Typically, how you go about treating your acne depends on its level of severity, so it's always best to consult a dermatologist before starting treatment. Still, Dr. Mack recommends people dealing with these kinds of breakouts use products like topical antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide.
"Both antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide help to decrease the amount of bacteria on the skin," she said. For mothers who aren't breastfeeding, she also recommends oral contraceptives that contain both estrogen and progesterone or "a topical retinoid to help reduce clogged pores and drive cellular turnover."
Glycolic acid is another one of Dr. Mack's favourites. "Glycolic acid not only helps with breakouts but helps with unwanted hyperpigmentation that may occur during pregnancy and persists throughout the postpartum period," she said.
In terms of what ingredients to avoid, she doesn't recommend patients use vitamin A derivatives like Retin-A, since studies have shown that it can be passed into breast milk.