How To Get Rid Of Pregnancy Acne
There are many ways to get rid of pregnancy acne. You can begin with home remedies, including washing your face twice a day with a light soap and clean cloth. If that is not effective in remedying your acne, Dr. Green recommends that you schedule a consultation at her NYC Upper East Side dermatology office. It is tricky to navigate the proper treatment during pregnancy but Dr. Green can prescribe and effective treatment that is safe for your baby. The topical creams, cleansers, oral medication, or acne treatments that Dr. Green prescribes will be based on the type of acne that you are experiencing and your particular health needs.
How We Made Our Picks For The Best Acne Treatments For Pregnancy
Searching for new skincare can be overwhelming, which is why we did the work for you. We first pulled products that met the safety standards established by the AAD and ACOG. From there, we conducted editorial research, focusing on popularity, innovation, design, quality, value and ease of use, with feedback from OB/GYN and other experts. We also had What to Expect staff and contributors road-test products at home, and sought help from real parents in the What to Expect community to provide insights on products that are effective at tackling acne, yet gentle on your skin during pregnancy.
Here are pregnancy-friendly acne products that will help you get rid of existing pimples, prevent new breakouts and erase dark spots to give you that bun-in-the-oven glow everyone keeps talking about.
See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist
What Are The Precautions
Accutane: : According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services , approximately 25-35% of infants born to women exposed to Accutane during the first trimester of pregnancy showed a pattern of birth defects. This pattern includes craniofacial defects, heart defects, and central nervous system defects.There also is an increased risk of miscarriage and infant death associated with the use of Accutane during pregnancy.Retin-A: : According to OTIS, less than 10% of Retin-A passes into the mothers bloodstream and less than that reaches the baby. Even with these findings, Retin-A still carries warnings of use by women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy. In this case, it is best to discuss treatment with your dermatologist and other health care provider.Tetracycline: : According to OTIS, tetracycline appears to cause some inhibition of bone growth and discoloration of teeth in a fetus. Therefore, taking tetracycline should also be discussed with your dermatologist and other health care provider.
Don’t Miss: How To Produce More Milk While Pregnant
The Effect That Pregnancy Has On Acne
As a result of hormonal changes in the body, pregnancy has an unpredictable effect on acne. Most women experience improvement in their acne during pregnancy. However, some women experience acne flares, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation , truncal acne , and even a first episode of acne while they are pregnant.1
Acne is a disease involving skin oil glands. Excessive skin oil can result in clogged pores, and ultimately, pimples. Skin oil glands produce more skin oil during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester. That’s why, if acne flares during pregnancy, it normally happens usually during the third trimester.1
Beauty By Earth Coffee Bean Eye Cream
Switch to organic cosmetics to take care of you and your babys health and try out the next one in our list of top pregnancy safe eye creams Beauty by Earth Under Eye Cream.
The presence of hydrating aloe vera, argan oil, and jojoba oil makes the skin looks younger and fights aging actively. Its also extremely soothing on the skin.
You can immediately transform from sleep to stunning in an instant! Being sleepy is one of the side effects of being pregnant because we are always tired!
So, if you want to look entirelyrejuvenated, especially when you have an important meeting, apply this eyecream now. It is also made from pure coffee beans to rejuvenate your tiredlooking eyes, to make them look brighter, awake, and ready to take the world!
Say goodbye to dark circles andpuffy eyes, and hello to refreshed and wide-awake eyes!
Other Features:
Recommended Reading: How Are You Supposed To Feel At 3 Weeks Pregnant
What Are These Drugs
Accutane: Accutane is a prescription medication that is taken orally to treat acne. The generic name for Accutane is isotretinoin.Retin-A: Retin-A is a prescription cream that is applied to the skin to treat acne. The generic name for Retin-A is tretinoin. Tetracycline: Tetracycline is an antibiotic taken orally to treat acne and respiratory infections.
