{"id":6919,"date":"2026-08-03T10:49:05","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T10:49:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/?p=6919"},"modified":"2026-08-03T10:49:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T10:49:07","slug":"pregnancy-acne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-acne\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Pregnancy Cause Acne? Causes and Treatment Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pregnancy can affect your skin in different ways, and while some people notice a clearer complexion, you may find that your face, chest or back becomes oilier and starts to develop spots. These breakouts can appear even if you have never had acne before, or they may cause existing acne to become more noticeable as pregnancy hormones increase oil production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pregnancy acne itself is not known to affect your pregnancy or your baby, but it can still be uncomfortable and affect your confidence, particularly when the spots are painful or leave marks. Managing acne during pregnancy requires additional care because some commonly used acne medicines are unsuitable during pregnancy. Treatment should therefore be selected according to your acne severity, stage of pregnancy, medical history and any other medicines you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can Pregnancy Really Cause Acne?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, pregnancy can cause acne or make existing acne worse because hormonal changes can increase the amount of oil your skin produces. When excess oil and dead skin cells block your pores, inflammation and bacteria can lead to spots, pustules or deeper, more painful breakouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every pregnancy is different, so your skin may become clearer, stay the same or develop more acne, even if you have never experienced it before. Pregnancy acne is caused by the same processes as ordinary acne, but because some acne treatments are not suitable during pregnancy, it is important to seek professional advice before starting or continuing any medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Do Hormonal Changes Trigger Breakouts?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pregnancy hormones can increase the amount of sebum, the natural oil produced by your skin. When this extra oil mixes with dead skin cells, it can block your pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads or inflamed spots, especially if bacteria and inflammation develop within the blocked follicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be more likely to experience breakouts if you naturally have oily or acne-prone skin, although acne can also appear for the first time during pregnancy. Washing your face more often or using harsh products will not stop hormone-related acne and may irritate your skin, so it is usually better to follow a gentle skincare routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When Does Pregnancy Acne Usually Appear?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pregnancy acne can begin or worsen at any stage, and there is no fixed trimester in which it is most likely to occur. Your skin may become oilier early in pregnancy, improve later, remain unchanged or continue to flare after your baby is born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stopping a treatment that is no longer suitable during pregnancy may also make acne more noticeable. Do not restart a previous prescription or over-the-counter active ingredient without checking it, as products with similar brand names may contain different medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Does Pregnancy Acne Look Like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-31-1024x559.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6932\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-31-1024x559.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-31-980x535.png 980w, https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-31-480x262.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pregnancy acne can appear in several different forms, including blackheads, whiteheads, red inflamed spots and pus-filled pimples. In some cases, you may also develop deeper, more painful lumps beneath the skin, which can take longer to heal and are more likely to leave scars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may notice acne on your forehead, cheeks, nose, jawline or chin, but it can also affect your neck, shoulders, chest and back, especially in areas where heat, sweat or friction are more common. If you develop painful or persistent acne, it is worth seeking medical advice, as treating it early may help reduce the risk of long-term scarring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Could the Spots Be Something Other Than Acne?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every group of spots that develops during pregnancy is acne. Conditions such as rosacea, perioral dermatitis, folliculitis, eczema or a reaction to a new skincare product can look very similar, so it is not always possible to identify the cause by appearance alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your spots are unusual, become increasingly irritated or started soon after you introduced a new skincare product, it is best to seek medical advice rather than treating them as acne. Getting the correct diagnosis can help you avoid unnecessary irritation and ensure you receive treatment that is safe and appropriate during pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do Diet, Stress or Poor Hygiene Cause Pregnancy Acne?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Factor<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Does It Cause Pregnancy Acne?