Pregnant woman gently caring for skin prone to acne

Acne During Pregnancy: Causes and Gentle Care

Pregnant woman gently caring for skin prone to acne
Why acne can appear during pregnancy and how to care gently for your skin
Acne during pregnancy is common and is usually hormonal acne, appearing because of natural hormonal changes. In most cases it is temporary and settles after birth. During pregnancy, skin needs particularly gentle care, and it's best to check any product or treatment with your doctor.
Important: This article is for informational purposes 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 blocks pores and leads to acne during pregnancy. Because the cause is hormonal, this is also known as hormonal acne, and it's a completely natural response of the body.

When it appears and how long it lasts

Acne most often becomes more noticeable during the first and second trimester, when hormonal changes are most pronounced. It varies for every woman: some don't get any spots at all, while others notice a clear 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
Spots 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

Check with your doctor first. Not every ingredient used against acne is suitable during pregnancy. Only your doctor or gynaecologist can assess what's safe for you.

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

Usually gentle (but check with your doctor first)
Gentle 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 your doctor's approval
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), high concentrations of salicylic acid, oral acne medications and aggressive procedures.

The general rule is simple: during pregnancy, choose gentle, simple care and check anything new 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 organic. It gently refreshes and soothes skin prone to blemishes.

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 skin prone to blemishes without drying it out.

💜Soothing

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 your skin with gentle lavender water after cleansing.
3
Hydrate with a light product suited to you, checked with your doctor.
4
Ask your doctor before trying any new cosmetic product or active ingredient.
Even with a fully natural, single-ingredient product, always check with 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 these with your doctor first, as some plant ingredients are not recommended during pregnancy.
What customers are saying
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 giving birth

After birth, hormones gradually return to their usual levels and acne usually improves. If you're breastfeeding, it's important again 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 thing you can do.

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

About the InaEssentials family

The InaEssentials family and natural care for acne-prone skin

InaEssentials is a Bulgarian family business with over 25 years of experience in organic farming and natural cosmetics using rose oil, herbal waters and ingredients from our 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 usually hormonal. In most cases it's temporary and improves after birth.
Which anti-acne products are safe during pregnancy?
Only your doctor or gynaecologist can assess this. As a rule, retinoids and high concentrations of active ingredients are avoided. Choose gentle care and check with your doctor.
Can I use lavender water during pregnancy?
Organic Lavender Water contains just one natural ingredient, but even so, it's best to check with 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 any condition.

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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