You’ve had spots in your teens and thought the days of having to worry about pimples were well and truly over, right? Wrong. Now you’re pregnant, you may be prone to breakouts and even some unsightly rashes.
But don’t panic, pregnancy acne is perfectly normal as with most pregnancy symptoms, it's those hormones you've got to blame.
What causes pregnancy acne?
When you're pregnant, there's an increase of the hormone androgens, which can cause the glands in your skin to grow and produce more sebum, making your skin more oily. This increase in oil production can often clog your pores leading to more spots and breakouts and some pregnant women can develop acne particularly on the face and around the chin. According to one 2017 study, women are more likely to suffer from pregnancy acne if they have previously experienced acne in their teenage years or early twenties.
Fortunately, pregnancy acne is only temporary and should clear up once your hormones have balanced out and are back to normal. In the meantime, there are a few things you can try to combat acne breakouts to make yourself look, and feel better.
Remedies for pregnancy acne
During your first trimester, you may find your skin changes, and you may want to change your skin care routine accordingly.
‘You might need to change the products you’re using to adapt to your skin’s changing needs – use something extra moisturising if you’re drier than usual, or avoid anything too greasy if you’ve developed spots,’ says Dr David Harris of the London Clinic of Dermatology.
Other remedies for your skin during pregnancy:
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You should always choose a gentle and mild face cleanser
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Avoid squeezing spots
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Stay away from harsh scrubs
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Use moisturiser
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Regularly wash towels, bedding and hair
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Avoid over cleansing
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Use SPF everyday
Here are some pregnancy safe skincare products you might want to try to help your pregnancy skin.
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This gentle cleanser is safe to use during pregnancy and ideal if your skin is on the dry side as
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Another one formulated to balance out the oils in your skin and keep your pores clear is this
www.thebodyshop.com
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This gentle, all natural toner from The Body Shop is a great one to add to your skincare routine.
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Okay, so we know this is actually for babies, but according to Motheru0026Baby's Editor, this
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Although you don't want to be exfoliating your skin too often (especially if it's inflamed) if you
6. Tea Tree Oil
www.thebodyshop.com
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You probably used this on any blemishes as a teenager and some trusty tea tree oil will still work
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This is a brilliant daily moisturiser for all skin types, especially if you tend to be a little
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Your skin can become more sensitive to UVA/UVB rays when you’re pregnant, so take care as you may
Skin complaints to be aware of when pregnant
During pregnancy, some women can struggle with the below skin issues.
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Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP): A rash of raised spots or bumps which itch. They start on the abdomen and spread to the thighs at about 34 weeks but will disappear after the birth. Research suggests that it may be caused by the fetus’s cells invading the mum’s skin in pregnancy. This condition causes no long-term harm to the mother or baby and can be treated with corticosteroids, which must be prescribed by a doctor.
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Papular dermatitis of pregnancy: An itchy rash, which can appear all over the body, consisting of red, raised spots that look like insect bites. It occurs anytime during pregnancy and is triggered by abnormal blood levels and fluctuating hormone levels. It won’t cause any complications for you, but can harm your baby if left untreated.
What products aren't safe for pregnancy?
Don’t be tempted to treat pregnancy pimples with prescription acne medications as these can affect your unborn baby’s development. And avoid over-the-counter cleansers and moisturisers that contain chemical exfoliants, as they’ll be too strong for your skin. Speak to a dermatologist if you need help deciding which products to use.
If you’re really worried, speak to your GP who can refer you to a dermatologist on the NHS.
Other ways to combat skin problems during pregnancy
Is dry, itchy skin driving you mad? Although it’s frustrating, remember that every drop of moisture in your skin is sucked up to carry nutrients through your blood to your baby. Therefore, your best defence is to drink at least eight glasses of water a day as it helps hydrate your skin from the inside out. Take short, lukewarm showers and baths as hot water can dry your skin out
‘While you’re pregnant, don’t bathe too often, and when you do, take short, lukewarm showers and baths as hot water can dry your skin out. Use simple products on your skin before you bathe, like aqueous cream, which washes off like a soap,’ advises Dr Harris. Then, when you get out of the water, slap on loads of moisturiser.
If you’re severely itchy all the time, seek medical help straight away. You may have obstetric cholestasis, a rare condition that affects your liver and kidneys and can also harm your baby.
Your baby will be absorbing many of the nutrients you’re eating and you need to make sure you have enough left for your own needs.
But the good news is that, during pregnancy, you become more efficient at absorbing nutrients into the digestive system. Good nutrition is vital for healthy skin, so eat at least five portions of fruit and veg a day, balanced with protein and calcium.
You should ensure your diet is rich in oily fish (containing omega-3&6) and antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, which play a part in maintaining healthy skin from the inside.