You're far from alone if you're struggling with acne during your pregnancy. Although many women's skin tends to clear up during pregnancy, just as many struggle with the emergence of acne issues. Acne can show up on your face, neck, breasts and buttocks.
Causes
Hormone surges are the number one cause of acne breakouts during pregnancy. These hormones are called androgens, and according to BabyCenter.com, "they can prompt the sebaceous glands in your skin to get bigger and boost production of an oily substance called sebum." This in conjunction with shedding skin cells can block your pores and lead to the inflammation known as acne.
Safe Solutions
What you put on your skin during your pregnancy is of utmost concern. Your skin is your body's biggest organ, and what you put on it gets absorbed into your bloodstream. This can affect your baby's health. When trying to ward off acne in pregnancy, remember to wash your face and acne-prone areas twice daily with a non-soap cleanser. Be gentle with your skin and it pat dry.
Moisturizers are important because overdry skin can also lead to acne as your body overcompensates for dryness. Use a light, oil-free moisturizer if you have oily skin.
Hands Off
It might be hard, but try to keeping hands off the face to avoid bringing excess dirt and grime to your pores. Along those same lines, avoid picking or popping pimples because they can scar. Although your acne may disappear by your second trimester, acne scars can take a long time to fade and may require laser surgery or facial peels to remove.
Precautions
Your baby is your first priority. Always speak to your doctor about any medication or treatment you are considering for acne. Generally speaking, chemical peels, salicylic acid, beta hydroxyl and over-the-counter acne medications have not been studied in pregnant women and show cause for precaution. The same is true for aggressive solutions such as retinoid medications. Tetracycline and oral isotretinoin have been shown to cause birth defects.
General Health
Of course, your general health also affects your skin. Make sure to get plenty of rest and reduces stress. Stress can increase breakouts, which will just exacerbate your condition. Staying rested will help you to keep your pregnancy glow despite your acne. Be sure to use a sunscreen or avoid overexposure to the sun. The sun can be very drying, and your body will overcompensate by creating more oil, which will exacerbate hormone-based acne that is already present. Also, make sure to stay hydrated.
