妊娠中のニキビ：原因、安全な対処法とスキンケアのコツ

“I was covered in acne all over my body during my pregnancy.”

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

During pregnancy, many women notice unexpected changes such as breakouts, skin irritation, or oiliness, and become anxious, wondering, “What’s happening to my body?” Pregnancy is a time of significant hormonal and bodily changes, and these internal changes tend to manifest on the skin. Acne, dryness, sensitive skin, and inflammation can suddenly appear even in people who have never had skin problems before.

This article explains acne during pregnancy, its causes, how it changes in early and late pregnancy, common areas where it appears such as the forehead, chin, and back, and general skincare and treatment approaches during this period.

Reasons why acne develops during pregnancy: Main causes

Acne during pregnancy, also known as pregnancy acne, is primarily related to hormonal changes in the body, but it can also be caused by a combination of other factors. Understanding the causes can alleviate anxiety and make it easier to plan your daily skincare routine.

Hormonal changes and increased sebum secretion

During pregnancy, the levels of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen fluctuate significantly. Progesterone, in particular, is known to increase sebum production in the skin. When excess sebum mixes with old dead skin cells, pores can easily become clogged, resulting in acne and breakouts.

This is one of the most common causes seen during pregnancy, especially in the early stages when hormone levels change rapidly. 

Skin sensitivity and weakened barrier function

During pregnancy, your skin may become more sensitive than usual. The skin’s barrier function weakens, which can result in the following conditions:

• Become more susceptible to stimuli
• Redness is more likely to appear.
• A burning, itchy, and uncomfortable sensation.
• Even slight friction or cosmetics can cause acne and bumps.

These conditions are common symptoms that appear as skin problems in early pregnancy .

Changes in lifestyle and stress

During pregnancy, sleep patterns, stress levels, and lifestyle habits tend to change. These changes indirectly affect the condition of your skin. For example, the following factors can combine to contribute to more severe skin problems during pregnancy.

• Lack of sleep reduces the skin’s ability to recover.
• Stress can worsen inflammation.
• Fatigue can lead to neglecting skincare.

Changes in diet and digestive function

Morning sickness, changes in food preferences, and constipation can easily disrupt nutritional balance. While diet isn’t the only direct cause of acne, a lack of essential nutrients can affect the skin’s ability to repair itself and its overall condition.

Differences between acne in early and late pregnancy

Skin condition is not constant throughout pregnancy. Many women experience changes in the way skin reacts and patterns depending on the stage of pregnancy.

Acne in early pregnancy

The early stages of pregnancy are a time when acne and blemishes are particularly noticeable. This is because hormone levels are changing rapidly and the body is not yet adapted to pregnancy.

Some common concerns include the following:

• Acne that appears in early pregnancy
• My face was covered in acne from the early stages of pregnancy.
• Forehead acne increases in early pregnancy
• Skin irritation on the forehead in early pregnancy
• Acne around the chin in early pregnancy
• Skin irritation around the mouth in early pregnancy

During this time of year, sebum production increases, making pores more prone to clogging. Even people whose skin has been stable until then may suddenly notice an increase in acne.

Acne in late pregnancy

In the later stages of pregnancy, some women experience a stabilization of their hormone levels, while others continue to have skin problems.

The following are some common trends during this period:

• Acne in late pregnancy
• Acne on the chin in late pregnancy  
• Skin irritation around the mouth in late pregnancy
• Increased sensitivity and dryness 
• Worsening due to stress and fatigue 

While some people find their acne subsides at this stage, others continue to experience acne throughout their pregnancy, or their condition fluctuates between periods of improvement and worsening.

point

There is no single pattern that applies to everyone. Some people find that skin problems in early pregnancy improve in later stages, while others experience symptoms throughout their pregnancy, or their symptoms fluctuate. Everyone’s reaction is different.

Areas where acne is most likely to appear during pregnancy and why.

