Acne is an extremely common skin condition generally associated with adolescents and young adults. Pregnant women may also experience significant outbreaks of acne or worsening of existing acne symptoms. You can ease the effects of pregnancy-related acne by modifying your skin care routine and using certain medications; however, you will need to avoid medications that can harm the health of a developing fetus.
Understanding Acne During Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, your body produces increased numbers of hormones called androgens, according to BabyCenter.com. In turn, these androgens can trigger an increase in the size of oil-producing glands in your skin called sebaceous glands, as well as an increase in the production of oil -- or sebum -- inside these glands. When this excess sebum interacts with the dead skin cells that normally appear inside your hair follicles, it can produce blockages in your pores that trigger the classic skin lesions and inflammation associated with acne.
Skin Care Routine
BabyCenter.com lists methods of improving or controlling pregnancy-related acne that include washing your skin twice daily with a mild cleanser or soap; using oil-free moisturizers; patting your skin dry instead of using harsher rubbing motions; and avoiding squeezing, popping or rubbing your pimples or other acne blemishes. When you wash your face, use your hands instead of scrubbing with a washcloth. When you buy makeup, look for products that won't clog your pores or worsen existing symptoms; appropriate options are commonly marketed as being "nonacnegenic" or "noncomedogenic." Before you go to bed, completely remove all makeup from your face.
Safe Medications
If you are pregnant, you can safely treat your acne with nonprescription products that contain benzoyl peroxide, the American Pregnancy Association reports. In some circumstances, you may also safely use topical prescription products that contain the antibiotics clindamycin and/or erythromycin. However, you should check with your doctor before using these products or any other acne medication. If you have severe acne symptoms during pregnancy, you may need to consult a skin specialist or dermatologist to learn about appropriate treatment options.
Harmful Medications
Many prescription acne medications that work for non-pregnant individuals are inappropriate and dangerous during pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Examples of these medications include tetracycline, isotretinoin -- or Accutane -- and tretinoin, or Retin-A. Potential fetal effects of tetracycline use include tooth discoloration and disruption of normal bone growth. Potential fetal effects of Accutane include heart and central nervous system defects, infant death and miscarriage. The potential effects of Retin-A on your developing child have not been thoroughly studied. Products that contain salicylic acid may also be inappropriate for use during pregnancy.
Considerations
It's impossible to fully prevent acne during pregnancy, BabyCenter.com notes. However, some pregnant women with pre-existing acne actually experience a decrease in their normal level of symptoms. Body changes associated with pregnancy, such as water retention and increased blood circulation, may also improve the overall appearance of your skin.