<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What You Should Know<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Recommended Approach<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Poor hygiene<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Acne is not caused by an unclean face<\/td><td>Cleanse gently without over-washing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Stress<\/td><td>Not directly<\/td><td>Stress may worsen existing breakouts but is not the underlying cause<\/td><td>Manage stress with healthy lifestyle habits<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Diet<\/td><td>No clear evidence that specific foods cause pregnancy acne<\/td><td>Restrictive diets are not recommended during pregnancy<\/td><td>Eat a balanced, nutritious diet<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Harsh scrubs<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Over-scrubbing can irritate the skin and worsen symptoms<\/td><td>Use gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare products<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hormonal changes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Pregnancy hormones increase oil production, leading to breakouts<\/td><td>Follow appropriate skincare and seek medical advice if needed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Common myths<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Myths such as acne predicting your baby&#8217;s sex are not supported by evidence<\/td><td>Rely on evidence-based information and professional guidance<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Should You Clean Acne-Prone Skin During Pregnancy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To care for acne-prone skin during pregnancy, wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day and use lukewarm water rather than harsh soaps or abrasive scrubs. Clean your skin using your fingertips, then pat it dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing, as too much friction can make inflamed spots more irritated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if your skin feels oily, using a lightweight, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturiser can help protect your skin barrier without increasing the risk of blocked pores. When trying new skincare products, introduce them one at a time so you can easily identify anything that causes irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Clinical Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the complete ingredient list rather than relying only on the brand name or the words acne treatment. Some products combine benzoyl peroxide with a topical antibiotic, while others combine benzoyl peroxide with adapalene or clindamycin with tretinoin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A product containing plain benzoyl peroxide may be suitable, while a combination containing adapalene or tretinoin must not be used during pregnancy. Do not restart leftover prescription treatment until a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist has checked every active ingredient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can You Use Benzoyl Peroxide During Pregnancy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-25-1024x559.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6923\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-25-1024x559.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-25-980x535.png 980w, https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-25-480x262.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NHS guidance states that plain benzoyl peroxide can be used during pregnancy because only a small amount is absorbed through the skin. It may help reduce inflamed spots, blackheads and whiteheads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the complete ingredient list before use because combination products may also contain a topical antibiotic or a retinoid. A product containing adapalene or another topical retinoid must not be used during pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, redness or peeling, so beginning with alternate-day or short-contact use may help if your skin is sensitive. Follow the product instructions or professional advice, avoid broken skin and remember that it can bleach hair, towels, bedding and clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is Azelaic Acid an Option During Pregnancy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Azelaic acid is a non-retinoid topical treatment that may be used for acne during pregnancy when it is clinically suitable. It can reduce blocked pores and inflammation and may also help fade post-inflammatory pigmentation left after spots heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mild tingling, dryness or irritation can occur when treatment begins. Use the prescribed or recommended amount, introduce it gradually if advised and allow several weeks for improvement rather than applying it more frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can Topical Antibiotics Be Prescribed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clinician may prescribe a topical antibiotic, such as clindamycin or erythromycin, for inflammatory acne after considering your stage of pregnancy, acne severity and previous treatment. Topical antibiotics should not be used alone or continued indefinitely because this can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The complete formulation must be checked before use. A product containing clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide may be considered after an individual benefit-and-risk assessment. A product containing clindamycin and tretinoin must not be used during pregnancy because tretinoin is a topical retinoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are Oral Antibiotics Ever Used During Pregnancy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An oral antibiotic may occasionally be prescribed for moderate to severe inflammatory acne when suitable topical treatment has not provided enough improvement. Erythromycin is one option that may be used during pregnancy, but the choice depends on your pregnancy stage, medical history, other medicines and the expected benefits and risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oral antibiotics should be combined with a suitable non-antibiotic topical treatment and reviewed regularly rather than continued without reassessment. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments so that it can be stopped or changed when appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Evidence Note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NICE advises against using either a topical antibiotic or an oral antibiotic as acne monotherapy. It also advises against combining a topical antibiotic with an oral antibiotic. When an antibiotic is clinically appropriate, it should be used with a suitable non-antibiotic topical treatment and reviewed after the initial treatment course rather than continued automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which Acne Treatments Must Be Avoided During Pregnancy?