Acne during pregnancy tends to appear in areas where the distribution of sebaceous glands is concentrated and where friction is a significant factor.

Acne on the forehead and T-zone

The forehead is one of the most common areas for acne during pregnancy. You may notice the following changes: 

• Acne on the forehead in early pregnancy
• Shine due to increased sebum
• Small bumps and clogged pores

Additionally, friction and irritation from contact with bangs, sweat, and styling products can lead to skin irritation on the forehead during early pregnancy.

Acne on the chin and jawline

Acne around the chin is said to be particularly closely related to hormonal fluctuations. This is a common pattern seen during pregnancy.

• Acne on the chin during pregnancy
• Chin acne that appears in early pregnancy

The relationship between pregnancy and chin acne: Hormonal changes increase sebum secretion in this area, making it more prone to inflammation and recurring acne.

Acne and skin irritation around the mouth

Some people experience the following symptoms:

• Acne around the mouth in early pregnancy
• stinging or small bumps around the mouth
• Sensitivity due to masks and dryness

This area is prone to various factors, such as being frequently touched by hands, having lip, base makeup, and skincare products applied to it, and being susceptible to hormonal changes.

Acne on the back and décolleté

During pregnancy, acne is often seen on parts of the body other than the face.

• Acne on the back during pregnancy
• Worsening of severe back acne during pregnancy

Increased sweating, friction from clothing, and increased sebum secretion combine to make these areas more prone to breakouts. The back is also an area that is often neglected because it is difficult to see and care for.

Acne treatment during pregnancy : Safe care and medical consultation

When treating acne during pregnancy, it’s important to be aware that there are limitations on the medications that can be used and the treatments that can be received.

Acne treatments during pregnancy

During pregnancy, some medications should be avoided for safety reasons. For example, the following are some of them: 

• Some retinoid medications are generally avoided.
• Some oral antibiotics are not suitable.
• Avoid using over-the-counter medications without consulting a doctor.

Because of these restrictions, acne medications should always be used only after consulting with a healthcare professional. 

Depending on the situation, a dermatologist may consider the following relatively milder options:

• Gentle topical medication
• Moisturizer
• A formula primarily composed of low-irritation ingredients.

However, what is suitable varies depending on skin condition and overall health, so a doctor’s judgment is crucial.

Acne treatment at a dermatologist during pregnancy

If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be helpful to consult a dermatologist to discuss appropriate care options.

Medical institutions make decisions based on the following points:

• Skin type and severity of symptoms
• Time of pregnancy
• Pre-existing sensitivities and allergies
• Benefits and safety of the treatment

This point is especially important if you have severe acne or persistent inflammation.

Restrictions on treatment

During pregnancy, certain cosmetic medical procedures and treatments may be restricted for safety reasons. Depending on the clinic and the symptoms, less invasive methods may be considered, but suitability will vary depending on the individual circumstances.

Skincare and lifestyle habits that can help improve acne during pregnancy

When it comes to skin problems during pregnancy, consistent daily skincare plays a significant role.

Gentle cleansing and moisturizing

Basically, the focus will be on simple care.

• Wash your face gently, about twice a day.
• Don’t scrub vigorously.
• Use a gentle facial cleanser.
• To protect the skin’s barrier function, moisturize frequently.

Washing too much can actually lead to dryness and cause excessive sebum production, so be careful.

