Oily skin

Oily skin during pregnancy: How to deal with unwanted shine

If your skin suddenly became shiny, pores enlarged, and the number of breakouts increased, know — this is another "gift" from pregnancy hormones. Increased oiliness, just like dryness, is a common phenomenon caused by the body's adaptation to the new state.

Why does the skin become oily?

The main cause is the rise in androgens and progesterone. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to work more actively. They start producing an excess amount of skin oil (sebum), leading to a greasy shine, enlarged pores, and creating favorable conditions for the development of pregnancy acne.

This effect can be especially noticeable in women who already had combination or oily skin before pregnancy. Usually the condition normalizes after delivery, when the hormonal background returns to its usual state. You can read about other physical changes in our guide.

Oily skin care rules

The main mistake is trying to "dry out" the skin with aggressive products. This has the opposite effect: the skin responds by producing even more oil. Proper care should be gentle:

• Gentle cleansing: Use mild gels or foams for washing twice a day.
• Moisturizing: Even oily skin needs hydration. Choose lightweight, non‑comedogenic creams or fluids.
• Don’t forget sun protection: Ultraviolet light can provoke inflammation.

For how to correctly choose cosmetics and which ingredients to avoid, read the article "Beauty and Care during Pregnancy".