Acne During Pregnancy

All the romance novels and television movies make us think we’re supposed to look dewy-faced when we’re pregnant. So why do so many of us look pizza-faced instead? The culprit is the hormone androgen. The level of androgen in a woman’s body increases while she is pregnant, and this increases the risk of acne during pregnancy. If you experienced breakouts during your menstrual periods, you are especially likely to become the victim of acne during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, the standard treatments, including Retin-A, Tetracycline, and Accutane, are not options for pregnant women due to the risk of harming the fetus. Accutane, especially, has been linked to birth defects, and tetracycline may cause problems with the baby’s bones and teeth. Retin-A has not been linked specifically to any fetal problems, but doctors do know that around 10% of Retin-A crosses the placenta to reach the fetus.

With the most recent treatments considered unsafe for pregnant women, women who suffer acne during pregnancy must consider more old-fashioned methods of treatment.

You might think sweating would be the last thing you want to do, but surprisingly, regular exercise can help reduce acne during pregnancy. Exercise will help decrease your level of stress. Being stressed out can make acne worse. Exercise will also improve the blood flow throughout your body which will make all of your skin healthier.

Another way to decrease breakouts is to watch what you eat. Fried foods and excessive sweets have been linked to blemishes. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help improve your acne during pregnancy.

You should wash your face at least twice a day. Use a mild, oil-free soap, and don’t scrub with a washcloth. Using a harsh soap and scrubbing at your skin will strip away the natural oil, sending the message to your glands to produce more. When you wash, use your hands or an oil-absorbing cloth to cleanse your skin. Then pat your skin dry and use an oil-free moisturizer.

If you make sure it is make-up, make sure it is not oil based. Be sure to wash it off before bedtime. Excessive make-up can cause acne during pregnancy.

Finally, don’t squeeze or pop pimples. This will only lead to scarring. Also, try to avoid touching the pimples and then touching other areas of your face, as this could cause acne during pregnancy to spread.

If your skin problems become too uncomfortable, speak with your doctor. You may want to consult with a dermatologist, but you should make sure the dermatologist knows you are pregnant. Just to be safe, consult with your ob-gyn before taking any medications for acne during pregnancy prescribed by another doctor.

Pimples while you are pregnant can make you feel self-conscious just when you want to open up to the world and enjoy it the most. Luckily, most acne during pregnancy starts to resolve by the end of the first trimester. Skin problems are usually far less of an issue later in pregnancy.


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