How to Treat Acne Breakouts During Pregnancy

It is very common for women to develop acne during pregnancy. In fact, acne is thought to affect over 40% of pregnant women.

While pregnancy acne is treatable, certain acne medications can be very dangerous to take if you are pregnant, as they can increase the likelihood of miscarriage and severe birth defects.

Here's what to know about what causes pregnancy breakouts and what you can (and can't) do about them.

Causes

Hormones fluctuate dramatically during pregnancy. Progesterone is one of the hormones that contribute to acne development.

Progesterone helps your uterus prepare to support a growing baby, but high levels of this hormone also stimulate the skin's oil glands, making them produce more oil. When oil clogs the pores, it can lead to acne breakouts.

Although acne can appear at any time during or after pregnancy, it's most likely to develop during the first trimester, when pregnancy hormones start ramping up. Sometimes there is another flare-up during the third trimester when there is another hormonal surge.

Not every pregnant woman will experience acne breakouts. In fact, some women find their existing acne clears up. Others will notice no discernible change in the skin—good or bad.

Symptoms

Acne that appears or worsens during pregnancy is no different than acne at any other time. The most common form of acne is acne vulgaris, but there are more severe types as well.

Treatment

Acne can be treated while you're pregnant, but care must be taken when choosing treatments. Certain acne medications (like isotretinoin) should never be used by people who are pregnant or nursing.

Even certain topical medications should be avoided during pregnancy. Make sure you ask your doctor before using any acne treatment product, including those sold over-the-counter.

Acne medications that are considered safe during pregnancy include:

• Salicylic acid
• Azelaic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Topical clindamycin
• Certain oral antibiotics like Keflex (cefalexin)
• Laser and light therapies

Lasers are considered safe for women who are pregnant. However, some may require a numbing solution that may not be recommended, so it's crucial that you tell your doctor that you are pregnant.

All-Natural Treatments

There's no evidence that home remedies and natural treatments can actually make acne go away, but practicing good hygiene and dietary habits may help prevent breakouts.

The best way to care for your skin is to:

• Wash your face twice daily day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your face.
• Use an oil-free moisturizer and oil-free cosmetics.
• Shampoo regularly and try to keep your hair off your face.
• Avoid picking or popping pimples to reduce the chances of infection or scarring.

The role of diet in preventing acne is controversial. A 2016 study looked at some of the foods and nutrients commonly associated with acne prevention, including dairy products, chocolate, glycemic load, dietary fiber, fatty acids, antioxidants, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine. The study concluded that there may be a link between a diet with a high glycemic load and acne as well as with dairy products. The roles of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin A, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and iodine remain unclear.

Finally, you may be tempted to try home remedies to treat your skin, but so far there is no scientific evidence that things like apple cider vinegar, Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide), toothpaste, or other home remedies clear acne.

Prognosis

The good news is that acne that appears for the first time during pregnancy typically goes away on its own once the baby is born and hormone levels return to normal. Make sure to check with your doctor before resuming any medications you normally take for acne, as they may not be recommended if you are breastfeeding.

A Word From Verywell

While pregnancy acne can be an unwelcome surprise, it is usually self-limited. The best thing to do is ask your obstetrician and/or your dermatologist to help you devise an acne treatment plan that is both effective for you and safe for your baby.