• Rewards Room
    • You are here
    Home / Mum & Baby / Pregnancy / Pregnancy acne: why you’re breaking out and how you can manage it

    Pregnancy acne: why you’re breaking out and how you can manage it

    8 Feb 2019 12:34 PM | Posted by
    bh's Ellie Goodman's picture
    bh's Ellie Goodman
    Comment

    Pregnancy may be a beautiful experience that leads to new life, but for some women, it can also mean swollen feet, bleeding gums and a whole other range of surprising beauty issues.  Some lucky women even score pregnancy acne. Oh yeah, thought you were done with acne? Think again.

    RELATED: Your pregnancy skin care routine, sorted!

    RELATED: The ultimate winter skin care kit for pregnancy

    Pregnancy acne is one of those things that no one really tells you about but is actually quite common. Skinstitut Expert, Zoe Devine is helping us get a handle on it...

    What causes acne during pregnancy?

    Basically, it comes down to your good old hormones. That's right, those acne-inducing monsters are back to haunt you once again. As Zoe explains, your body’s hormone levels drastically change during pregnancy. Oestrogen and progesterone are the hormones to blame. “For women that are pregnant and experiencing acne flare up’s, it is likely that the higher levels of progesterone are contributing to increases in oil production, which can be a catalyst for acne development,” Zoe says.

    But don’t stress, not all women will get acne during pregnancy. “It seems that women with a history of acne or those that often experience a monthly flare-up will be more susceptible to acne throughout their pregnancy,” explains Zoe.

    When during pregnancy can you expect to experience acne?

    “Generally acne is more common (or most severe) in the first trimester. This is because of the initial surge of progesterone which can have an effect on our sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands),” says Zoe. “This doesn’t mean that everyone’s acne will resolve after the first three months, however, it is believed that the gradual increases of Oestrogen throughout pregnancy can help to offset the effect of progesterone on the sebaceous glands.”

    And after you give birth? Zoe says that postpartum acne can be common but is often due to other factors like sleep deprivation, stress, hormonal swings and less time for skin maintenance.

    What can pregnant women do to manage their acne and breakouts?

    First things first, checking in with a skin therapist, GP or dermatologist is ideal. Zoe also recommends that you avoid a new active skin care regimen because your skin is probably a lot more responsive than it usually is.

    “Instead make small and gradual changes instead and opt for nutrient-rich, calming and nourishing skin care products and ingredients,” Zoe says. “If oil production has increased significantly, considering swapping moisturiser for a more targeted treatment product for oily and breakout prone skin.”

    What should pregnant women seek out in their skin care routine?

    Botanically derived vitamin A

    “Utilising a form of botanical vitamin A can be useful for pregnant women experiencing acne. Botanically derived vitamin A is safe to use (unlike retinol or retinoic acid). Botanically derived vitamin A can assist with the natural desquamation process (eliminating dead skin cells) while helping to regulate sebaceous activity,” Zoe explains. Her suggestion? Using the Skinstitut Rejuvenate 15 Serum.

    Vitamin B3

    “[Vitamin B3] helps to relieve inflammation and redness, balance the sebaceous glands and also strengthen the skin's immunity,” says Zoe.

    beautyheaven loves Ultraderm Absolute B3 Serum and QV Oil Free Moisturiser.

    What should pregnant women avoid in their skin care routine?

    High-intensity vitamin A

    “High-intensity vitamin A should be avoided throughout both pregnancy and breastfeeding; this includes Retinol or any other forms of vitamin A such as retinoic acid. There is insufficient evidence to prove that it is safe to use at this time, so to be cautious you are better off switching to a more gentle low-intensity form of vitamin A, such as botanically derived vitamin A," Zoe explains.

    Alpha Hydroxy Acids

    “Alpha Hydroxy Acids should not be used excessively. While you are pregnant your skin will be much more responsive than before, with an increased tendency for sensitivity or irritation. Over-use of AHAs (such as lactic acid or glycolic acid) could cause redness, irritation or dryness," Zoe says. "If you have been using these ingredients in your skincare prior to becoming pregnant you are safe to continue using these products, simply keep an eye on your skin, if you are noticing increased sensitivity simply slow down your usage of these medium and high-intensity products and opt for Skinstitut’s Gentle Cleanser as an alternative. Avoid using Salicylic acid while pregnant.”

