Acne During Pregnancy

Congratulations on the impending birth of your little one. Pregnancy is an amazing time that brings about amazing changes. Some of them fun, some NOT!

Getting acne during pregnancy on your face, back and other body parts—is actually pretty standard. You can (probably) blame it to those pregnancy hormones.

Pregnancy can trigger acne or make existing adult acne worse. Higher levels of hormones called androgens are at least partly responsible for pregnancy breakouts because they can prompt the sebaceous glands in your skin to get bigger and boost production of an oily substance called sebum.This extra sebum, combined with the shed skin cells that line your hair follicles, blocks your pores, creating an environment in which bacteria can rapidly multiply. All this can eventually lead to the inflammation and skin eruptions of acne.

Acne during pregnancy can be mild, moderate, or even severe, and it can occur at any time during the pregnancy. It may come and go, or it may last the entire pregnancy, says Dr. Niteen Dhepe (Medical Director SkinCity, India).

What Causes Pregnancy Acne?

   

It’s understood that pregnancy hormones might increase the skin’s production of oil. The oil builds up and clogs the pores, attracts bacteria and causes that dreaded acne. You might spot smallish, reddish bumps, or you might get the ones that are white and pus-filled. Breaking out is really common during pregnancy. Sure, some moms-to-be get that “pregnancy glow,” but plenty of others get pregnancy zits.

Also Read, Why Do You Get Acne During Pregnancy?

 

When Does Pregnancy Acne Start?

Although acne can appear at any time during pregnancy, it’s most likely to develop during your first trimester, as pregnancy hormones start picking up pace. And those blemishes will probably be inflammatory pimples, rather than blackheads. This doesn’t mean every pregnant woman will battle breakouts. Some pregnant moms find their existing acne clears up. Others will notice no discernible change in the skin, good or bad.

If you’ve had acne at any time before, though, you’re more likely to break out during pregnancy. This is especially true if you tend to break out around your monthly cycle. Acne that appears during the first trimester often fades during the second. Don’t be surprised, though, if pimples come back with a vengeance in the third trimester as hormone levels surge.Another thing you may notice: pimples in places you’ve never had before. Pregnancy commonly causes body breakouts too.

How Long Does Pregnancy Acne Last?

Just as your body changes during pregnancy and beyond, your skin changes too. So, you may find yourself breaking out for the first time during pregnancy, or in the weeks and months after giving birth. Existing acne may clear up during pregnancy, or it may not. Giving birth may make existing acne better, or it may make it worse. It’s all normal, Mama.

And remember that everybody has a different postpartum experience, so your skin isn’t going to follow the same course as others.Your post-pregnancy acne may last for a short time and disappear on its own. Or it may stick around much longer. Either way, your post-pregnancy acne can be treated.

Is Acne An Early Sign Of Pregnancy?

Well, yes to an extent. An increase in acne and other skin changes can also be a pregnancy symptom. Be careful what medications you use to treat it, though. Some medications like Acutance and those that are high in vitamin A can cause birth defects. It’s best to talk to your doctor about how to battle bad skin while you’re pregnant.

Safe Acne Treatment During Pregnancy

Before using any over-the-counter lotions and creams, it’s best to check with your doctor.While many acne meds, including minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline and Accutane, are off-limits during pregnancy (because they can cause birth defects), there are some topical prescription meds that could be effective, such as clindamycin, metronidazole and azelaic acid. “These are helpful for mild to moderate acne, but do little for moderate to severe acne,” Dr. Dhepe says. Laser and light therapies are also safe during pregnancy.

Also read, All you need to know about acne

Worried About Pregnancy Acne? Try These Natural Remedies:

Sometimes, a little self-care can go a long way. Give these easy, at-home acne remedies a try to get rid of pregnancy acne:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Try using a mild soap and warm water morning and night. You may want to skip the facial scrubs, astringents and masks, since they tend to irritate the skin and can make your acne worse.
• Shampoo regularly.If you’re noticing acne pop up around your hairline, shampoo your hair every day.
• Avoid irritants.Stay away from oily or greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, hair products and acne concealers. Products that are labeled water-based or noncomedogenic are generally less likely to cause acne.
• Keep your hands off your face.A lot of women notice acne outbreaks where they lean their hands against their face.
• Use tea tree oil.This natural essential oil can sometimes help clear up acne.
• Try a clay or charcoal mask. It won’t reduce the acne itself, but it can help cut down on greasiness
• Resist the urge to pick! Touching or popping your zits can make your acne worse.

Keep in mind that your pregnancy isn’t all bad for your skin! While you may have to put up with some new blemishes, as you circulate more blood and retain more water you may find that your complexion is more radiant than ever before. Above all, try to enjoy the wonder of this time; it’s fleeting and will be gone in the blink of an eye. Besides, your baby always thinks you look gorgeous no matter what.

To know more about how you can treat acne during your pregnancy, visit your nearest Skin City Clinic today!