Pregnancy is often celebrated as a time of transformation. But it also comes with its own set of unexpected surprises, like hormonal changes, cravings, and morning sickness. And yes, even your skin can go through a transformation. If you’ve noticed more breakouts during your pregnancy, you’re not alone. Pimples during pregnancy, also known as pregnancy acne, are surprisingly common and perfectly normal. But do you know why your skin suddenly starts acting up when you’re supposed to be glowing?
To understand the reason behind this, let’s dive into the causes, symptoms, and treatments of pregnancy acne. That’s because you’ve got enough to focus on without worrying about breakouts!
Pregnancy Acne: A Quick Intro
This skin condition typically starts with small bumps, pus-filled spots, and pimples appearing on the face. It can also spread to the upper arms, torso, and back. Depending on the severity of the acne breakout (mild to severe form), it may further result in hyperpigmentation, scarring, and psychological effects. Let us now look at contributory factors of pregnancy acne.
Acne – Why Does It Occur?
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Image Title: Why Does Acne Occur?
There can be multiple reasons that contribute to acne breakouts. The most common ones are:
- Physiological factors (environmental, intrinsic, ageing) stimulate stress hormones, thereby inducing acne.
- Consumption of medicines like steroids, lithium and anticonvulsants (prevents seizures)
- Use of oil-based cosmetic products and facial massages
- Insulin resistance that leads to increased secretion of facial sebum
- Family history, dietary habits and body mass index
Besides these factors, there is an increase in the concentration of androgen (male sex hormone). Elevated hormone levels in pregnant mothers can affect sebum production. This excess sebum can clog pores and trap bacteria on the skin, leading to acne.
Symptoms Of Pregnancy Acne
Some of the common symptoms are:
- Acne breakouts in areas with the largest oil glands such as the face, neck, chest and back
- White-heads and blackheads
- Pus-filled spots (pimples, papules and pustules)
- Pain, sensitivity and inflammation in acne pimples
- Nodular acne on the cheeks and forehead
How To Safely Manage Pregnancy Acne?
There are two ways – topical applications and prescription medications. Whatever method you choose, make sure to consult your gynaecologist once. Let us now briefly discuss some ways to treat pregnancy acne.
Topical Application–
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests pregnant women can use acne products that contain ingredients like
- Topical benzoyl peroxide
- Azelaic acid
- Topical salicylic acid
- Glycolic acid
However, some of these ingredients, being chemical in nature, may have side effects during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s better to use topical products that contain natural ingredients, to manage acne. AreoVeda Acne Clarifying Serum contains potent ingredients like Canadian Willowherb, Pentavitin, Black Tea Extract, Cardamom Oil and many others. This wonderful serum reduces the growth of 95% acne-causing bacteria in 30 minutes; provides up to 72 hours of hydration instantly, and reduces excessive melanin production (skin-darkening pigments) by 20%! Isn’t it great? Well, you will believe it once you start using the product.
Always do a patch test before adding any new product to your skincare routine.
Prescription Medicines
Consult your gynaecologist or dermatologist for advice on safe treatments for acne during pregnancy. They can recommend options that won’t harm you or your baby.
Conclusion
Is acne during pregnancy still keeping you down? Remember, pregnancy is a time of change—for your body, your emotions, and yes, even your skin. Navigating pregnancy acne might feel like an uphill battle, but with the right knowledge and a bit of patience, you can reclaim your skin’s glow.
If your regular self-care habits aren’t making a difference, you could try changing your skincare product. Switch to AreoVeda’s Acne Clarifying Serum. This skin serum visibly reduces redness in just 30 minutes and provides lasting hydration for up to 72 hours. Made with natural ingredients, it’s a gentle yet effective way to manage acne during pregnancy.
Curious to know more about it? Visit www.areoveda.in/ to explore their products!
FAQs
Q1. Can I Use Face Scrub While Experiencing Acne?
Scrubbing your face and excessive washing may irritate your skin. So, it’s advisable not to scrub your face when it is affected by acne.
Q2. I Have Acne-prone Skin. What Type Of Cosmetic Products Should I Use?
Use water-based or products labelled as non-comedogenic – they’re less likely to cause acne problems.