Where Does Pregnancy Acne Occur
Pregnancy acne occurs most frequently in locations on the body in which sebaceous glands and hair follicles are most prevalent, including the face, arms, chest, and back. These areas are most likely to have high sebum concentrations, which means that oil is more likely to clog the pores, leading to a breakout. Breakouts commonly occur on areas of the face such as the forehead and chin, where women are more likely to touch their face with hands that have an excess of sebum and bacteria.
Don’t Miss: How Can I Stop Leaking Urine During Pregnancy
What Is Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antiseptic that kills acne-causing bacteria, and itâs thought to be the acne treatment available without a prescription.âItâs considered an antibacterial and comedolytic agent,â explains Fatima Fahs, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Detroit. âThis means that it helps to reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin as well as unclog pores.â
The ingredient works by exfoliating the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, excessive oil, and bacteria buildup thatâs sitting underneath the top layer of skin.
As one of the most popular acne treatments around, benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter as facial cleansers, topical creams, and body washes. âIt comes in a variety of formulations and concentrations ,â Dr. Fahs adds.
How To Transition Off Of Using Retinoids
If youre currently using retinoids like tretinoin and are trying to conceive, you might not need to stop right away. Dr. Paik says, in my opinion, tretinoin is safe to use when trying to conceive but should be immediately stopped when pregnant. Your acne can come back when you stop tretinoin, but your body goes through a lot of changes while pregnant, so everyones experience is different.
If you plan on trying to conceive, you can work with your doctor on a transition plan. In order to prepare for pregnancy, I think starting azelaic acid is a good idea to allow for a smoother transition once tretinoin must be stopped, Dr. Paik explains. Topical treatments like azelaic acid can take a few months to take effect, so starting the transition process early can help.
Recommended Reading: What To Do To Help With Nausea During Pregnancy
How Pregnancy Affects Acne
When it comes to how pregnancy will impact on your skin, the sad truth is that it really depends.
“Pregnancy can have a dual effect, depending on your skin type and your hormone levels during pregnancy,” Rai explains. “Hormones definitely have an effect on your skin and your hair – often pregnant women do notice a glow and an improvement in their hair – so hormonal influences definitely exist in pregnancy, but it depends on your balance of hormones, which is an individual thing.”
It all boils down to the balance between oestrogen and progesterone, which changes cyclically at different phases throughout your pregnancy.
“Some women are more sensitive to that balance, so everyone responds differently,” Rai says. “For the majority of women, especially if their acne is mild, I do tend to see it improve during pregnancy, but some people’s acne does get worse. There’s certainly no guarantee, so don’t get pregnant just to improve your skin!”
Pregnancy acne: why it happens and how to treat it
How To Start Your Pregnancy Acne Treatment Today
If you are struggling with acne breakouts during pregnancy, expert, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green, can help you navigate the best treatment plan for you. With over 25 years of experience developing the best skincare and acne treatments, Dr. Green will help develop the right treatment protocol for you. Whether it be topical treatments, oral antibiotics, HydraFacials, chemical peels, or other acne treatments, Dr. Green will customize a unique plan for you to have beautiful, clear skin. Dr. Green has been consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in NYC for her acne treatments and acne scar treatments. Please contact us online or call to learn more about about safe and effective acne treatments for you while you are pregnant.
You May Like: How Do You Determine How Many Weeks Pregnant You Are
What Are The Different Types Of Acne
There are several different types of acne that can develop across the body. Understanding the difference between the types of acne is crucial for treating the acne effectively. Depending on the type of acne, you may require an anti-inflammatory or an antibiotic, which would not be effective in treating other varieties of lesions.
Belli Acne Control Spot Treatment
Belli makes one of the safest acne treatments for pregnant women.
Its part of their anti-acne lineup that includes face wash, scrub, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
They test each product for common allergens. Plus, they avoid using parabens, gluten, artificial fragrances and dyes, and phthalates.
This spot treatment features tea tree oil and colloidal sulfur to kill pimples, causing bacterias. It dries them up naturally. But the addition of chamomile soothes the skin.