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oral isotretinoin must not be taken during pregnancy because it substantially increases the risk of miscarriage and serious birth defects. Topical retinoids, including tretinoin and adapalene, are also contraindicated during pregnancy as a precaution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spironolactone should not be used to treat acne during pregnancy. Oral tetracycline antibiotics, including doxycycline and lymecycline, should not be used to treat acne during pregnancy. Exposure after approximately 13 weeks may affect the baby\u2019s developing milk teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you become pregnant while taking oral isotretinoin, stop taking it immediately and contact the prescribing team for urgent specialist advice. If you are using a topical retinoid or taking spironolactone specifically for acne, stop the acne treatment and contact the prescriber promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you took a tetracycline before realising that you were pregnant, do not assume that your baby has been affected. Contact your GP, maternity team or prescriber for individual advice, as early-pregnancy exposure is not known to cause birth defects and does not usually require additional fetal monitoring by itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>UK Guidance Note<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Current MHRA requirements state that oral isotretinoin must not be taken during pregnancy because it can seriously affect an unborn baby. Anyone who could become pregnant must follow the Isotretinoin Pregnancy Prevention Programme before and throughout treatment and for one month after the final dose, according to the prescribing team\u2019s instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you become pregnant while taking isotretinoin, stop taking it immediately and contact the prescribing team for urgent specialist advice. The Pregnancy Prevention Programme remains in place following the January 2026 changes to other isotretinoin prescribing requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What About Salicylic Acid, Peels and Cosmetic Treatments?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The suitability of salicylic acid, glycolic acid and other exfoliating products depends on their strength, formulation, frequency and the area of skin being treated. Check leave-on products, high-strength preparations and products intended for large areas with a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist rather than assuming that every acid-containing cleanser or spot product has the same risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid strong home peels, home microneedling and unregulated cosmetic procedures because they can cause burns, infection, irritation or worsening pigmentation. Professional peels, lasers and procedures for acne scarring are generally best deferred until after pregnancy unless a suitably qualified clinician recommends otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Myth vs Fact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Myth<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Fact<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Pregnancy acne is caused by poor hygiene.<\/td><td>Hormonal changes and increased oil production are important causes. Harsh or excessive washing can irritate the skin.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Every over-the-counter acne product is safe during pregnancy.<\/td><td>Products may contain topical retinoids or other active ingredients that should be avoided, so the complete ingredient list must be checked.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>All acne medication must be stopped during pregnancy.<\/td><td>Benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and selected antibiotic treatments may be used when clinically appropriate.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>A topical antibiotic is safe as long as it is applied to the skin.<\/td><td>The full formulation matters because some topical antibiotic combinations also contain tretinoin or another retinoid.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Oral isotretinoin can be used when acne is severe enough.<\/td><td>Oral isotretinoin must not be taken during pregnancy because it can seriously harm the developing baby.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Picking spots helps them heal faster.<\/td><td>Picking increases inflammation and the risk of infection, pigmentation and permanent scarring.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When Should You See a Doctor or Dermatologist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-33-1024x559.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6934\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-33-1024x559.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-33-980x535.png 980w, https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-33-480x262.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speak to a GP or pharmacist if your acne is not improving, becomes moderate or severe or you are unsure whether a product is suitable during pregnancy. Early dermatology assessment is appropriate for painful nodules, cysts, widespread inflammation, scarring or acne that is significantly affecting your confidence or emotional wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seek urgent help from NHS 111 or an urgent medical service for a rapidly spreading painful rash, unexplained blistering or peeling, fever or feeling seriously unwell. Call 999 for sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, serious breathing difficulty, collapse or reduced responsiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Can You Reduce Scarring and Dark Marks?