacea symptoms vary from person to person, many women find that they settle down after pregnancy once hormone levels stabilize.

Why Rosacea Flares Up: Key Causes and Triggers

Pregnancy brings plenty of changes, and some of those can make rosacea more likely to act up. Here’s what might be fueling those flare-ups:

• Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—rise to support your body’s changes. These hormones increase blood flow, which can make skin look redder and feel warmer, and they can make rosacea symptoms like redness or bumps more noticeable.
• Increased Skin Sensitivity: Pregnancy can make your skin more reactive, meaning it’s quicker to respond to things that didn’t bother it before. This extra sensitivity can make redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels more pronounced, especially if you’re already prone to rosacea.
• Emotional Stress: With all the physical changes, it’s common to feel a bit more stressed than usual during pregnancy. High stress levels can also contribute to rosacea flare-ups by increasing inflammation, which can trigger redness and other symptoms.
• Everyday Triggers: Alongside hormonal shifts and stress, there are everyday things like spicy foods, hot showers, sun exposure, and even warm drinks that can set off rosacea. During pregnancy, these usual triggers might affect you even more than they used to.

Does Rosacea Go Away After Pregnancy?

One of the biggest questions new moms have is whether rosacea will calm down once pregnancy is over. For many people, the answer is yes—rosacea symptoms often improve as hormone levels settle back down after giving birth. That means the extra redness, bumps, and sensitivity you’re dealing with now might ease up naturally in the months after delivery.

However, everyone’s skin is different. For some, rosacea might continue even after pregnancy, and managing it might mean making small adjustments to skincare or lifestyle. If you find that rosacea is sticking around long after your baby arrives or it’s really affecting your daily life, it’s a good idea to check in with a dermatologist. They can help you create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your skin’s needs.

How to Manage Rosacea During Pregnancy

Managing rosacea during pregnancy is all about being gentle with your skin and making a few small changes to keep flare-ups at bay. Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable and keep your skin calm:

• Go for Gentle, Fragrance-Free Skincare: Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive than usual, so stick to mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers. Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “for sensitive skin” to avoid irritation.
• Stay Sun-Safe: Sun exposure is a common trigger for rosacea, so using sunscreen daily is a must. Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are usually better for sensitive skin, as they don’t contain chemicals that might cause irritation. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and seeking shade when possible are also great ways to keep your skin protected.
• Keep Cool and Avoid Overheating: Heat can bring on flushing and make rosacea worse, so try to stay cool. Simple tricks like using a fan, keeping a cold compress handy, or avoiding hot showers can help you avoid unnecessary flare-ups.
• Hydrate and Watch Your Diet: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. It’s also a good idea to skip spicy or hot foods, as they can increase redness and make rosacea worse. Instead, opt for cooler meals and drinks to keep your skin calm.
• Manage stress: Stress can make rosacea worse so you should try and reduce it through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

If rosacea symptoms are hard to manage, some prescription topical treatments are considered safe for pregnancy—but it’s essential to consult with your doctor before using any medications. Options like metronidazole cream or gel and azelaic acid cream or gel are commonly prescribed, but a healthcare provider should confirm that they’re safe for you.

Safe Natural Remedies for Pregnant Women with Rosacea

When managing rosacea during pregnancy, natural ingredients can offer gentle, soothing relief. Here are some pregnancy-safe remedies that can help calm redness and irritation without harsh chemicals:

Green tea extract:

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, green tea can help soothe irritated skin. Look for skincare products containing green tea extract, or make a cool green tea compress by steeping green tea bags in cold water and applying them to the affected areas for quick relief.

Aloe vera:

Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps cool and soothe red, inflamed skin. Use pure aloe vera gel (either from a store-bought product or directly from an aloe plant) and apply a thin layer to the skin for calming effects.

Related: How Aloe Vera Helps with Rosacea

Niacinamide:

This gentle form of vitamin B3 helps reduce redness and inflammation, while also strengthening the skin’s barrier to minimize flare-ups. Look for moisturizers or serums with niacinamide for added protection and calming benefits.

Related: Benefits of Niacinamide for Rosacea + How to Use

Colloidal oatmeal:

With its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, colloidal oatmeal is great for soothing rosacea symptoms. You can find it in skincare products or add it to bathwater for a relaxing, calming soak that reduces irritation. You can even mix plain oatmeal with a little water and apply as a mask to calm irritated skin naturally.

Chamomile:

Chamomile is another anti-inflammatory ingredient that calms skin naturally. Look for chamomile-infused products, or make a cool chamomile compress by steeping chamomile tea bags in cold water and placing them on affected areas to reduce redness.

Hyaluronic Acid

This powerful hydrator attracts moisture to the skin, helping it stay balanced without clogging pores or causing irritation. Available in serums and moisturizers, hyaluronic acid is an excellent choice to keep skin comfortable and hydrated.

Nourishing Oils

Rosehip oil and jojoba oil are lightweight, non-greasy options for hydration that are safe for sensitive skin. These oils can help moisturize and calm rosacea-prone skin, but it’s best to patch test first to ensure compatibility.

Cucumber

Known for its cooling properties, cucumber can help soothe red, irritated skin. Place cool cucumber slices directly on affected areas or use cucumber juice as a gentle toner to reduce inflammation and refresh the skin.

What to Avoid: It’s best to skip treatments like laser therapy, retinoids, and some prescription medications during pregnancy. Consult a dermatologist if unsure about a product or treatment.

Why Rosacea May Persist After Pregnancy

While many women see their rosacea improve after childbirth, others may continue to experience symptoms, or even develop rosacea for the first time postpartum. This could be due to a combination of physical and lifestyle changes:

• Hormonal Fluctuations: After delivery, hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, drop rapidly, which can lead to skin changes. Breastfeeding may also influence hormones and potentially trigger rosacea in some women.
• Increased Stress: The postpartum period is often physically and emotionally demanding. High stress levels can lead to flare-ups in those prone to rosacea.
• Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making skin more susceptible to inflammation.
• Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to rosacea, and the factors mentioned above may trigger the onset of the condition in those who are predisposed.
• Skincare Changes: New moms may switch up their skincare routine, and unfamiliar products could potentially irritate sensitive skin.

Managing Rosacea After Pregnancy

Managing post-pregnancy rosacea involves many of the same gentle strategies as during pregnancy. Natural treatments like chamomile, colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and green tea extracts are generally safe for breastfeeding.

Topical treatments like azelaic acid and metronidazole are also considered safe but should only be used after consulting with your doctor. It’s best to avoid any products containing vitamin A derivatives, like retinoids, as they may pose a risk to infants during breastfeeding.

Finding Balance and Relief for Your Skin

Pregnancy and postpartum bring many changes, but managing rosacea can be simple with the right approach. By choosing gentle skincare, avoiding common triggers, and knowing which remedies are safe, you can keep your skin as calm and comfortable as possible.

And remember, many moms find that their rosacea improves after pregnancy. If you need extra support, consulting a dermatologist can help you find the best options for your skin during this special time.

More Rosacea Reads:

Top 10 The Ordinary Products for Managing Rosacea
Exfoliation with Rosacea: A Complete Skincare Guide
Is Rose Water Good or Bad for Rosacea?
How Rosehip Oil Can Calm Your Rosacea
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good or Bad for Rosacea?
Is Mandelic Acid Good for Rosacea?