on April 29, 2025
Don't pop, just because your belly is about to.
Pregnancy acne is incredibly common, and it tends to show up right when you least want it — in the first trimester, when everything else is already a lot. Here's why it happens, how to manage it safely, and what to do about any marks it leaves behind.
Why does pregnancy acne happen?
Hormones. Specifically, the spike in progesterone that happens in early pregnancy. Higher progesterone levels cause your skin to increase its oil (sebum) production, and that oil is also thicker than usual. More oil plus thicker oil equals clogged pores, inflammation, and breakouts.
If you tend to break out around your period or had acne as a teenager, you're more likely to experience pregnancy acne — your skin is already sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. But it can happen to anyone, regardless of your usual skin type.
Pregnancy breakouts can also show up in new places. Back acne and body breakouts are common during pregnancy, alongside other skin changes like stretch marks.
When does pregnancy acne happen?
Usually in the first trimester, when progesterone levels are rising fastest. For many babes it settles on its own as the pregnancy progresses and hormones stabilise. If it doesn't clear up after the baby is born, factors like sleep deprivation, stress, and less time for skincare can keep it going. Being a parent is a full-time job and your skin knows it.
How to treat pregnancy acne safely
The general rule during pregnancy is to keep your skincare as simple and gentle as possible. Your skin is already dealing with a lot, and harsh or drying products can aggravate it further. Avoid anything that strips your skin barrier — it will respond by producing more oil, which makes breakouts worse.
A few ingredients to avoid during pregnancy: retinoids (retinol, tretinoin), high-concentration salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. If you're unsure whether an ingredient or product is safe, check with your GP, midwife, or dermatologist.
Cleanse gently
My Enzyme Face Cleanser uses papaya enzymes and niacinamide to gently dissolve dead skin and clear congestion without stripping the skin barrier. It's gentle enough for daily use and well suited to the sensitivity that often comes with pregnancy skin. Use it morning and night.
Moisturise — don't skip it
Avoiding moisturiser when you have acne is a common mistake. Dehydrated skin overproduces oil to compensate, which makes breakouts worse, not better. My Caffeinated Face Moisturiser is lightweight and non-pore-blocking, so it hydrates without adding to congestion. Apply it after cleansing, morning and night.
For body breakouts
The Baby Mumma Kit has everything you need for body care during pregnancy, including products formulated with pregnancy-safe ingredients. Gentle exfoliation and consistent hydration are the two most useful things you can do for body breakouts during this time.
What about postpartum acne?
For some babes, acne doesn't clear immediately after birth. Hormones take time to settle, and the demands of a newborn don't make skincare easier. Keep the gentle routine going and give your skin time.
Once you're past the pregnancy and breastfeeding stage, you can reintroduce stronger actives. My Brightening Vitamin C Mask combines AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid) with vitamin C to dissolve dead skin and fade the appearance of acne scars and post-inflammatory marks. Use it 2–3 times a week after cleansing for gradually clearer, brighter skin.
Acne during pregnancy and after pregnancy is normal. You're growing (or have grown) a whole human. Your skin is allowed to have feelings about that.
You're still a babe, before, after, and always.
x frank
