The Ultimate Guide to Managing Pregnancy Acne
Dear mom-to-be, during your pregnancy journey, your body goes through several hormonal changes — and your skin often reflects those shifts. One common skin concern many women experience is pregnancy acne. There is an interesting myth that acne during pregnancy means you are carrying a baby girl. While it might make for a fun guess, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim — it is just a myth! However, it’s important to understand the changes happening in your body, why pregnancy acne occurs, and what signs to look out for. Read our blog to learn what causes pregnancy acne and how you can manage it gently and effectively during this special phase.
What Is Pregnancy Acne?
Pregnancy acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that arises due to various physiological changes and hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. These hormonal shifts, particularly an increase in androgen levels, stimulate the sebaceous glands, resulting in excessive oil (sebum) production. When this excess oil combines with dead skin cells, it can clog pores, leading to the development of acne.
How To Treat Pregnancy Acne?
Pregnancy acne can be managed effectively with a combination of self-care practices and, if necessary, medication. Check out the following safe treatment options and skincare tips recommended for moms-to-be.
Medication For Pregnancy Acne:
During pregnancy, not all medications are safe. Some acne treatments may have teratogenic effects, meaning they can harm the developing baby. It’s essential to choose safe, effective treatments to manage acne while keeping both mother and baby healthy. Here’s a quick glance at common acne medications and their safety during pregnancy.
Benzoyl peroxide;
Research studies confirm that benzoyl peroxide is systemically absorbed but is completely metabolised by the kidneys into benzoic acid. As a result, no traceable amounts reach the fetal circulation, making it a low-risk option for congenital malformations. Therefore, it is considered safe for use during pregnancy.
Salicylic Acid:
Salicylic acid is considered safe during pregnancy, but only when used in low concentrations and applied to limited areas of the body.
Dapsone:
Research studies confirm that dapsone is not associated with fetal toxicity. However, there are theoretical concerns about the risk of hyperbilirubinemia in the neonate, which is why its use is generally not advised during the third trimester.
Azelaic Acid:
Azelaic acid is considered safe for use during pregnancy due to its antibacterial and comedolytic properties. It is effective in treating both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.
Glycolic Acid:
There are no confirmed research studies indicating that glycolic acid reaches the fetus in notable amounts in humans. However, some animal studies in rats have shown developmental abnormalities when glycolic acid was administered orally at high doses.
Caution: Limited research to confirm safety during pregnancy.
Clindamycin and erythromycin:
Clindamycin and erythromycin are considered safe for use during all trimesters of pregnancy, as their systemic absorption is minimal.
Topical retinoids
Retinoids are commonly used to treat acne; however, they should be avoided during pregnancy due to limited data confirming their safety. Moreover, one research study has linked topical tretinoin with foetal abnormalities, raising concerns about its use during this period.
Self-Care Tips To Manage Pregnancy Acne
Self-care plays a significant role in preventing breakouts and keeping the skin healthy. Here are 5 self-care tips to help manage acne during pregnancy:
Cleansing:
Clean your face twice a day using mild soap and lukewarm water to effectively manage acne. It is important to be gentle while cleansing — avoid scrubbing too hard or over-washing, as these actions can irritate the skin and potentially make acne worse.
Choose Products Wisely
Oil-based skincare products, including moisturisers, sunscreens, and makeup, can worsen acne by clogging pores. Instead, opt for water-based products that are non-comedogenic (do not clog your pores). These products are better suited for acne-prone skin and can help keep your skin clear while still providing hydration and protection.
Avoid Unnecessary Skin Contact:
Natural oils from your hair and certain hair products can transfer to your skin, clog pores, and contribute to acne. Similarly, touching your face with unwashed hands can introduce dirt and bacteria that trigger breakouts. To minimise sweat-related acne, wear light, breathable clothing, especially in warm or humid weather.
Avoid Irritants:
Using oil-based or greasy skincare products can clog your pores and trigger acne. To prevent breakouts, opt for water-based and non-comedogenic products. These are lighter on the skin and specially formulated not to block pores—making them perfect for oily or acne-prone skin.
Avoid Squeezing Pimples:
Avoid squeezing or popping pimples even if they seem to look better at first. This habit can actually make things worse over time by pushing bacteria deeper into the skin, increasing inflammation, and leading to long-term issues like scarring and dark spots.
Final Thoughts:
Though pregnancy acne is common, understanding its causes and learning how to manage it effectively can make all the difference. During pregnancy, safety should always be the top priority. Avoid harsh medications and choose safer alternatives, especially pregnancy-safe products like those offered by AreoVeda. Their cellularly approved and Ecocert certified products are formulated with the highest standards to ensure your skin remains healthy and protected throughout your pregn