Postpartum Skin · 3 Stages

Three stages. Three routines.

Postpartum skin moves through three hormonal phases. Each one needs a different approach. Find your stage below.

Dr. Anamika Mishra
June 1st, 2026

The three stages of postpartum skin

Most women move through all three in the first year, often without realising the skin's behaviour is following a pattern.

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Stage 1: The estrogen crash

Stage 1: The estrogen crash

First 3 Months

Estrogen drops sharply after delivery. The pregnancy glow disappears, hair sheds, and skin feels dry and unfamiliar.

Your routine

AM & PM
  1. Gentle, fragrance free cleanser
  2. A simple moisturiser
  3. Mineral sunscreen, AM only

No actives yet. Let the skin settle.

Stage 2: The prolactin shift

Stage 2: The prolactin shift

Months 3-6

Prolactin becomes dominant. Skin turns unpredictable. Acne, dryness and oil often arrive together.

Your routine

AM
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. CutiSerum Brightening Complex
  3. CutiBlock-IR Sunscreen
PM
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. CutiGlow-HA
  3. Moisturizer
Stage 3: The confusing one

Stage 3: The confusing one

Months 6-12

Hormones stabilise but the skin doesn't bounce back yet. Most women reach for strong actives here. Don't. Continue gently.

Your routine

AM
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. CutiSerum Brightening Complex
  3. CutiBlock-IR Sunscreen
  4. CutiNourish Finishing Cream
PM
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. CutiGlow-HA
  3. Moisturizer
1
 
2
 
3
Stage 1: The estrogen crash

Stage 1: The estrogen crash

First 3 Months

Estrogen drops sharply after delivery. The pregnancy glow disappears, hair sheds, and skin feels dry and unfamiliar.

Your routine

AM & PM
  1. Gentle, fragrance free cleanser
  2. A simple moisturiser
  3. Mineral sunscreen, AM only

No actives yet. Let the skin settle.

Stage 2: The prolactin shift

Stage 2: The prolactin shift

Months 3-6

Prolactin becomes dominant. Skin turns unpredictable. Acne, dryness and oil often arrive together.

Your routine

AM
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. CutiSerum Brightening Complex
  3. CutiBlock-IR Sunscreen
PM
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. CutiGlow-HA
  3. Moisturizer
Stage 3: The confusing one

Stage 3: The confusing one

Months 6-12

Hormones stabilise but the skin doesn't bounce back yet. Most women reach for strong actives here. Don't. Continue gently.

Your routine

AM
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. CutiSerum Brightening Complex
  3. CutiBlock-IR Sunscreen
  4. CutiNourish Finishing Cream
PM
  1. Gentle cleanser
  2. CutiGlow-HA
  3. Moisturizer

Your 3-6 Month Postpartum Routine

Your 6+ Months Postpartum Routine