Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Pregnancy Triggers Acne Due to Hormonal Shifts
When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through big changes.
One of these changes is that her hormones shift a lot.
These hormonal changes can make her skin more sensitive and produce more oil.
This extra oil can clog pores and cause pimples, not just on the face but also on the back, chest, and shoulders.
Dr. Kunal Sood says that using gentle skincare products is important during pregnancy.
Harsh products can make the acne worse.
Some treatments that are usually used for acne might not be safe during pregnancy, so it's best to talk to a doctor before using them.
Dr. Sood also reminds pregnant women that these skin changes are normal and usually get better over time.
Acne and skin changes during pregnancy are common due to hormonal shifts.
Hormonal changes increase oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
Acne can appear on the face, back, chest, and shoulders.
Gentle skincare habits, such as using mild cleansers and non-comedogenic moisturizers, are recommended.
Some acne treatments are unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided.
- Who
- Pregnant women
- What
- Acne and skin flare-ups
- When
- During pregnancy
- Where
- Face, back, chest, and shoulders
- Why
- Due to hormonal shifts and increased oil production
- Cause of Acne
- Hormonal shifts during pregnancy
- Affected Areas
- Face, back, chest, and shoulders
- Safe Treatments
- Mild cleansers, non-comedogenic moisturizers, clindamycin (if prescribed)
- Avoid During Pregnancy
- Retinoids, high-strength salicylic acids, many oral medications
- Expert Advice
- Dr. Kunal Sood, anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician