Skin, Hair & Breast
Pregnancy Acne
Hormone-driven breakouts, common in early pregnancy — treatable safely, but some acne ingredients must be avoided.
Written and fact-checked by the ParentVibes editorial team against WHO, NHS, ACOG and peer-reviewed guidance. Not yet reviewed by a named clinician.
Quick facts
- Most common
- 1st and 2nd trimesters
- Cause
- Rising hormones, increased oil production
- Usually settles
- As pregnancy progresses
- Avoid
- Oral/high-strength retinoids
- Always
- Check products with your doctor or pharmacist
If breakouts you thought you'd left behind in your teenage years have returned since you became pregnant, you're not alone. Pregnancy acne is extremely common, particularly in the first and second trimesters, as hormone levels rise and your skin produces more oil.
It's harmless to you and your baby, and for most people it improves as pregnancy goes on. The main thing to be mindful of is that a number of acne treatments — including some of the most effective ones for stubborn acne outside pregnancy — aren't safe to use while you're expecting, so it's worth knowing what to reach for and what to avoid.
What is pregnancy acne?
Pregnancy acne is a flare or new onset of spots, blackheads and oily skin driven by the hormonal changes of pregnancy. Rising levels of hormones — particularly in the first trimester — stimulate the skin's oil (sebaceous) glands to produce more sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts, most often on the face, but sometimes on the chest, back and shoulders too.
It can affect people who've never had acne problems before, as well as those with a history of acne, whose symptoms may temporarily worsen. For most people it improves in the second half of pregnancy as hormone levels stabilise, though some continue to experience breakouts throughout.
It's not a reflection of your skincare
Pregnancy acne is driven by hormones, not poor hygiene or diet. Being gentle with your skin — rather than scrubbing harder — is usually the more effective approach.
What causes pregnancy acne?
Pregnancy acne is mainly hormonal, though a few other factors can contribute.
Rising hormone levels
Increased levels of hormones such as progesterone stimulate the skin's oil glands, particularly in the first trimester, leading to oilier skin and more breakouts.
Increased blood flow
Pregnancy increases blood flow to the skin generally, which can make it look flushed and feel more sensitive, sometimes alongside breakouts.
Changes in skin barrier and sensitivity
Some people find their skin becomes more reactive to products they previously tolerated well, which can also contribute to spots and irritation.
Stress and sleep changes
Tiredness and stress, both common in pregnancy, can indirectly affect skin and make breakouts feel more noticeable.
Pre-existing acne history
If you're prone to acne outside pregnancy, hormonal shifts can temporarily worsen it, though the pattern varies from person to person.
When pregnancy acne is normal
Acne in pregnancy is a cosmetic skin change and, on its own, is not a medical concern. The following are expected:
- New or worsening spots and oily skin, mainly in the first and second trimesters.
- Breakouts on the face, chest, back or shoulders.
- Gradual improvement as pregnancy progresses for most people.
- Skin that feels more sensitive or reactive to products than usual.
| Usually normal acne | Needs medical attention | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mild-to-moderate spots, blackheads | Painful, deep, cystic lumps |
| Scarring risk | Low with gentle care | Higher — may need prescribed treatment |
| Products | Gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare | Currently using retinoids or unclear products |
Milder often means gentler is better
Over-washing or using harsh exfoliants can worsen irritation. A simple, gentle routine usually helps more than an aggressive one.
When to be cautious
Acne itself is not dangerous, but a few things are worth flagging to your doctor or pharmacist:
Seek urgent medical care if you have
- You're currently using, or have recently used, oral retinoids (such as isotretinoin) or high-strength topical retinoids and are pregnant or planning pregnancy — tell your doctor promptly.
- You have severe, painful, cystic acne that's affecting your confidence or daily life.
- Breakouts are becoming infected — increasing redness, warmth, swelling or pus.
- You're unsure whether a skincare product, supplement or medicine you're using is safe in pregnancy.