You can apply it up to three times per day if needed. Its made use of during pregnancy and while youre nursing.
Recommended Reading: Where Do You Cramp When Pregnant
Acne Medication Never To Take During Pregnancy
If youre pregnant, immediately stop taking these medications and do not use them during your pregnancy.
Unsafe medications during pregnancy
Brand names include: Absorica®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Myorisan®, Sotret®, and Zenatane
TazaroteneBrand names include: Avage®, Fabior®, Tazorac®, and Zorac®
Spironolactone
These medications can cause serious birth defects.
Body Boost Clarifying Daily Face Wash
Heres a face wash thats cruelty-free and vegan. Its free of common allergens and doesnt contain sulfates, perfumes, dyes, caffeine, mineral oil, xenoestrogens, rosemary, or clary sage.
Use it on your face, chest, and back anywhere you have hormonal acne.
Its made in the USA from natural ingredients like green tea and cucumber, lemon, orange, lavender, and lactic acid. The latter is a mild plant-based exfoliator that balances combination skin.
The formula is packed with antioxidants to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
At the same time, botanical astringents tighten pores.
Recommended Reading: How Many Months To Get Pregnant
A Dermatologist Can Help You Sort Out Your Options
As you can see, we dont have a lot of information about what can safely treat acne during pregnancy. Your health also plays a role in what acne treatments you can use while youre pregnant.
If you want to treat acne during your pregnancy, it helps to get expert advice from your obstetrician or a dermatologist before using any acne treatment.
ImageGetty Images
ReferencesChien AL, Qi J, et al. Treatment of acne in pregnancy. J Am Board Fam Med. 2016 29:254-62.
Murase JE, Heller MM, et al. Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation Part I. Pregnancy. J Am Acad Dermatol 2014 70:401.e1-14.
Treating Acne While Pregnant
Now that you have a little one on board, treating acne isnt necessarily the same as it was before, and honestly you may be struggling with acne now more than before due to hormonal changes. According to Dr. Kurt Grelck, board-certified dermatologist at Forefront Dermatology in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Skin changes are very common during pregnancy. Whether or not you decide to treat acne during your pregnancy depends on your skin, your situation, and your dermatologists advice. Mild acne may not need any special treatment at all, and your doctor might suggest waiting until the baby is born before starting a treatment. By that time, acne may have gone away on its own.
I suggest to start treating your skin with common sense skin care: a gentle cleanser both morning and night followed up by a light moisturizer, added Dr. Grelck. Skin is extra sensitive during pregnancy so choose a fragrance-free product and cleanser that is matching your current skin type .
Treatments Generally Considered Safe
While the treatments below are considered safe to use during pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor before using any acne medications.
Treatments to Avoid
Many acne treatment medications can harm a developing fetus and must be avoided during pregnancy, added Dr. Grelck. Always let your dermatologist know you are pregnant before being treated for acne.
Skin Struggles?
You May Like: What Should I Use For Stretch Marks While Pregnant
What Are Some Safe Treatments For Pregnant Women
You should always talk to your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy. Some safe acne medication to use while pregnant includes oral erythromycin, topical clindamycin, topical azelaic acid, topical benzoyl peroxide and topical salicylic acid. These medications have shown no adverse symptoms in pregnant women.
Read Also: Lasik Eye Surgery And Pregnancy
Start With Good Gentle Skin Care
Good basic skincare is your first best step. Cleanse your face morning and night with a gentle cleanser, such as Dove or Neutrogena. Avoid toners or astringents if they seem irritating. If your skin feels dry, follow up with a light moisturizing lotion or cream.
Your skin may be much more sensitive during your pregnancy, so your regular skincare products might start to sting, burn, or irritate your skin. Switching to mild, fragrance-free options will help your skin feel better, and might even calm down those breakouts.
