Pregnancy acne: why you’re breaking out and how you can manage it
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.
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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?
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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
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These are good tips whether pregnant or not,
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Not pregnant but great advice for helping to clear the skin.
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I was the opposite. I had the best skin ever whilst pregnant.
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I didnt have any issues with acne during my pregnancies. I actually loved being pregnant and think I looked wonderful.....I had that glow.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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 :)
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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.
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I was always pregnancy-phobic too, Nell. Luckily, I'm in menopause now! Woohoo!
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I had read/heard that acne was an issue with some during pregnancy - thankfully my skin didn't have that issue.
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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!
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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!
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My skin was actually quite good during my pregnancies
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My sis in law had perfect skin all trough
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So much for that "pregnancy glow"
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hmm interesting I didn't know that
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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.
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No issues with my first 2 pregnancies. Currently in my third trimester with my third and have had a weird red/dry lumpy spots thing going on around the bottom of my nose since about the 5th month or so. Have no idea why, just hoping it clears up after I deliver.
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