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can help reduce the risk of scarring and dark marks by avoiding the temptation to squeeze, pick or scratch your spots, as this can increase inflammation and slow the healing process. Treating active acne early is usually the best way to prevent new marks from forming, while using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day can help stop existing marks from becoming darker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that dark marks left after acne are often temporary and may gradually fade over time, whereas true scars involve permanent changes to your skin&#8217;s structure. During pregnancy, you should avoid using retinoid creams for acne marks, and if scarring remains after your acne has cleared, a dermatologist can discuss suitable treatment options once it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Happens After Your Baby Is Born?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your acne may begin to improve after your baby is born as your hormone levels gradually return to normal, although this does not happen straight away for everyone. Sleep disruption, stress and the physical changes of early parenthood can also contribute to temporary breakouts, so it is important to continue caring for your skin gently rather than expecting immediate improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before restarting treatment, check each medicine with your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist, particularly if you are breastfeeding. Oral isotretinoin must not be used during breastfeeding, and the suitability of other topical or oral treatments depends on the specific medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not apply medicated acne products to the nipple or an area of the breast that may touch your baby\u2019s mouth or skin. Wash your hands after applying treatment and prevent your baby from coming into direct contact with treated areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your postpartum plan should consider acne severity, breastfeeding, future pregnancy plans and the risk of scarring. Do not automatically restart the same combination treatment you used before pregnancy without checking all its active ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pregnancy can trigger acne for the first time or make existing acne better, worse or unchanged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic moisturiser rather than scrubbing or repeatedly washing the skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid may be suitable during pregnancy when used appropriately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oral isotretinoin and topical retinoids must not be used during pregnancy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antibiotics should be prescribed selectively, combined with suitable topical care and reviewed regularly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seek early medical advice for painful nodules, cysts, scarring or symptoms that significantly affect your wellbeing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Is it normal to get acne for the first time during pregnancy?<br><\/strong>Yes. Pregnancy hormones can increase oil production, causing acne to develop even if you have never experienced significant breakouts before. Others may find that their existing acne becomes worse or, less commonly, improves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Which trimester is pregnancy acne most common?<br><\/strong>There is no fixed trimester in which pregnancy acne is most common. It can begin or worsen at any stage, improve later in pregnancy or continue after delivery, and individual experiences vary considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Can pregnancy acne affect my baby?<br><\/strong>Pregnancy acne itself is not known to affect your baby or the progress of your pregnancy. However, some acne medicines are unsuitable during pregnancy, so check every medicated product with your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist before starting or restarting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Can I use benzoyl peroxide while pregnant?<br><\/strong>NHS guidance states that benzoyl peroxide can be used during pregnancy because only a small amount is absorbed through the skin. Follow the product instructions and seek advice if you have sensitive, broken or extensively affected skin or are using other active treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Which acne treatments should be avoided during pregnancy?<br><\/strong>Oral isotretinoin must not be used during pregnancy. Topical retinoids such as tretinoin and adapalene are also contraindicated, and spironolactone should not be used to treat pregnancy acne. Oral tetracycline antibiotics, including doxycycline and lymecycline, should not be used to treat acne during pregnancy. Exposure after approximately 13 weeks may affect the baby\u2019s developing milk teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stop oral isotretinoin immediately and contact the prescribing team if pregnancy occurs. If you are using a topical retinoid or spironolactone for acne, stop the acne treatment and contact the prescriber promptly. Accidental early exposure to a tetracycline does not automatically mean that the baby has been affected, but it should be discussed with your GP or maternity team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Can I squeeze pregnancy acne spots?<br><\/strong>No. Squeezing or picking spots can increase inflammation, delay healing and raise the risk of permanent acne scars or post-inflammatory pigmentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. Will pregnancy acne disappear after I give birth?<br><\/strong>It often improves after delivery as hormone levels settle, but this is not guaranteed. Some people continue to experience acne during the postpartum period because hormonal changes can take time to settle, particularly if they had acne before pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. Can I wear makeup if I have pregnancy acne?<br><\/strong>Yes. Choose non-comedogenic, fragrance-free makeup and remove it gently at the end of the day. Avoid heavy or oily products that may contribute to blocked pores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. When should I see a dermatologist for pregnancy acne?