UV protection

妊娠中はホルモンの影響で、紫外線による刺激や色素沈着が起こりやすくなることがあります。日焼け止めを適切に使うことで、炎症やシミのリスクを抑える助けになります。

食事と水分補給

次のようなバランスを意識した食事は、肌全体のコンディションを支える一助になります。

• 野菜や果物、たんぱく質を意識してとる
• 水分をしっかり補う
• 揚げ物や甘いものを摂りすぎないよう意識する

こうした工夫は、直接「ニキビを治す」というより、肌のバランスを整える下地づくりと考えるとよいでしょう。

ストレスと睡眠の管理

ストレスそのものが単独でニキビを引き起こすとは限りませんが、ホルモンバランスや肌の回復力に影響を与えることがあります。散歩やストレッチなどの軽い運動、十分な休息を意識することは、心身のコンディションを保つ上でも役立ちます。

妊娠中のニキビ跡について

妊娠中のニキビ跡を気にする人もいますが、一般的には、ニキビをつぶしたり強くいじったりするのは避けるよう勧められます。刺激を加えると、跡が残ったり色素沈着のリスクが高まる可能性があるためです。

「妊娠中のひどい肌トラブル」とはどのような状態か

なかには、ニキビがかなり強く出て、重い肌トラブルと感じる状態になることもあります。これは必ずしも妊娠そのものの異常を意味するわけではありませんが、痛みや不快感、精神的な負担につながります。

強く出ている例としては、次のような状態が挙げられます。

• 触れると痛いほど深く炎症を起こしたニキビ
• 顔全体や背中一面に広がるニキビ
• 汗や摩擦で悪化しやすい、妊娠中のひどい背中ニキビ
• 赤みやヒリつきが長く続き、なかなか引かない状態

記事の冒頭で書いた「妊娠中は本当に全身ニキビだらけだった」と感じる状態は、妊娠初期のホルモン変動が大きい時期に起こりやすいです。

このような場合には、市販の強い薬やピーリング剤などで自己流ケアをするのではなく、妊娠中のニキビに詳しい皮膚科医に相談し、医療用の外用薬が必要なのか、スキンケアの調整で様子を見るべきなのかを判断してもらうことをお勧めします。

妊娠中の口周りのニキビや肌荒れ

意外と見落とされがちなのが、口周りの肌トラブルです。妊娠中は、次のような変化に気づくことがあります。 

• 妊娠初期の口周りのニキビや肌荒れ
• 乾燥と小さなブツブツが同時に出る

この部分は特に敏感で、次のような影響を受けやすい場所です。

• 口元を拭いたり触れたりする回数が多い
• 日常的なマスク着用による摩擦
• リップやファンデーション、スキンケアがたまりやすい

妊娠後期になると、次のような変化が見られることもあります。 

• 口周りの肌荒れ
• 乾燥やホルモン変化による赤みやザラつき

この部位の不快感を減らすためには、必要以上に多くのアイテムを重ねず、シンプルなケアにとどめることが役立つことがあります。ただし、ヒリヒリや赤みが長引く場合は、自己判断でアイテムを増やすのではなく、医療機関に相談することが勧められます。

妊娠女性のニキビ治療薬として一般的に考えられること

妊娠中の大きな心配の一つが、「どのニキビ薬なら安全に使えるのか」という点です。妊娠という特別な状況では、通常のニキビ治療がそのまま適用できるとは限りません。

皮膚科医は一般的に、次のような観点から検討します。

• 妊娠の時期（初期か後期かなど）
• ニキビの程度（軽いのか重いのか）
• 肌の敏感さ
• 治療によるメリットとリスクのバランス

内服薬の一部やレチノイド系の外用薬など、制限されることが多い治療もあります。そのため、妊娠中のニキビ治療薬を自己判断で始めることは避ける必要があります。

状態によっては、比較的マイルドな外用薬などが検討されることもありますが、何が適しているかは人によって異なり、「妊娠中はこれを使えばよい」という一つの正解はありません。

