Acne is a hormone- and lifestyle-related condition that causes a person to experience blackheads, whiteheads or pimples on the face and body. Because pregnancy involves dramatic hormone fluctuations, women expecting may experience increased--or in some cases, decreased--acne symptoms. Because standard treatments for acne could potentially affect the unborn baby, it's important for moms to take several precautions to treat pregnancy-related acne.
Causes
When a woman is pregnant, she experiences higher-than-average hormone levels. One hormone in particular, known as androgen, can trigger the body's sebaceous glands to produce more oil in the face. This increase in oil can cause the pores to become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, resulting in greater acne symptoms. More than 65 percent of women report a change in acne symptoms during pregnancy, according to PregnancyToday.com. Just as it is possible to produce more oil, some women produce less, resulting in improved acne symptoms.
Prevention
There are ways to prevent hormone swings from overly affecting oil production. The first is to drink plenty of water. Hydration helps to dilute oil secretions that can cause the pores to clog. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Another preventive method is to control stress levels as increased stress can result in excess oil production. Therefore, it's a good idea to practice stress-relieving activities, such as deep breathing, meditation and exercise. Refraining from touching the face too much also can help, as the hands naturally carry oils that can further increase clogged pores.
Treatments
It's important for women to establish a good acne treatment regimen that is safe for her baby if breakouts do occur. This includes washing the face with a gentle cleanser twice daily. Avoid excessively scrubbing the face as this can actually stimulate oil glands. Using oil-free products (which are frequently labeled as noncomedogenic or non-acne-causing) also can help to prevent pores from becoming clogged with excess oil.
Warning
Just as women must be careful about the foods they eat and drinks they consume, they must take care when using certain acne medications as some have been shown to cause birth defects. While it is a good idea for a woman to ask her physician prior to using any acne product, the following products have been linked to birth defects: tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline and isotretinoin (Accutane). Other treatments, such as topical antibiotic lotions, are considered safe for use, pending approval from a physician.
Time Frame
Acne during pregnancy can occur at any time during a woman's pregnancy. While many women report experiencing noticeable acne changes only during one trimester, it is possible for a woman to experience increased acne symptoms throughout her pregnancy. If these become especially problematic, consult your physician for safe treatment options.