<br><\/strong>Arrange medical assessment if you have painful nodules or cysts, widespread inflammatory acne, early scarring, persistent pigmentation or acne that has not responded to appropriate treatment. You should also seek help when acne is significantly affecting your confidence, mood or daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. Can pregnancy acne leave permanent scars?<br><\/strong>Yes. Moderate to severe inflammatory acne, especially deep nodules or cysts, can lead to permanent scarring if left untreated. Early assessment and appropriate treatment may help reduce the risk of lasting scars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts: Managing Pregnancy Acne with Confidence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pregnancy acne is a common hormonal skin change, but it does not have to be something you simply live with. Understanding which treatments are safe and seeking advice early can help you manage breakouts while reducing the risk of long-term scarring. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/pregnancy-acne\">If you\u2019d like to book a consultation with one of our dermatologists in London<\/a>, you can contact us at the London Dermatology Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>References:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rau, A., Keri, J. and Murase, J.E. (2024) \u2018Management of acne in pregnancy\u2019, <em>American Journal of Clinical Dermatology<\/em>, 25(3), pp. 465\u2013471. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38453786\/\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38453786\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yaghi, M., Baboun, D. and Keri, J.E. (2024) \u2018Acne and pregnancy: A clinical review and practice pearls\u2019, <em>Cutis<\/em>, 113(1), pp. E26\u2013E32. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38478945\/\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38478945\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ly, S., Kamal, K., Manjaly, P., Barbieri, J.S. and Mostaghimi, A. (2023) \u2018Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation: A narrative review\u2019, <em>Dermatology and Therapy<\/em>, 13(1), pp. 115\u2013130. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9823189\/\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9823189\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>McMullan, P., Yaghi, M., Truong, T.M., Rothe, M., Murase, J. and Grant-Kels, J.M. (2024) \u2018Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: An update \u2013 Part I: Pregnancy\u2019, <em>Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology<\/em>, 91(4), pp. 619\u2013648. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0190962224001099\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0190962224001099<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mavranezouli, I. et al. (2022) \u2018A systematic review and network meta-analysis of topical pharmacological, oral pharmacological, physical and combined treatments for acne vulgaris\u2019, <em>British Journal of Dermatology<\/em>, 187(5), pp. 639\u2013649. Available at: <a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/bjd\/article\/187\/5\/639\/6966388\">https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/bjd\/article\/187\/5\/639\/6966388<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pregnancy can affect your skin in different ways, and while some people notice a clearer complexion, you may find that your face, chest or back becomes oilier and starts to develop spots. These breakouts can appear even if you have never had acne before, or they may cause existing acne to become more noticeable as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":6930,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30.png",1100,600,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30.png",1100,600,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30.png",1100,600,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-300x164.png",300,164,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-1024x559.png",1024,559,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30.png",1100,600,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30.png",1100,600,false],"et-pb-post-main-image":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-400x250.png",400,250,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-1080x600.png",1080,600,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-400x284.png",400,284,true],"et-pb-portfolio-module-image":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-510x382.png",510,382,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-1080x589.png",1080,589,true],"et-pb-gallery-module-image-portrait":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-400x516.png",400,516,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth-large":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30.png",1100,600,false],"et-pb-image--responsive--desktop":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30.png",1100,600,false],"et-pb-image--responsive--tablet":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-980x535.png",980,535,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--phone":["https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Imagess-30-480x262.png",480,262,true]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Shailendra Kumar","author_link":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/author\/shailendra\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/category\/uncategorized\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Uncategorized<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Pregnancy can affect your skin in different ways, and while some people notice a clearer complexion, you may find that your face, chest or back becomes oilier and starts to develop spots. These breakouts can appear even if you have never had acne before, or they may cause existing acne to become more noticeable as&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6919","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6919"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6919\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6939,"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6919\/revisions\/6939"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6930"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6919"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}