Certain acne medicines (particularly oral isotretinoin and some other retinoids) can seriously harm a developing baby and must be avoided in pregnancy. If you've used any of these around the time you conceived, tell your doctor straight away so they can advise you.
Check every product before using it
Never assume a skincare or acne product is safe just because it's available without a prescription. Always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before starting or continuing any acne treatment in pregnancy.
Safe self-care for pregnancy acne
A gentle, consistent routine using pregnancy-safe products helps most breakouts without added risk.
Keep it simple and gentle
- Wash your face twice a day with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Avoid scrubbing or harsh exfoliating; pat skin dry rather than rubbing.
- Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser even if your skin feels oily.
Choose ingredients your doctor confirms are safe
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using topical treatments, including common acne ingredients.
- Avoid oral retinoids (e.g. isotretinoin) and high-strength topical retinoids entirely in pregnancy.
- Check any 'natural' or supplement-based acne remedy with your doctor too — natural doesn't always mean pregnancy-safe.
Everyday habits
- Change pillowcases regularly and avoid touching your face often.
- Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic make-up and sunscreen.
- Keep hair off your face if breakouts are along your hairline.
Be patient
Hormonal acne can take weeks to respond to any routine. Give a gentle, consistent approach time before switching products repeatedly, which can irritate skin further.
When to consult a doctor
See your doctor, midwife or a dermatologist if:
- Your acne is severe, painful or cystic and gentle skincare isn't helping.
- You'd like a prescription treatment and want to confirm it's safe in pregnancy.
- You've used oral or high-strength retinoids close to conception or during early pregnancy.
- Acne is affecting your self-esteem or mental wellbeing.
- You notice signs of skin infection around breakouts.
Keep track of what you try
Logging your skin changes and any products you use makes it easier for your doctor to advise you at your next appointment.
Open the Pregnancy TrackerFrequently asked questions
Why do I have acne now when I never used to?
Rising pregnancy hormones increase oil production in your skin, which can trigger breakouts even if you've never had acne-prone skin before. It's very common, harmless, and usually eases as pregnancy progresses.
What acne ingredients should I avoid in pregnancy?
Oral retinoids such as isotretinoin, and high-strength topical retinoids, should be avoided in pregnancy as they can harm a developing baby. Always check any other active ingredient — prescription or over the counter — with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
Is it safe to use my regular acne cream while pregnant?
Not necessarily — some common acne ingredients aren't recommended in pregnancy. Bring your current products to your doctor, midwife or pharmacist so they can confirm which are safe to continue and which to pause.
Will pregnancy acne go away after birth?
For most people, acne improves as hormone levels stabilise in the second half of pregnancy or after birth. Some people continue to have breakouts for longer, particularly if breastfeeding, as hormones remain different from pre-pregnancy levels.
Can stress make pregnancy acne worse?
Stress and poor sleep don't directly cause acne, but they can make skin feel more reactive and breakouts more noticeable. Getting rest where you can and keeping your routine simple and gentle both help.
Your next steps
Track your pregnancy
Log symptoms week by week, get personalised tips, and see how your pregnancy is progressing.
Open Pregnancy TrackerPregnancy week-by-week
Follow your baby's growth and your body's changes from week 1 to 40 in plain language.
Explore the guideFind a gynaecologist
Have a personal concern? Book with a trusted obstetrician or gynaecologist near you.
Find a doctorRelated pregnancy symptoms
Helpful resources
Sources
- NHS — Pregnancy: common symptoms & concerns
- ACOG — Pregnancy resources (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- WHO — Maternal health & pregnancy care
- NHS — Skin changes in pregnancy
- ACOG — Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
Next review due: 6 January 2027.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general information about a common pregnancy symptom and does not replace personal medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, a bad headache with vision changes, reduced or absent baby movements, breathing difficulty, fever, or you feel something is seriously wrong, contact your doctor or midwife or go to your nearest emergency department straight away. When in doubt, always get checked — it is never a waste of anyone's time.
Read our Medical Disclaimer, Editorial Policy and Medical Review Policy.