Acne and pregnancy: understanding what your body is going through (and how to support it)

Acne during pregnancy is not a new form of acne. It generally occurs in skin that is already prone to breakouts or sensitivity, already weakened before pregnancy.

A real hormonal upheaval

From the very start of pregnancy, the body produces large quantities of hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones play an essential role in maintaining the pregnancy, but they also have a direct impact on the skin.

They stimulate the overactivity of the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for sebum production. In excess, this sebum can clog pores, promote skin congestion and lead to the appearance of spots, or even inflammatory acne.

But these hormones also need to be metabolised and eliminated. This is where a key organ comes into play: the liver.

During pregnancy, the liver is under particular strain. It must simultaneously:

• manage the increase in circulating hormones
• filter and eliminate metabolic waste
• store and redistribute essential micronutrients
• whilst meeting the baby's needs, as the baby draws primarily from the mother's reserves

When the liver is overloaded or lacking in nutrients, hormones are less well regulated. This can trigger skin inflammation or a hormonal acne flare-up during pregnancy.

Supporting the liver does not mean doing a detox, but helping it to function properly through a suitable diet and essential nutrients.

Pregnancy significantly increases the need for micronutrients, which are essential for skin health, the immune system and your baby's development.

Certain nutrients play a key role in the prevention and management of acne:

• zinc: helps regulate sebum production and supports healing
• vitamin D: anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting action
• vitamin E : skin cell renewal
• omega-3 DHA : helps reduce inflammation

Conversely, excessive intake of vitamin B6 and/or vitamin B12, likely due to inappropriate supplementation, could contribute to acne.

It is therefore essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

Vitamin B9 is essential during pregnancy. It is involved in:

• hormonal regulation
• cell renewal
• the modulation of inflammation
• the development of the baby's nervous system

A little-known fact: around 40% of women have a genetic polymorphism that prevents the proper conversion of standard folic acid. In this case, B9 in methylated form is often better absorbed.

Here again, the aim is not to multiply supplements, but to choose one pregnancy supplement that is appropriate, validated by a healthcare professional.

Many women have taken the pill to treat their acne. When stopping the treatment, particularly in a pregnancy project, the body must:

• eliminate synthetic hormones
• restart a natural cycle
• replenish micronutrient reserves

Preparing your body 3 to 6 months before a pregnancy helps to limit the risk of rebound effect, of post-pregnancy acne or persistent acne after birth. Taking a women's fertility supplement rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can help. 

During pregnancy, it is essential to adopt a simple routine, gentle and suitable for acne-prone skin.

In the morning

• Avoid harsh cleansing with water
• Opt for a gentle floral water (rose or cornflower)
• Moisturise your skin with a lightweight cream suitable for acne-prone skin
  
  → If you have combination skin, opt for a hyaluronic acid-based cream such as the Feed OUT acne moisturiser by Skin & Out, it is pregnancy-safe. 

In the evening

• Cleanse your skin gently with a non-drying gel→ The Clean OUT gel by Skin & Out, enriched with zinc, cleanses without irritating and is pregnancy-safe
• Apply your moisturiser again

Throughout the day, try not to touch or scratch your skin: bacteria and friction can worsen inflammation.

A well-adapted diet can genuinely help calm pregnancy acne:

• favour foods with a low glycaemic index (vegetables, fruit, pulses, whole grains)
• limit ultra-processed foods, refined sugars and aggressive cooking methods
• include good sources of omega-3 (oily fish, nuts, quality oils)
• choose organic food where possible, to limit exposure to endocrine disruptors

Think about bitter vegetables (chicory, radishes, cabbage) to naturally support the liver

Pregnancy is an intense time, both physically and emotionally. Stress and lack of sleep can worsen hormonal and inflammatory imbalances… and therefore acne.

Gentle practices such as breathing exercises, meditation, sophrology, or perinatal support can provide real relief.

Quality sleep is also essential: it plays a direct role in hormonal balance.

Acne during pregnancy can be unsettling, especially at a time when you would love to feel fully in harmony with your body.

But behind those breakouts, there is often a body working intensely to adapt, nourish and protect a new life.

Understanding these mechanisms, supporting your body gently and surrounding yourself with the right professionals will often help you find greater peace of mind — for your skin, and for yourself.