Pregnant woman with hormonal acne receiving gentle skin guidance

Acne During Pregnancy: Causes and Gentle Care

Pregnant woman with hormonal acne receiving gentle skin guidance
Why acne appears during pregnancy and how to care gently for your skin
Acne during pregnancy is common and is usually hormonal acne, caused by natural hormonal changes. In most cases it is temporary and settles after birth. During pregnancy the skin needs particularly gentle care, and it's best to check any product or treatment with your doctor.
Important: This article is for information only. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, always consult your doctor or gynaecologist before using any cosmetic product or treatment on your skin. Some ingredients are not recommended during pregnancy.

Why acne appears during pregnancy

Acne during pregnancy: gentle skincare

During pregnancy, hormone levels change significantly. Increased androgen levels stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum, which clogs pores and leads to acne during pregnancy. Because the cause is hormonal, this condition is also called hormonal acne and is a completely natural response of the body.

When it appears and how long it lasts

Acne most often intensifies during the first and second trimester, when hormonal changes are most pronounced. It's different for every woman: some don't get pimples at all, while others notice a real change in their skin. In most cases acne during pregnancy is temporary and gradually settles after birth, once hormones stabilise.

How skin changes during pregnancy
First trimester
Pimples may appear due to sharp hormonal changes.
Second and third trimester
For some women acne persists, for others the skin settles.
After birth
Hormones gradually stabilise and the skin usually improves.

What's important to avoid

Speak to your doctor first. Not all ingredients used against acne are suitable during pregnancy. Only your doctor or gynaecologist can assess what is safe for you.

Here is a general guide to discuss with your doctor. It does not replace a medical consultation, it simply helps you ask the right questions:

Usually gentle (but check with your doctor first)
Mild cleansing with lukewarm water, light hydration and natural lavender water with a single ingredient.
Discuss with your doctor before use
Products with active ingredients, essential oils (including mint), certain plant extracts and any new cosmetic product.
Avoid without medical approval
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), high concentrations of salicylic acid, oral acne medications and aggressive procedures.

The general rule is simple: during pregnancy, opt for gentle and simple care and check every new addition with your doctor.

Gentle natural care during pregnancy

Gentle natural skincare during pregnancy

When you're looking for the gentlest possible care, a product with just one clear ingredient is a good choice. Organic Lavender water - Hydrolina contains only lavender water (INCI: Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water), is vegan and organically grown. It gently refreshes and calms blemish-prone skin.

Organic Lavender Water Hydrolina - gentle acne care
💜Just one ingredient

Only lavender water (INCI: Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water) - no additives, vegan and organic.

💜Gentle refreshing

Refreshes and cleanses blemish-prone skin without drying it out.

💜Calming

Helps calm redness and leaves a feeling of comfort.

A gentle pregnancy routine
1
Wash your face with lukewarm water morning and evening, without aggressive rubbing.
2
Refresh the skin with gentle lavender water after cleansing.
3
Hydrate with a light product suitable for you, checked with your doctor.
4
Ask your doctor before trying any new cosmetic or active ingredient.
Even with a fully natural, single-ingredient product, always consult your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you're looking for more complete care such as Acne RoutINA™ or Hydrobiotic - Lavender & Mint (which contains mint), be sure to discuss it with your doctor first, as some plant ingredients are not recommended during pregnancy.
What our customers say
4.84 / 5
★★★★★
Organic Lavender water - Hydrolina
★★★★★
Eoin Byrne

I order this for my daughter, and she's well pleased with the cosmetics.

Organic Lavender water - Hydrolina
★★★★★
Sophie

Hello there! I've only been using the organic lavender water Hydrolina for a short while. It's a grand product, just like your other stuff. Leaves the skin lovely and soft, and clean too, without drying it out at all. Cheers!

Organic Lavender water - Hydrolina
★★★★★
Daisy Healy

I bought this organic lavender water for my teenager. We saw results after just the first few uses. Can't recommend it enough!

Acne after birth

After birth, hormones gradually return to their usual levels and acne usually improves. If breastfeeding, it's again important to check products with your doctor. Give your skin time and continue with gentle, consistent care: calm, good hydration and a soft routine are often the best things you can do.

When you should definitely consult a doctor
  • Before starting any new product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • If the acne is severe, painful or worsening quickly.
  • If the skin reacts with a rash, strong redness or itching.
  • If you are considering any acne medication.

About the InaEssentials family

The InaEssentials family

InaEssentials is a Bulgarian family business with over 25 years of experience in organic farming and natural cosmetics with rose oil, herbal waters and actives from its own plantations. Every product is created with care for the skin and respect for nature.


Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to have acne during pregnancy?
Yes. Acne during pregnancy is common and is usually hormonal. In most cases it is temporary and improves after birth.
Which anti-acne products are safe during pregnancy?
Only your doctor or gynaecologist can assess this. As a general rule, retinoids and high concentrations of active ingredients are avoided. Opt for gentle care and consult your doctor.
Can I use lavender water during pregnancy?
Organic Lavender Water contains only one natural ingredient, but even so, it's best to consult your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Important information

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a doctor or gynaecologist. InaEssentials products are cosmetic, not medicinal, and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent conditions.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before using any cosmetic product or treatment on your skin. Some ingredients, including certain essential oils and plant extracts, are not recommended during pregnancy.

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