Acne during pregnancy

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Acne can accompany you for much of your life, and sometimes it can catch you off guard. In any case, problematic skin is a signal from the body about changes in its functioning. What does acne that appears during a woman's pregnancy indicate, what are its causes, and how to combat it - we will discuss further in this article.

What is acne during pregnancy?

Acne during pregnancy is a skin rash that is most often caused by hormonal changes. Acne during pregnancy is a common phenomenon. In fact, more than half of pregnant women may notice the appearance of acne during this delicate period. In some cases, acne can even reach a severe form, and getting rid of it later can be difficult.

Causes of acne during pregnancy

The main and most common cause of acne during pregnancy is the increase in hormone levels in the first trimester. A higher level triggers your skin to produce natural oil. It is hard to predict who may develop acne during pregnancy. However, if your skin is prone to acne, or if you notice periodic rashes during your menstrual cycle, then the risk of progression during pregnancy is higher. If you do not develop acne during the first trimester, it is unlikely that you will experience unusual breakouts in the second or third trimesters.

Treatment of acne during pregnancy

Acne during pregnancy is a natural condition and in some cases, they disappear on their own when hormone levels return to normal. 

Dealing with acne during pregnancy can be challenging. This is because many prescription and over-the-counter treatment methods are prohibited by doctors. In general, during pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid any medications that have even a slight chance of harming your baby. Also, do not squeeze acne, as this can lead to scarring.

Experts recommend topical prescription treatments that contain either azelaic acid or include over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid. Only about 5% of the active ingredient applied to the skin is absorbed into the body. Therefore, such medications are considered to pose no increased risk of congenital defects.

Before using any treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any acne treatment.

Prevention of acne during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences a significant surge of hormones due to a radical restructuring of the hormonal system. Acne during pregnancy is a natural condition that usually disappears after childbirth. Therefore, the safest course of action is to maintain a thorough skincare routine. We recommend following these tips to avoid acne during pregnancy:

  • Wash your face with warm water using special antibacterial cleansing products. These can include products containing benzoyl peroxide.
  • Avoid skincare products that contain oil or alcohol.
  • After washing, rinse your skin with warm water. Then gently pat dry and apply a light moisturizer.
  • Avoid excessive cleansing, as this can stimulate the skin's sebaceous glands to produce even more sebum.
  • Keep your hair clean. Wash your hair regularly with shampoo. If you have oily skin, it is best to wash your hair daily.
  • Regularly change your pillowcases.
  • Keep your hands away from your face, as there are bacteria on your fingers.
  • If possible, use headphones when talking on the phone. Do not hold your mobile phone close to your face.
  • Above all, resist the temptation to squeeze bothersome pimples. This can lead to permanent acne scars and the proliferation of bacteria.

Remember that pregnancy and possible accompanying skin issues such as acne are temporary phenomena. The most important thing is your health and the health of your baby. Be cautious with the use of treatment products and report the progress of your skin treatment to your doctor.

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