最近では、オンライン薬局やお薬ショップなどの薬の通販サイトで情報を確認する人もいますが、最終的には医療機関での相談を優先することが大切です。 

迷ったときは、妊娠中のニキビについて相談できる皮膚科を受診し、自分の肌に合う選択肢や避けるべきものを確認しましょう。

妊娠中の背中や体のニキビ

顔のニキビは目につきやすい一方で、背中や体のニキビに悩む人も少なくありません。こちらの方が治りにくいと感じることもあります。 

例えば、次のような状態が含まれます。

• 汗や熱によって生じる吹き出物
• きつめの服や下着との摩擦による刺激 
• 暑い季節や湿度が高い環境で悪化しやすい背中ニキビ 

症状が強い場合には、炎症が広がり、かゆみや違和感が強く出ることもあります。

背中は自分でしっかり洗ったり、保湿や薬を塗ったりしにくい部位のため、次のような工夫が役立つことがあります。 

• 汗をかいた後は、できる範囲でやさしく洗い流す
• 通気性のよい衣類を選ぶ
• 油分が多すぎるボディケア用品は避ける

こうしたボディのニキビは見落とされやすいものの、妊娠中によく見られる悩みの一つです。 

妊娠初期に起こる、ニキビ以外の肌の変化

妊娠による肌変化は、ニキビだけに限りません。妊娠初期には、さまざまな肌トラブルが見られます。 

• 敏感さや乾燥が増える
• 肌の質感がざらつく、ゴワつく
• うっすら赤みやかゆみが出る
• 部分的な乾燥とベタつきが同時に起こる

なかには、「妊娠超初期のサイン」として、他の症状より先にニキビが出てくると感じる人もいます。

口周りのトラブルや額の敏感さなども、外側の問題というより、ホルモン変化の影響として現れている場合があります。 

こうした変化は、一時的なものであることが多く、妊娠の進行とともに落ち着いたり、 別のパターンに変わっていくことが少なくありません。ただし、体の反応には個人差があるため、「これが普通」と一概に言うことはできません。 

まとめ

妊娠中のニキビは、多くの人が経験するごく一般的な変化であり、主な原因はホルモンバランスの変化です。そこに、肌の敏感化、ストレス、生活リズムの変化などが重なり、額ニキビ、顎ニキビ、背中ニキビなど、さまざまな形で現れることがあります。

不安や煩わしさを感じることはあっても、肌にやさしいスキンケア、無理のない生活習慣の見直し、必要に応じた医療機関での相談を組み合わせることで、安全性に配慮しながら症状のコントロールを目指すことができます。

妊娠の経過や肌質は一人ひとり異なるため、自分の状態に合った方法を選び、「安全性」を最優先に考えることが大切です。 

症状がつらい、長引く、心配と感じる場合は、自己判断で強いケアを試す前に、医療機関に相談することが最も確実な選択です。

よくある質問

1．妊娠初期に突然ニキビが増えるのはなぜですか。

妊娠初期のホルモン変化により、皮脂分泌が増えやすくなることが、ニキビの一因と考えられています。

2．妊娠ニキビは自然に治ることがありますか。

ホルモンバランスが落ち着くにつれて、自然と肌状態が安定してくる人もいますが、その経過には個人差があります。

3．妊娠中にニキビ薬を使っても大丈夫ですか。

Since some medications should be avoided during pregnancy, always consult a healthcare professional before using any acne medication.

4. Why do I get acne only on my chin during pregnancy?

Acne around the chin is often related to hormonal fluctuations and is a common pattern seen during pregnancy.

5. When should I see a dermatologist for pregnancy acne?

If you experience severe pain or inflammation, have widespread acne, or are experiencing persistent and distressing symptoms, it may be helpful to consult a dermatologist who specializes in treating acne during pregnancy.

References

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Skin conditions during pregnancy [Internet]. Washington (DC): ACOG; 2023 [cited 2026 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.acog.org
• American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne: Who gets and causes [Internet]. Rosemont (IL): AAD; 2024 [cited 2026 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.aad.org
• Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945–973.e33.
• Murase JE, Heller MM, Butler DC. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(3):401.e1–14.
• Kroumpouzos G, Cohen LM. Dermatoses of pregnancy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45(1):1–19.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or symptoms regarding acne or skin problems during pregnancy, please consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the information in this article.