Pregnancy can bring many changes to your skin, and despite the promise of a
“pregnancy glow”, hormonal breakouts are extremely common.
For some women, pregnancy acne appears for the first time. For others, existing
breakouts may become more frequent or inflamed. While it can feel frustrating,
particularly when many of your usual skincare ingredients are no longer recommended, there are gentle and effective ways to support breakout-prone skin throughout
pregnancy.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR
How To Manage Hormonal Breakouts During Pregnancy
By Professor Caitriona Ryan - Consultant Dermatologist Advisor for SKN TO SKN
WHY DOES PREGNANCY CAUSE HORMONAL BREAKOUTS?
During pregnancy, levels of hormones such as progesterone can increase. These hormonal changes may stimulate the sebaceous glands in your skin, causing them to produce more sebum, or oil.
When excess oil combines with dead skin cells, it can clog the pores and contribute to blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots. Pregnancy may also make your skin more sensitive, so products you previously used without a problem may suddenly feel drying or irritating.
Breakouts can occur at any stage of pregnancy, although many women notice changes during the first trimester, when hormone levels begin to rise rapidly.
Which Acne Ingredients Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
Some traditional acne treatments are not recommended during pregnancy.
These include retinoids and vitamin A derivatives, which can appear on ingredient lists under names such as:
- Retinol
- Retinal or retinaldehyde
- Tretinoin
- Adapalene
- Retinyl palmitate
- Retinyl acetate
Prescription oral retinoids, including isotretinoin, must not be used during pregnancy.
High-strength salicylic acid should also be approached with caution. If you are considering using medicated acne treatments—including benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics or exfoliating acids - speak to your GP, midwife, pharmacist or dermatologist first. They can recommend an appropriate treatment based on the type and severity of your breakouts.
WHICH SKINCARE INGREDIENTS CAN HELP?
You do not need to abandon active skincare simply because you are pregnant. The key is choosing ingredients that are considered suitable for pregnancy and introducing them gently.
Azelaic Acid and Its Derivatives
Azelaic acid is commonly recommended for managing breakouts during pregnancy. It can help to keep pores clear, reduce inflammation and improve the appearance of the post-breakout marks that spots can leave behind.
Azelaic acid derivatives can also offer many of these clarifying benefits while being particularly gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a useful multitasking ingredient for hormonal
skin.
It can help to regulate excess oil, support the skin barrier and reduce the appearance of redness and uneven skin tone.
HYALURONIC ACID
Breakout-prone skin still needs hydration. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture
within the skin, helping it feel plumper and more comfortable without adding heaviness.
If the skin becomes dry or its protective barrier is compromised, it may become more irritated and difficult to manage. Keeping it properly hydrated is therefore an important part of any breakout-friendly routine.
HOW TO BUILD A PREGNANCY-SAFE ROUTINE FOR BREAKOUT-PRONE SKIN
When your skin is changing, it can be tempting to add multiple treatments or cleanse more frequently. However, an overly complicated or aggressive routine can disrupt the skin barrier and make redness, sensitivity and inflammation worse.
A simple and consistent routine is often the best approach
STEP 1) CLEANSE GENTLY
Cleanse morning and evening to remove makeup, SPF, excess oil and daily impurities. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleansers that leave your skin feeling tight or stripped.
SKN TO SKN’s Balancing Act Gel-to-Oil Cleanser gently cleanses the skin while helping to maintain moisture and support the skin barrier. Its non-comedogenic formula melts away makeup and impurities without leaving the skin feeling dry.
Step 2: Introduce a Targeted Serum
Choose a lightweight serum containing pregnancy-compatible ingredients that can support breakouts without overwhelming sensitive skin.
SKN TO SKN’s Multi-Tasking Face Serum contains 3% Azeclair P, a gentle azelaic acid derivative, alongside BB-Biont blemish peptide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. The formula is designed to help improve the appearance of breakouts, uneven skin tone and texture while supporting the skin through hormonal change.
When introducing any new product, begin gradually and monitor how your skin responds.
Step 3: Moisturise, Even if Your Skin Feels Oily
Skipping moisturiser can leave the skin dehydrated and compromise its protective barrier. Choose a non-comedogenic formula that hydrates and supports the skin without feeling overly heavy.
At night, SKN TO SKN’s Sleep Cheat Night Cream combines ceramides, ectoin, hyaluronic acid and omegas 3, 6 and 9 to help replenish moisture and support the skin barrier while you sleep
Step 4: Wear SPF Every Day
Daily sun protection is particularly important during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can increase the likelihood of pigmentation, including melasma, and spots may leave darker post-breakout marks after they heal.
SKN TO SKN’s Glow & Go Daily Moisturiser SPF30 contains 20% zinc oxide, niacinamide and iron oxides to provide daily mineral sun protection while supporting uneven, breakout-prone and hormonal skin.
What Else Can Help Manage Pregnancy Breakouts?
Alongside a gentle skincare routine:
- Avoid picking or squeezing spots, as this can increase inflammation and the likelihood of scarring.
- Change pillowcases regularly and clean anything that frequently touches your face, including your phone and makeup brushes.
- Choose skincare and makeup labelled non-comedogenic.
- Introduce one new product at a time so you can see how your skin responds.
- Give your routine time to work. Constantly changing products may make sensitive or inflamed skin harder to manage.
- Speak to a healthcare professional before taking supplements or using medicated acne treatments during pregnancy.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE?
Speak to your GP or a dermatologist if your breakouts are painful, cystic, sudden or beginning to scar. You should also seek advice if acne is affecting your confidence or emotional wellbeing.
A healthcare professional can recommend treatment options that are appropriate for
pregnancy and tailored to the needs of your skin.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hormonal breakouts during pregnancy can be frustrating, particularly when the products you once relied on may no longer be suitable. But pregnancy-safe skincare does not have to mean compromising on results.
A gentle, consistent routine focused on cleansing, hydration, barrier support, targeted ingredients and daily SPF can help keep your skin balanced throughout pregnancy.
Every pregnancy, and every person’s skin, is different. Listen to your skin, introduce products gradually and seek professional advice if your breakouts become severe or
difficult to manage.
The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