    Chemical peels, needling treatments, laser treatments

    “When it comes to professional skin treatments, you’re best to keep it gentle,” says Zoe. “Whilst you may want to dive in head first to treat newly arisen acne, at this time the focus should be on calming and nourishing the skin while using gentle forms of exfoliation.”

    Did you know pregnancy acne was common? Did you struggle with acne during pregnancy?

    Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

    Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.

    Ultraderm Absolute B3 Serum
    Write a Review
    QV Face QV Face Oil Free Moisturiser
    Write a Review

    You might also like

    Amy Schumer is pregnant with her first child

    163 Comments

    6 unbelievable celebrity birth stories

    42 Comments

    Pregnancy myth busters

    66 Comments

    Skin changes during pregnancy

    58 Comments

    44 Member Comments

    Julie Pearce 29 Aug 2019 9:01 PM

    Hello everyone, I am Stephanie Sally. I am from Britain. I want to write this testimony to tell others and thank Prophet Odunga for what he has done for me. I am married for 12 years now and i have given birth to 5 children but they all died within days and i was called all sort of names by my mother-in-law and this has made my marriage life very hectic and a burden of sorrow. I contacted Priest Odunga for help and i will say that he is a very strong spell caster and he indeed help me solve my problem. I saw his email in a testimony and i contacted him, little did i know it would be the end of all my problems. My husband even loved me more and bought me expensive things. One afternoon, i felt my womb moving and after 9 months i gave birth to a baby boy and now my boy is growing up. Ever since i contacted Prophet Odunga, my story has been different. Please, contact him at odungaspelltemple@gmail.com OR WhatsApp him +2348167159012 to help you

    Michele376 24 Jun 2019 7:39 PM

    Thanks Dr. Todd! My lover is back. I ordered the ULTIMATE LOVE SPELL and it took only 5 days to work... I feel so happy. I hope to get married soon! Todd's contact manifestspellcast@gmail.com Website https://manifestspellcast.wordpress.com Whats App: +27613087679

    Stacey827 30 May 2019 12:46 PM

    I must say my skin did get much worse at the beginning, and end of pregnancy. Blackheads mostly but just an awful complexion in general. I only got the nice skin and pregnancy glow for maybe the second trimester. The rest of the time it looked awful

    Peggy Rothchild 14 May 2019 3:21 AM

    I have used spell casting to get my ex husband back to me and also get pregnant with twins girls through the help of a great and trusted spell caster after 12 years of marriage.

    When I came online last year, I met a testimony about Priest ODUNGA who has been helping people and I decided to contact him. We spoke on email at (odungaspelltemple@gmail.com) and later he gave me his Whats App number which is +2348167159012 and he assured me he would help me get my ex husband back after 3 years of no contact. My husband left me because I was unable to give him a child for 9 years after our marriage. There was no contact between us anymore and I didn't know how to get to him. Priest Odunga is the best spell caster I must say. My husband called me after 24 hours of contacting Priest Odunga. Soon I received a herbal medicine for fertility from this man, I became fertile. I and my husband reconnected that very week, had sex and I became pregnant. Today, I am happy today to be the mother of twins girls and this is ALL THANKS TO PRIEST ODUNGA. I came online to say this If you need help, I believe you are saved with this spell caster. Contact his email at (odungaspelltemple@gmail.com) and you too will give a testimony too to help others

    JohnCoony 7 May 2019 12:28 PM

    Effective Love Spell -Get Your Ex Wife/Husband Back Fast Now By Dr.Happy..My name is John Cooney from NJ Usa, I want to quickly tell the world that there is a real online spell caster that is powerful and genuine, his name is Dr happy he helped me recently to reunite my relationship with my wife who left me, When i contacted Dr happy he cast an urgent love spell for me, and my wife who said she doesn't have anything to do with me again called me and started begging me to come back. she is back now with so much love and care. today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the powers to restore broken marriage/relationship back. because i am now happy with my wife. to anyone who is reading this article and needs any help, Dr happy can also offer any type of help like, Curing of all types of Diseases, Court Cases, Pregnancy Spell, urgent love spell,Spiritual protection and lot's more. You can contact him Via his email happylovespell2@gmail.com also His blogs site.http://happylovespel.blogspot.com.ng/ for more info, whatsapp/call...+2348133873774 Assurance and spell gaurantee, visit his website...happylovespell2.webnode.com/

