Pregnancy acne: Solutions and practical advice

Why does acne occur during pregnancy?

Acne is a common occurrence among pregnant women, caused by hormonal upheaval. It can appear as early as the first few weeks, while some women may experience it later on. It mainly depends on the hormonal fluctuation of each pregnant woman. These hormonal fluctuations lead to an overproduction of sebum, which clogs the pores and promotes the development of pimples.

Women who have previously suffered from acne during adolescence or who have naturally oily skin are more prone to developing acne during pregnancy. However, it can also affect women who have never had this issue before. When you are pregnant, your skin becomes more sensitive and reactive to external aggressors such as pollution.

Acne manifests in different forms, and varying degrees of intensity. Among the different types of acne, retentional acne appears as blackheads or whiteheads caused by clogged pores. Inflammatory acne, on the other hand, leads to the formation of red, sometimes painful, pimples (papules), which can develop into pustules. The most commonly affected areas are the face, neck, and back. It is therefore essential to use skincare products suited to these areas as well as your skin type.

What impact does acne have on your health and that of your baby during pregnancy?

A personalised skincare routine for expectant mothers

The essential steps for healthy, soothed skin

To prevent pregnancy-related skin concerns, adopt a beauty routine tailored to this stage of your life.

1. Cleanse

Use a mild, soap-free gel such as Avène’s Cleanance Cleansing Gel to purify your skin without damaging it. For a no-rinse alternative, opt for Cleanance Micellar Water which gently cleanse, mattifies, and helps reduce excess sebum.

2. Exfoliate

Apply the Cleanance A.H.A Exfoliant Serum to unclog the pores. This step allows your skin to better absorb acne treatments, making them more effective in managing pregnancy acne.

3. Treat

Incorporate Cleanance Comedomed Concentrate into your routine to reduce blemishes and prevent them from reappearing, thanks to its patented active ingredient, Comedoclastin™.

4. Hydrate

Even oily or blemish-prone skin needs proper hydration. Choose suitable moisturising creams such as Tolérance Hydra-10, designed to keep your skin soothed and comfortable.

5. Protect

Protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, especially if you use anti-acne treatments that make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Opt for non-comedogenic formulas that will not clog your pores, such as Cleanance Sun Care SPF 50+.

Products to avoid and to favour for your skin

Before starting any acne treatment for severe acne, consult your general practitioner or dermatologist. Some acne treatments, such as retinoids, are not recommended, or even contraindicated, during pregnancy.

For your skincare routine, opt for gentle active ingredients like Avène Thermal Spring Water, known for its soothing and anti-irritant properties. It is ideal to calm redness and inflammation caused by pregnancy acne. Additionally, choose products with non-comedogenic formulas designed for sensitive skin. This helps to regulate sebum and prevent breakouts. When it comes to exfoliation, you can opt for mild acids like lactic or glycolic acid in low concentrations. They help unclog the pores without attacking the skin.

Comedoclastin™ is also an interesting ingredient in anti-acne treatments? It acts directly on blackheads by stimulating cell renewal. This reduces the build-up of dead cells on the surface of the skin and in the pores, and blemishes, while also preventing comedones from forming. Discover our Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Blemishes Concentrate, a skincare product that acts on pimples and blackheads in 7 days.

Safe solutions and treatments for pregnancy acne

Be cautious when choosing acne treatments during pregnancy: they must be suitable, so avoid self-medication. Some treatments contain active ingredients that are not recommended or even contraindicated during pregnancy. If you suffer from severe acne and are considering medical treatment (either topical or oral), consult your general practitioner or a dermatologist.

Topical treatments such as those in Avène’s Cleanance range offer effective solutions while respecting your skin’s sensitivity, even during pregnancy.

Our tips to reduce acne

Avoid aggravating actions

• Do not touch your pimples

When a pimple appears, the temptation to squeeze it can be strong. However, pressing or handling blemishes can worsen the situation, causing inflammation and infection, or even scars.

• Avoid occlusive makeup

Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic products designed for acne-prone skin. Most importantly, always remove your makeup before going to bed.

• Protect your skin from the sun

Sun exposure can worsen acne and accentuate pigmentation spots. Therefore, it is essential to apply sun protection daily, even in winter.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is a key component of your routine. Stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Drinking enough water promotes skin hydration. This supports toxin elimination and maintains a radiant complexion.

Lack of sleep can worsen hormonal imbalances, potentially aggravating acne. Try to get enough rest during your pregnancy.

Stress is another factor that increases the risk of pregnancy acne. To limit its impact on your skin and daily life, engage in relaxing activities such as meditation and prenatal yoga. It is good for your morale, and your skin will thank you.

Adopt a healthy diet

A balanced diet, low in high-glycemic-index sugars, may help limit acne breakouts. In your daily diet, prioritise vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains and legumes.

While a healthy diet and lifestyle may not completely eliminate acne, they can help limit flare-ups and improve your overall well-being.

Consult a professional for personalised support

If your acne becomes severe or persistent, affects your daily life and pregnancy experience, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist. They can prescribe treatments suited to your skin during pregnancy. Most importantly, avoid self-medication, as it may harm your skin and pose risks to your baby.

Frequently asked questions about pregnancy acne

When does pregnancy acne usually disappear?

Pregnancy-related acne often clears up after childbirth, as hormonal levels gradually stabilise. Depending on the individual, this process can take from a few weeks to a few months. Some women notice improvements as soon as their menstrual cycle returns to normal, while others may require dermatological follow-up to treat persistent blemishes or scars.

What are the risks of self-medicating for

Self-medicating to treat pregnancy acne carries significant risks. Some treatments are contraindicated because they contain ingredients that are harmful to the fœtus and can lead to birth defects. For best effectiveness and to avoid risks to your pregnancy, consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. In addition to the risks to your pregnancy, using unsuitable skincare products can worsen breakouts or trigger allergic reactions.

How can you identify the different types of pregnancy acne pimples?

Various types of acne lesions can appear during pregnancy:

• Comedones: blackheads or whiteheads caused by excess sebum.
• Papules: small, inflamed bumps without visible pus.
• Pustules: they are similar to papules, but contain pus at the surface.
• Cysts: deep, painful nodules often linked to more severe inflammation. 

Consulting a healthcare professional will help you to precisely identify the type of acne affecting you and the most appropriate treatment.

How to keep acne-prone skin hydrated during pregnancy

• Use non-comedogenic moisturisers.

Choose lightweight products that do not clog the pores.

• Avoid heavy oils (like coconut oil).

Opt for water-based or gel formulas.

• Hydrate your skin morning and evening.

Even oily skin needs daily hydration.

• Incorporate soothing active ingredients.

Choose topical treatments, like creams containing thermal spring water or zinc, to calm irritations and strengthen the skin barrier.

• Protect yourself from the sun.

Use a moisturising cream with sun protection or a suncare product with SPF 50 to prevent blemishes and pigmentation spots from worsening.