Hormonal Acne During Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies and Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
If you have noticed your skin breaking out more than usual since falling pregnant, you are in good company. Hormonal acne during pregnancy is one of the most common — and least talked about — skin changes that comes with growing a baby. The good news? Understanding why it happens is the first step to managing it naturally and safely.
What Is Hormonal Acne During Pregnancy?
Hormonal acne during pregnancy is exactly what it sounds like — breakouts triggered by the hormonal changes your body goes through from the very first trimester. It can appear as small pimples, cysts or blackheads, most commonly on the face, chest and back, and it tends to peak in the first and second trimesters when hormone levels are rising most rapidly.
For some women, pregnancy brings the glowing skin everyone talks about. For others, it brings unexpected breakouts even if they have never struggled with acne before. Both experiences are completely normal — and both are driven by the same hormonal shifts.
What Causes Hormonal Acne During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) rise sharply in the first trimester. Alongside this, progesterone levels increase significantly throughout pregnancy. These hormonal surges stimulate the skin's sebaceous glands to produce more sebum — the natural oil that keeps skin moisturised — which can lead to clogged pores, inflammation and breakouts.
In short: it is not your fault, and it is not a sign that anything is wrong. It is simply your skin responding to the most significant hormonal event of your life.
Factors that can make pregnancy acne worse include:
- Stress — cortisol, the stress hormone, can further stimulate oil production
- Dehydration — when the body is dehydrated, skin compensates by producing more oil
- Heavy or comedogenic skincare — products that clog pores can make breakouts significantly worse
- Diet — high-sugar and high-glycemic foods can trigger inflammation in some people
Natural Remedies for Hormonal Acne During Pregnancy
Managing hormonal acne during pregnancy is about working with your body rather than against it — and choosing approaches that are safe for both you and your baby. Here are some of the most effective natural remedies:
1. Start your morning with warm water and fresh lemon juice
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do for your skin during pregnancy is to start each morning with a large glass of warm water with the juice of a whole lemon, before you eat or drink anything else. Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that supports collagen production and helps to brighten the skin from within. It also supports liver function, which plays an important role in processing the hormones that contribute to breakouts. Make this a daily ritual and your skin — and your digestion — will thank you for it.
2. Stay hydrated throughout the day
Dehydration is one of the most common triggers for excess oil production, so keeping your water intake up throughout the day is one of the most powerful (and underrated) skincare steps you can take. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and more in warmer climates or during the third trimester.
3. Simplify your skincare routine
During pregnancy, less is often more. Many women find that stripping back their routine to the essentials — a gentle cleanser and a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser or serum — makes a significant difference to breakouts. Heavy creams and products with long ingredient lists can overwhelm pregnancy-sensitive skin.
4. Avoid touching your face
It sounds simple, but touching your face transfers bacteria and oils from your hands onto your skin, contributing to blocked pores and breakouts. Try to be conscious of this habit, particularly if you work at a desk or spend time on your phone.
5. Change your pillowcase regularly
Your pillowcase collects oil, sweat and bacteria over time — switching to a fresh one every few days, or investing in a silk pillowcase (which is less absorbent), can make a noticeable difference to skin clarity.
6. Be mindful of your diet
While the research on diet and acne is nuanced, many women find that reducing high-sugar and high-glycemic foods during pregnancy helps to manage breakouts. Focus on whole foods, plenty of vegetables, and foods rich in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin health from the inside out.
What to Look for in Pregnancy-Safe Skincare for Acne
Not all skincare is safe to use during pregnancy — and some of the most common acne-fighting ingredients are among those to avoid. Here is what to look out for:
Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy:
- Retinoids and Retinol (Vitamin A) — linked to birth defects in high doses
- Salicylic Acid in high doses — low concentrations are generally considered safe but high-dose formulations should be avoided
- Benzoyl Peroxide — not recommended during pregnancy
- Hydroquinone — a skin-lightening ingredient with high absorption rates
- Chemical sunscreen filters — best swapped for mineral alternatives
What to look for instead:
- Gentle, naturally-derived cleansing ingredients that remove impurities without stripping the skin
- Lightweight hydrators that maintain the skin's natural moisture balance without clogging pores
- Anti-inflammatory botanicals such as Rose Damascena and Helichrysum Extract
- High natural origin percentages — 95% or above
- Products specifically formulated and tested for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The key is finding skincare that supports your skin's natural balance rather than disrupting it further. During pregnancy, the goal is not to strip oil aggressively — it is to keep skin calm, hydrated and balanced.
The Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Solution: Radiant YOU 2-in-1 Face Serum
Breaking out during pregnancy is very common — and choosing the right skincare can make a real difference. Radiant YOU Revitalising 2-in-1 Face Serum was formulated specifically with pregnancy skin in mind.
Unlike heavy creams or oil-heavy formulas that can clog pores, Radiant YOU contains natural hydrators that work to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance without contributing to breakouts. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula delivers active botanicals deep into the skin without sitting on the surface — making it ideal for pregnancy skin that is prone to congestion.
Key ingredients:
- Rosa Damascena Flower Extract — a natural anti-inflammatory that stimulates collagen production while toning and brightening the skin
- Helichrysum Stoechas Extract (The Immortal Flower) — a powerful plant active that stimulates cellular regeneration, leaving skin smoother and more radiant
- Jojoba — a natural emollient that closely mimics the skin's own sebum, hydrating without clogging pores
98% natural origin. Formulated in France. Clinically tested and safe throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Winner, Best Serum — Beauty Shortlist Mama & Baby Awards 2024.
Radiant YOU works as a day serum, under makeup, and as an overnight treatment — making it the simplest, most versatile addition to your pregnancy skincare routine.
A Final Note
Hormonal acne during pregnancy can feel frustrating — especially when you are already navigating so much change. But it is temporary, it is common, and with the right approach, it is manageable. Start with the basics: warm lemon water each morning, plenty of hydration throughout the day, and a simple, pregnancy-safe skincare routine built around gentle, naturally-derived ingredients.
Your skin is doing something extraordinary right now. Be patient with it — and with yourself.
At Bheue, every product is formulated to support you through every stage of pregnancy and motherhood — because happy mothers make happy families. All four Bheue products are 95–98% natural origin, made in France, and safe throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
