Acne during pregnancy

 

Acne during pregnancy

    Acne during pregnancy: I have acne when I'm pregnant, what should I do?

    Nearly one in two pregnant women are affected by acne breakouts during their pregnancy. The cause: the spike in hormones. What treatment should you follow and how can you stop acne when you are expecting a baby? Mombabykids.com takes stock of pregnancy acne.

    Have you lost your recognition of your face since you started having a baby? Excess sebum, acne-prone skin and blemishes have taken up residence on your face? Don't take any risks by using the first treatment product that comes along. In your condition, this could have harmful consequences for your fetus. Here's what you need to know to (try to) resolve the situation.

    Why does acne appear during pregnancy?

    Blackheads, oily skin, redness, pimples… It’s often a roller coaster on a pregnant woman’s face. At the beginning of pregnancy as well as in the 3rd trimester , acne can appear. Is it a revival of adolescence? Well no, in reality, these imperfections and the appearance of acne are linked to the peak of pregnancy hormones and their fluctuation, which profoundly disrupt the secretion of estrogen and progesterone, modify the production of sebum and unbalance the epidermis.

    According to a study led by dermatologists specializing in acne, this hormonal imbalance and its consequences on the skin affect 42% of pregnant patients. Nearly one in two would therefore be affected by acne outbreaks during their pregnancy.

    Who can get acne during pregnancy?

    All women can be affected by acne during their pregnancy,  but it is not inevitable, some lucky women escape it.

    Even though some young girls have porcelain skin during their teenage years, they are not guaranteed to be free of acne once pregnant . On the other hand, women who had acne-prone skin (whether mild or severe) during their previous pregnancy(ies) are more likely to be affected: in almost 9 out of 10 cases!

    What does pregnancy acne look like?

     Very often, acne is located on the face, but also strongly on the bust and back. This pregnancy acne is characterized - as for adolescents - by the appearance of inflammatory pimples, such as blackheads, red pimples, or even cysts ... Good news however: acne in pregnant women does not in any way determine acne in the unborn child.

    What treatment should be used against acne when pregnant?

    In the context of pregnancy acne , treatments should only be considered after medical advice from a dermatologist (or a general practitioner). In fact, most remedies for combating acne-prone skin problems are contraindicated during pregnancy , particularly due to the presence of retinoid, isotretinoin, or tetracycline. All have a teratogenic effect, understand that they are dangerous for the development of the fetus, and involve a risk of congenital malformation. In fact, if you see retinoic acid or tretinoin written on the label, there is danger and you should move on. Same advice for parabens, essential oils, phenoxyethanol or salcylic acid (BHA), whether they are anti-blemish facial products, anti-pregnancy stretch mark creams , sunscreens, etc.

    What products should you use when you have spots during pregnancy?

    There are many beauty or dermo-cosmetic products (those sold in paramedical and pharmacies) aimed at regulating so-called "problem" skin. However, as we have just seen, when you have acne during pregnancy, certain ingredients can be risky. Thus, there is no question of using treatments containing anti-acne active ingredients on the face to manage your acne. When there are many spots, only medications containing azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and specific local antibiotics can act as treatment and be prescribed by a doctor.

    To improve the general condition of the epidermis, reduce sebum secretion and stem minor inflammations, zinc supplementation during pregnancy can be an effective solution. However, never take it without the agreement of a health professional. Always ask your doctor for approval beforehand.

    Please note:  Pregnancy acne regresses after childbirth... in one in two women (only)! Treatment should therefore be considered, in the event of persistent acne, with a professional dermatologist, especially in the case of breastfeeding .

    Good reflexes to fight against spots for nine months

    Several reflexes can limit the production of sebum and therefore the appearance of imperfections during pregnancy:

  • Adopt good hygiene to clean your skin without damaging it. To do this, avoid using Marseille soap, which is too irritating, and instead opt for a dermatological bar or products formulated for acne and authorized for expectant mothers.
  • For topical care , invest in non-comedogenic fluids or gels and avoid masks and scrubs, so as not to damage the skin and create skin inflammations. These cosmetics must bear the wording or a pregnant woman logo , a good guide to limit the risks to your baby as much as possible.
  • Finally, be careful not to pierce the pimples as this could reinfect the wound and cause scarring.

    We also advise you to pay attention to your diet: eating too much chocolate and cold cuts when pregnant (some of which are not recommended anyway) can have an impact on the quality of your skin. This is also the case with products rich in saturated fats, those of industrial origin, those containing trans fatty acids  (present in hardened fats), etc. On the other hand, green light on foods that can help skin with spots and blackheads, such as fruits and vegetables (cooked or rinsed with plenty of water to avoid toxoplasmosis), nuts, cereals, organic fish cooked to perfection...
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