Pregnancy can bring about a number of changes, from your growing belly to increased incidence of acne breakouts. This can be problematic because, when you have acne and are pregnant, you may not be able to use the same treatments you once did. If you experience increased skin breakouts during pregnancy, talk to your physician before beginning treatments.
Fluctuating Hormones
The chief reason you experience skin breakouts during pregnancy is due to rising levels of hormones called androgens. These hormones stimulate your body to produce more oil, known as sebum. When the growing amount of sebum in your skin combines with dead skin cells in your pores, the pores can become blocked. Bacteria grow in these pores, and you experience acne breakouts and skin redness.
Fluid Retention
Another cause of pregnancy-related breakouts is fluid retention. The added hormones in your body cause your body to hold on to more fluid, according to the pregnancy website What to Expect. This is problematic because the fluids can contain toxins that contribute to blemish breakouts.
Considerations
Acne is not inevitable when you are pregnant. Some women report improvements in their skin during pregnancy, according to BabyCenter. Also, there is no specific time when you are likely to experience pregnancy-related skin breakouts, and they can vary in severity and duration. If you do observe breakouts during pregnancy, talk to your physician and discuss healthy skincare options.
Skincare to Avoid
When you apply acne products to your skin, these ingredients are absorbed into your bloodstream. You share this blood with your baby, but your baby does not have the same immune system as you, meaning some medications and products can harm your baby. Examples include isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, which is linked to increased incidences of birth defects. Other products considered to be dangerous during pregnancy include tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline. Talk to your physician about other over-the-counter products such as salicylic acid, as well.
Safe Skin Care
Certain products to relieve breakouts are considered safe, according to What to Expect. They includes benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid, which is an antibiotic cream that can reduce the incidence of bacteria in your pores. While you can't prevent the onset of pregnancy-related breakouts, you can minimize them by washing your face with a soap-free cleanser twice per day, paying careful attention to your hairline and chin. Don't scrub your skin too hard -- you may find it is more sensitive during pregnancy, and taking away too much oil can lead to breakouts.
