Pregnancy Acne vs. Regular Acne: What’s the Difference?

Acne can appear at any stage of life, but the type experienced during pregnancy often behaves differently than the acne that occurs during puberty or adulthood. Understanding the differences can help you choose the safest and most effective treatment. Always consult a medical professional before following any health advice or setting out a new health plan.

Hormonal Triggers Differ Significantly

Pregnancy acne is primarily caused by elevated progesterone levels, which increase sebum (oil) production. In contrast, regular acne can be influenced by various factors, including puberty, stress, diet, and hormonal imbalances throughout life. Hormonal shifts in pregnancy are more abrupt and often unavoidable.

Timing of Breakouts Is Pregnancy-Specific

Pregnancy acne usually appears during the first and second trimesters when hormone fluctuations are at their peak. Regular acne can occur at any time and may follow a chronic or cyclical pattern, often worsening during menstruation, stress, or hormonal changes like puberty.

Product Use Is More Restricted During Pregnancy

Many effective acne treatments—like retinoids, salicylic acid (in high concentrations), and benzoyl peroxide—are restricted during pregnancy due to safety concerns. Treating regular acne allows for a wider range of topical and oral medications that are not safe during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Acne May Resolve After Birth

In many cases, pregnancy acne fades naturally after childbirth as hormone levels return to normal. Regular acne tends to persist without targeted treatment, requiring ongoing skincare and sometimes medical intervention for long-term control.

Sensitivity Increases During Pregnancy

Pregnancy makes skin more reactive and sensitive, meaning common treatments for regular acne may irritate pregnant skin. Even natural remedies must be used with caution, while non-pregnant individuals can usually tolerate stronger, faster-acting treatments.

Acne Location May Differ

Pregnancy acne commonly appears on the chin, jawline, and cheeks due to hormonal activity. Regular acne can appear in these areas but often also affects the forehead, back, and chest, especially in people with oily skin types.

Stress Plays a Larger Role in Regular Acne

While stress can exacerbate both types, regular acne is more directly linked to chronic stress, which increases cortisol and oil production. Pregnancy acne is more hormonally driven, though stress during pregnancy can still contribute to flare-ups.

Skincare Goals Shift During Pregnancy

Pregnancy acne treatment focuses on safety first, using gentle, non-toxic ingredients. With regular acne, stronger exfoliants, prescription treatments, and aggressive regimens may be used to target breakouts more effectively.

Medical Treatment Options Are Limited During Pregnancy

Dermatologists avoid prescribing oral medications like isotretinoin or hormonal birth control during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Regular acne patients can safely use these options if needed for severe or cystic acne.

Pregnancy Acne Can Be a First-Time Occurrence

Many people who’ve never had acne before may develop it during pregnancy due to sudden hormonal surges. Regular acne typically begins in adolescence and may persist into adulthood, often due to underlying conditions like PCOS or oily skin.

Conclusion

While pregnancy acne and regular acne may look similar, their causes and safe treatment options differ significantly. Recognizing these differences can help you manage your skin safely and effectively. Always consult a medical professional before starting or changing your skincare routine.