I never thought I'd be dealing with acne during pregnancy! Why am I breaking out now that I am pregnant?
Acne during pregnancy isn't as uncommon as you might think. As you've discovered, pregnancy doesn't always make your skin glow. Colossal changes are taking place within your body. And sometimes these changes show on the skin.
Blame hormones for your acne breakouts. During pregnancy, hormones can fluctuate wildly. High levels of androgen hormones can stimulate oil production, which is why your skin may be feeling like an oil slick right now. And more oil equals more blackheads and breakouts.
This doesn't mean every pregnant woman will battle breakouts. Luckier ones may find existing acne clearing up, or will get that pregnancy "glow." Others will notice no discernable change in the skin, good or bad.
Acne is most likely to develop during the first trimester, although it can appear at any time during pregnancy. Some find the breakouts wane after giving birth, but acne can persist even after the baby is born.
Incidentally, other skin changes can occur during pregnancy such as melasma, and the dreaded stretch marks.
Acne can be treated during pregnancy, but care must be taken when choosing treatments. Certain acne medications (like Accutane) should not be used by pregnant or nursing moms.
Even certain topical medications should be avoided during pregnancy. Make sure you ask your doctor before using any acne treatment product, including those found over the counter.
Of course, you may prefer to wait until after the baby's birth to treat it. But if acne is just too much of a bother for you, ask your doctor to help you devise an acne treatment plan that is both effective for you and safe for your baby.
Safely Treating Acne During Pregnancy
Sources:
Briggs G. "Acne therapies." Family Practice News, 2003; 33(6): 36.
Webster, GF. "Acne vulgaris." British Medical Journal, 2002; 325(7362): 475-479.
