What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that usually begins during adolescence. You can develop acne when hair follicles in your skin and their oil glands become blocked and inflamed.

What are the symptoms of acne during pregnancy?

If you have acne during pregnancy, you may develop white heads, black heads and inflamed pus-filled spots such as pimples, papules and pustules.

Acne may appear on your face, neck, back or chest. This is where your oil glands are biggest and most active.

Acne may flare up during your first trimester. Usually, it improves or may even disappear during your third trimester. Your acne may even be less severe or disappear with each pregnancy.

After giving birth, breastfeeding can help you keep acne away.

What causes acne during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes in your body can trigger acne during pregnancy.

As you go through adolescence, your hormone levels slowly go up. The oil glands in your skin respond to the rising levels of hormones by making a waxy substance called sebum. These glands can become blocked, causing oil and dead skin cells to be trapped in your skin. This process causes acne.

Acne can also be affected by:

• bacteria in your hair follicle causing inflammation
• genetics — you are more likely to have acne if someone in your family has acne
• stress

When should I see my doctor or midwife about acne?

You should see your doctor or midwife if your acne is not well controlled with non-prescription medicines, or is moderate to severe.

See your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before you start trying for a baby or as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Together you can check if the medicines you are taking or plan to take are safe for your baby.

You can also seek support from your doctor or midwife if your acne is causing you emotional distress.

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How is acne during pregnancy diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose acne during pregnancy by examining your skin. They may also ask you about your family history and your lifestyle.

How is acne treated during pregnancy?

If you have mild acne and you are pregnant, treatment may include a treatment that you put directly on your pimple (known as a topical treatment). This includes over-the-counter (OTC) products such as benzoyl peroxide, creams and lotions. Your doctor may also prescribe a topical antibiotic called clindamycin.

If you have severe acne and you are pregnant, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic tablet called erythromycin.

Physical therapies may also help improve acne, for example:

• laser
• blue light therapy
• micro-needling
• chemical peels

These treatments can temporarily improve your acne. You will usually need other ongoing treatments as well. It is important that these therapies are done by skilled professionals.

If you are pregnant and have acne there are some medicines you must avoid, because they can harm your baby. Examples include:

• spironolactone
• retinoids (medicines similar to vitamin A), including pills, creams and ointments

Always ask your midwife, doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicine or skin product, to check if it's safe for you and your baby.

What are the complications of acne during pregnancy?

Acne will not affect your pregnancy or your baby. It is important to only use acne treatments that are safe during pregnancy.

Can acne be prevented?

You cannot fully prevent acne due to contributing factors that are out of our control such as genetics. While acne is not caused by dirt, it is still important you take care of your skin to help manage and reduce breakouts.

Self-care tips to help prevent acne flare-ups

Here are some self-care tips to reduce flare-ups and scarring:

• Keep good skin hygiene: wash your face with a gentle soap-free cleanser. Shampoo your hair regularly and keep your hair away from your face and neck.
• When using make-up: use oil-free or matte-finish products or a mineral powder. These products are less likely to block your skin pores. Remove your make-up every night with a mild soap-free cleanser. Avoid make-up remover wipes.
• When using moisturiser: use oil-free non-comedogenic ('not pore-clogging') products. Only use moisturiser in acne areas if the area is dry. Using too much moisturiser can make acne worse.
• Avoid picking, popping or scratching your pimples.
• Use good sun protection and try to avoid the sun on your skin.

Acne is generally not caused by the foods that you eat. Some people notice that their acne flares up when they eat certain foods. If this is the case for you, try and avoid the foods that may worsen your acne.

Resources and support

• Learn more about acne in pregnancy at All About Acne.
• Find out more about your medicines in pregnancy and breastfeeding by calling Medicines Line on 1300 633 424.
• Read about self-care for expecting and new parents at PANDA.

Other languages

Visit Healthy Horizons for information in a range of community languages on general health conditions. These include skin diseases, reproductive health and mental health.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Learn more about Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pregnancy health on Stronger Bubba Born, or watch the How to Have a Safer Pregnancy video.

Looking for information for sexually and gender-diverse families?

PANDA has inclusive and appropriate support for LGBTIQA+ expecting and new parents.