    sarahbettler 17 Mar 2019 4:05 AM

    You need help to GET PREGNANT? contact Priest Babaka on this email (babaka.wolf@gmail.com), i am here to share my testimony on HOW I CONCEIVE my babies after i suffer from PCOS and my TUBES ARE TIED, i have been married to my husband for 11 years without no issue. i had problems with my in-laws even my husband started to have new affairs aside our marriage.it was a very terrible thing to bear, been to many doctors and yet my case remain the same, i was now seen as always unhappy. my husband was not given me any attention that i needed from him. on this faithful day, i decided to check the net for updates on Trying To Conceive with pcos and my tubes are tied, and i came across a story of a woman who Priest Babaka helped to conceive a twins under same condition as mine. so i decided to put a try because this has been my greatest problem in life. today i am a proud mom with two son.contact him today via email: babaka.wolf@gmail.com or Facebook at priest.babaka he will surely make your dreams come through

    Gilded 13 Feb 2019 11:54 AM

    These are good tips whether pregnant or not,

    Beautybabe140194 12 Feb 2019 10:24 AM

    Not pregnant but great advice for helping to clear the skin.

    Okatko 11 Feb 2019 2:13 PM

    I was the opposite. I had the best skin ever whilst pregnant.

    Meedee 11 Feb 2019 8:55 AM

    I didnt have any issues with acne during my pregnancies. I actually loved being pregnant and think I looked wonderful.....I had that glow.

    ThisIsMe 11 Feb 2019 1:19 PM

    Me too Meedee!

    My skin was gorgeous, my hair and nails too. I looked amazing if I do say so myself LOL! Makes you feel great doesn't it?! We were very lucky I don't know anyone else that did.

    Meedee 11 Feb 2019 4:52 PM

    Go US ThisIsMe ....I think my pregnancies were my favorite times. Although with my middle daughter I was pregnant during a super hot summer which was a bit of a nightmare but I live by the beach so I was always in my bikini and at the beach. There is no way you would catch me in a bikini now....LOL

    ThisIsMe 12 Feb 2019 3:33 PM

    Haha same here! I loved being pregnant. 1 I had in November the other in Jan so wasn't too bad. I was very little anyways so luckily the heat never really bothered me!

    Meedee 12 Feb 2019 4:43 PM

    My 1st was Jan, 2nd was March....she came early and was due in the April....that was a killer. My youngest was June....that was lovely....it was so much cooler and lovely to cuddle :)

    NellAdams 10 Feb 2019 2:06 PM

    Pregnancy frightens me because basically from what I've seen with other women it's like getting a complete re-shuffle of your health and beauty... anything could change for better or worse, and any of it could never change back.

    misfortune8 11 Feb 2019 7:39 PM

    I was always pregnancy-phobic too, Nell. Luckily, I'm in menopause now! Woohoo!

    clearcrystalwater 9 Feb 2019 10:40 AM

    I had read/heard that acne was an issue with some during pregnancy - thankfully my skin didn't have that issue.

    Belle88 9 Feb 2019 8:00 AM

    I'm not pregnant as yet but my friends and family who have been haven't had any acne throughout their entire pregnancy. Fingers crossed I don't get any either!

    Neverland 8 Feb 2019 7:46 PM

    Not having had children yet, I never even knew pregnancy acne was even a thing. Us ladies have enough to deal with as it is!

    IndieAna 8 Feb 2019 6:50 PM

    My skin was actually quite good during my pregnancies

    Yohanna 8 Feb 2019 5:54 PM

    My sis in law had perfect skin all trough

    Miss19 8 Feb 2019 2:42 PM

    So much for that "pregnancy glow"

    Tee631 8 Feb 2019 12:36 PM

    hmm interesting I didn't know that

    Popsicle 8 Feb 2019 11:58 AM

    More joys of pregnancy

    pinkheart 8 Oct 2018 3:32 PM

    This article was very useful to read! I didn't realise how common pregnancy acne is. I'm currently in my second trimester with my first bub and I feel very lucky at this stage to not experience any skin issues. If my skin does change, though I will definitely try out some Skinstitut products! I do like the sound of the Skinstitut Rejuvenate 15 Serum.

    Pages

    You need to log in or become a member to post a comment.
    TOP