Acne during Pregnancy

Everyone is use to the phrase “your glowing” when pregnant and associate that with the beautiful skin many women have while pregnant. Unfortunately this isn’t the case for all women; pregnancy can bring on or worsen acne due to the higher levels of the hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands in your skin to get bigger and produce more sebum (oily substance). With the extra oils and shed skin cells pores become block, bacteria forms, and acne develops.

Like other acnes there is no cure but the basics can help keep it under control such as washing your face (with your hands) twice a day with a mild cleanser or soap, pat dry, followed by a oil free cleanser. Use makeup suited for acne such as a “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” as they don’t clog pores

One of the most important things about acne during pregnancy is to not use/take any acne treatment, even over the counter, before consulting your doctor or midwife. If you are currently taking anything and become pregnant, make sure to mention that to them as well, they will advise you of what may or may not be harmful for you baby. drugs such as isotretinoin (Accutane), topical tretinoin-like Retin-A, and Prescription antibiotic creams containing tetracycline should be completely avoided during pregnancy, as they can cause many problems, even miscarriage.

Women who are experiencing acne for the first time can breath a sigh of relief because majority of women’s pregnancy acne completely clears and for those who had it prior to conceiving, can go back to, or may try the treatments the were prohibited during there pregnancy.