Acne During Pregnancy: Causes, Safe Treatments & Prevention
22 Mar 2025
Pregnancy brings many changes to your body—including your skin! If you’re suddenly breaking out like a teenager, you’re not alone. Pregnancy acne is common, especially in the first and second trimesters, due to hormonal fluctuations.
The good news? Pregnancy acne is temporary, and there are safe, effective ways to manage it while protecting your baby. Let’s explore why pregnancy causes breakouts, what treatments are safe, and how to keep your skin healthy.
Oily skin with clogged pores
Inflammatory breakouts on the face, chest, or back
Breakouts that flare up around the jawline, chin, or forehead Pregnancy acne is usually mild to moderate and often improves after the first trimester or postpartum.
Azelaic acid – Fights bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Witch hazel – A natural astringent that soothes irritated skin.
Clay masks – Help absorb excess oil.
Gentle, pregnancy-safe cleansers – Look for fragrance-free, oil-free options. Best pregnancy-safe cleansers: Look for mild foaming cleansers with salicylic acid under 2%.
High-dose Salicylic Acid (over 2%) – Can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Benzoyl Peroxide (in high concentrations) – Limited safety data, so best avoided.
Oral Antibiotics (Tetracyclines, Doxycycline, Minocycline) – Can affect baby's bone and tooth development. Always check with your doctor before using any new skincare products.
Pat dry—don’t rub your skin.
Eat omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts) to reduce inflammation.
Avoid excess sugar & dairy, which can trigger breakouts.
Disinfect your phone screen, pillowcases, and makeup brushes regularly.
Look for mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide).
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep to support skin healing.
Diluted apple cider vinegar – Natural antibacterial properties.
Honey and turmeric masks – Reduce inflammation and bacteria. Tip: Always do a patch test before trying natural remedies.
Why Does Pregnancy Cause Acne?
1. Hormonal Changes (Increased Androgens)
- Pregnancy increases androgen levels, stimulating oil (sebum) production.
- Excess oil clogs pores, leading to breakouts.
2. Increased Blood Flow & Skin Sensitivity
- More blood circulation means more nutrients reach the skin, but also more oil production.
- Skin may be more reactive to skincare products, making acne worse.
3. Stress & Fatigue
- Pregnancy stress increases cortisol levels, which can contribute to acne.
- Lack of sleep and dehydration can also affect skin health.
Common Signs of Pregnancy Acne
Small red pimples (papules) or whiteheadsOily skin with clogged pores
Inflammatory breakouts on the face, chest, or back
Breakouts that flare up around the jawline, chin, or forehead Pregnancy acne is usually mild to moderate and often improves after the first trimester or postpartum.
Safe Acne Treatments During Pregnancy
Not all acne treatments are safe for pregnancy. Here’s what you can and cannot use:Safe Skincare Ingredients for Pregnancy Acne
Glycolic acid (in low concentrations) – Helps exfoliate and unclog pores.Azelaic acid – Fights bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Witch hazel – A natural astringent that soothes irritated skin.
Clay masks – Help absorb excess oil.
Gentle, pregnancy-safe cleansers – Look for fragrance-free, oil-free options. Best pregnancy-safe cleansers: Look for mild foaming cleansers with salicylic acid under 2%.
Acne Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy
These ingredients can harm the baby and should be avoided: Retinoids (Retin-A, Accutane, Tretinoin) – Linked to birth defects.High-dose Salicylic Acid (over 2%) – Can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Benzoyl Peroxide (in high concentrations) – Limited safety data, so best avoided.
Oral Antibiotics (Tetracyclines, Doxycycline, Minocycline) – Can affect baby's bone and tooth development. Always check with your doctor before using any new skincare products.
6 Natural Ways to Prevent & Reduce Pregnancy Acne
1. Wash Your Face Twice Daily
Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser (avoid harsh scrubs).Pat dry—don’t rub your skin.
2. Stay Hydrated & Eat a Healthy Diet
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.Eat omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts) to reduce inflammation.
Avoid excess sugar & dairy, which can trigger breakouts.
3. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
Avoid picking or popping pimples to prevent scarring.Disinfect your phone screen, pillowcases, and makeup brushes regularly.
4. Use Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic Products
Choose lightweight, oil-free moisturizers.Look for mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide).
5. Manage Stress & Sleep Well
Practice prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to lower cortisol levels.Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep to support skin healing.
6. Try Natural Spot Treatments
Aloe vera – Soothes redness and irritation.Diluted apple cider vinegar – Natural antibacterial properties.
Honey and turmeric masks – Reduce inflammation and bacteria. Tip: Always do a patch test before trying natural remedies.
When to See a Doctor
If your acne is severe, painful, or leaving scars, talk to your doctor about pregnancy-safe treatments. Signs you should seek medical advice:- Deep, cystic acne that won’t go away.
- Painful, inflamed breakouts with pus.
- Sudden, extreme acne flare-ups (could indicate a hormonal imbalance).