Don’t Miss: What’s The Percentage Of Getting Pregnant With An Iud
Can A Gynecologist Prescribe Birth Control For Acne
If youre experiencing regular monthly breakouts, your gynecologist may prescribe birth control pills. We call them hormone pills because theyre not being used for birth control, necessarily, but we use because they decrease the amount of testosterone in your body and that leads to less outbreaks, Dr.
Can Your Skin Clear Up During Pregnancy
What to expect: That pregnancy glow and clear complexion. Experts believe a combination of hormones, oil and a 40% increase in blood volume makes a pregnant woman’s skin seem luminous during pregnancy. Pregnancy’s hormonal changes deliver more oxygen and nutrients to all organs, including the skin, Dr.
Also Check: How You Know If You Pregnant
What Causes Acne During Pregnancy
Many women experience outbreaks of adult acne during pregnancy, particularly during the first and second trimesters. Hormones called androgens drastically increase during this time. These hormones can cause pores to then produce more oil — called sebum — which can mix with bacteria, sweat, and dead skin cells, resulting in breakouts.
Acne during pregnancy can look like whiteheads or blackheads It can most often be found on the face, shoulders, back, and chest.
Kleem Organics Firming Eye Cream
Kleems eye cream is composed of organic and natural ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea, vitamin E. These ingredients are skin soothing and boost hydration and moisture in the skin.
The KLEEM Organics Firming Eye Cream can help you reduce your eyebags due to your restless discomfort at night while being pregnant. You can visibly see the dark circles lighten up, without posing any danger to your pregnancy.
This cream promises a fast-actingand permanent results, to make your skin look younger than ever. This formulahas been made explicitly for thin and sensitive skin around our eyes.
All ingredients on this cream areorganic and natural, so fatigue and puffy eyes can no longer dominate you!
Other Features:
Recommended Reading: How To Feel When Pregnant
Acne And Pregnancy: How To Treat It Safely
Think youll never suffer from a breakout after adolescence? Think again. Pimples can pop up at different stages throughout adulthood, caused by various stressors. A prime example: changing hormones during pregnancy can wreak havoc on the skin, including causing adult acne. Heres how to treat it safely.
Best Exfoliant: Biossance Squalane + Gyocolic Renewal Mask
Heres another safe-for-baby, awesome-for-mom glycolic acid-based product. You get a peel, exfoliator and mask all in one skin-renewing, smoothing and hydrating formula. Bye-bye fine lines, discoloration and enlarged pores, and hello brighter, polished skin. Essentially, its pregnancy glow in a jar.
Buy it: Biossance Squalane + Gyocolic Renewal Mask, $68,
Read Also: What Vitamins Do I Need To Take To Get Pregnant
What Does Pregnancy Acne Look Like
Acne causes different types of skin lesion. These include:
- Comedones are lesions that develop when sebum becomes clogged inside hair follicles. Comedones can be open or closed .
- Papules refer to raised areas of skin tissue that can vary in shape, color, and size.
- Pustules are pus-filled bumps that develop when the walls of skin pores break down. They can have a red or pink base with a yellow or white head on top.
- Nodules develop when a skin lesion gets irritated and grows larger. Nodules can burrow deeper underneath the skin than papules or pustules. These lesions usually require medical treatment, such as an oral medication that contains vitamin A.
- Cysts refer to clogged pores that contain a combination of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells. Cysts can develop deep within the skin. Doctors can usually treat cysts with prescription medication, but large cysts may require surgical removal.
Best Toner: Dickinsons Original Pore Perfecting Witch Hazel Toner
With no added fragrances, dyes, parabens or phthalates, this 100 percent natural toner is perfect for expectant moms whose skin might be more oily or sensitive than usual. It helps refine pores, removes excess oil, soothes irritation and maintains skins natural balance. It also wont dry out or strip skin like many other toners, Engelman says.
Buy it: Dickinsons Original Pore Perfecting Witch Hazel Toner, $4,
You May Like: How Can I Stop Nausea And Vomiting During Pregnancy
