Pregnancy Safe Acne Treatment Spots in Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with excitement and anticipation, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, one of which is managing acne. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger acne flare-ups, leaving many expectant mothers frustrated and concerned about the safety of acne treatments. In this blog, we’ll explore how to effectively treat pregnancy acne while ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.
During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased levels of male sex hormones like progesterone, can stimulate the skin’s sebaceous glands, leading to excess oil production. This excess oil, combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, can clog pores and result in acne breakouts. Additionally, hormonal changes can affect the skin’s natural balance, making it more prone to inflammation and sensitivity.
Many traditional acne treatments contain ingredients that may pose risks to the developing fetus, such as retinoids, and high concentrations of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. While these ingredients are effective in treating acne in non-pregnant individuals, their safety during pregnancy is uncertain, and its use is often cautioned if the risks outweigh the benefits.
What acne ingredients are not safe during pregnancy?
Acog advises against acne medications like hormonal therapy, isotretinoin, and oral tetracyclines. Additionally, if you are on the err side of caution you might want to minimize your usage of these ingredients in your skincare products:
Benzoyl peroxide: This go-to antibacterial ingredient is commonly found in spot treatments and cleansers. Due to a lack of well-controlled studies medical researchers commonly advise a maximum strength of 5% benzoyl peroxide throughout pregnancy.
Salicylic acid: This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) renowned for its exfoliating properties, is frequently incorporated into skincare products tailored to address acne and promote skin renewal. Studies show that high doses of the acid in oral form (aspirin) have been linked to birth defects and pregnancy complications. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers topical use of salicylic acid generally safe for treating pregnancy acne, doctors commonly advise limiting its use to concentrations no higher than 2%.
Retinoids: This vitamin A derivative, such as isotretinoin and tretinoin, have been linked to an increased risk of birth defects when used orally or topically in high doses during pregnancy. While topical retinoids generally result in minimal systemic effects, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises against the use of any form of retinoids during pregnancy.
To determine if the ingredient list of your beauty product contains any of these potentially harmful ingredients, you can use our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker, available on both IOS and Android platforms.
Spots in Pregnancy
Pregnancy spots can occur due to hormonal fluctuations, like an increase in progesterone. Progesterone stimulates increased oil production, which can lead to intense breakouts. Women commonly found this increase in acne to start within the first few weeks of pregnancy, and if they haven’t experienced it by their second trimester they are generally off the hook.
These spots can manifest as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts and may appear on the face, chest, back, or other areas of the body. While pregnancy acne is common and usually temporary, they can be distressing for expectant mothers, especially if they naturally have oily skin.
When it comes to treating pregnancy acne, safety is paramount. Many over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments contain ingredients that may be harmful to the developing fetus. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before using any acne treatment during pregnancy. Fortunately, there are safe and effective options available for managing acne during pregnancy, including azelaic acid, certain topical antibiotics and laser treatment.
Additionally, there are several strategies that expectant mothers can employ to safely treat pregnancy acne and maintain clear skin during pregnancy. According to Mayo clinic these include:
- Gentle cleansing: Opt for a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser to wash your face twice daily, ensuring to avoid over-cleansing. Steer clear of facial scrubs and astringents, as they can strip the skin of its natural oils, aggravating acne further. For more information on this topic, you can check out our previous blogpost on face cleanser safe for pregnancy.
- Shampoo daily: For those prone to developing acne around the hairline, consider shampooing your hair daily as part of your skincare routine. This practice can help minimize the buildup of oils and products that may contribute to acne formation in this area.
- Avoid touching the face: Touching the face can transfer bacteria and exacerbate acne breakouts. Avoid touching or picking at pimples to prevent further inflammation and scarring.
Furthermore, maintaining a balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly bolster skin health and mitigate the likelihood of acne flare-ups. Additionally, adequate hydration is crucial for skin vitality. Ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day by consuming plenty of water, which aids in flushing toxins from the body and keeping the skin adequately moisturized from within. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends consuming between 8-12 cups of water daily during pregnancy to support overall well-being, including skin health.
Pimples in Pregnancy
Pregnancy pimples, like other types of pregnancy acne, are often the result of hormonal changes and increased oil production.
There are a few pregnancy safe spot treatments that you can try. According to Dr. Hale, Erythromycin is an antibacterial spot treatment deemed safe for pregnancy.
Can you use pimple patches while pregnant?
Hydrocolloid patches cover a blemish while allowing it to develop and fully come to the surface. It’s beloved among pregnant women as the hydrocolloid material absorbs fluid, helps flatten the pimple and keeps you from picking at it with your (dirty) fingers. These little bean-approved patches by Real Beauty are proven to get the job done.
Acne in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased levels of androgens, can stimulate the skin’s sebaceous glands, leading to excess oil production and acne breakouts. These hormonal changes can disrupt the skin’s natural balance, making it more prone to inflammation and acne flare-ups. Additionally, factors such as stress, diet, and genetics can also play a role in the development of acne during pregnancy.
What acne treatments are safe during pregnancy?
There are a few pregnancy-safe options available to treat acne, including:
- Azelaic acid: Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It has been shown to be effective in treating acne during pregnancy without posing risks to the developing fetus. Azelaic acid works by reducing inflammation, unclogging pores, and inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
- Topical antibiotics: According to the AAD certain topical antibiotics, such as like clindamycin, or for more severe cases oral antibiotics like Cefadroxil seem safe to use during pregnancy. These antibiotics work by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. However, it’s essential to use them under the guidance of a dermatologist or healthcare provider to ensure they are used safely and effectively.
- Glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It works by exfoliating the skin, removing dead skin cells, and unclogging pores. Glycolic acid is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when used in low concentrations and under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare provider is essential for managing acne during pregnancy. They can assess the severity of your acne and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs and circumstances. Additionally, they can provide guidance on skincare routines, lifestyle changes, and other strategies to safely help manage and prevent acne flare-ups during pregnancy.
Breakouts During Pregnancy
Sudden breakouts during pregnancy can occur due to hormonal fluctuations, increased oil production, and changes in skincare routines. These breakouts may manifest as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts and can be frustrating for expectant mothers, especially if they have had clear skin before pregnancy.
When it comes to treating pregnancy breakouts, it’s essential to prioritize safety for both mother and baby. Many traditional acne treatments contain ingredients that may not be suitable for use during pregnancy. However, there are pregnancy-safe options available, including:
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to be effective in treating acne during pregnancy. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. However, it’s essential to dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin to avoid irritation.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that can help soothe and moisturize the skin without clogging pores. It works by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent dryness.
- Natural remedies: Some natural remedies, such as aloe vera gel, honey, and oatmeal, may help soothe inflamed skin and reduce acne breakouts during pregnancy. However, it’s essential to use these remedies with caution and consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before trying them as certain undiluted essential oils are cautioned against during pregnancy.
In addition to using pregnancy-safe acne treatments, there are several steps you can take to help avoid or minimize breakouts during pregnancy:
- Moisturize: Use a pregnancy-safe moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and balanced, avoiding heavy or greasy formulas that may clog pores.
- Protect your skin: Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, as sun exposure can worsen acne and cause pigmentation changes.
- Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that may exacerbate breakouts, such as certain skincare products, dietary factors, stress, and hormonal fluctuations.
- Manage stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help keep stress levels in check, as stress can exacerbate acne flare-ups.
Pimples in Early Pregnancy
During early pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations are a key factor in causing pimples. Increased levels of hormones, notably progesterone, stimulate the skin’s sebaceous glands, leading to more oil production and blocked pores. Changes in estrogen levels also affect the skin’s balance, making it more prone to inflammation and breakouts. These hormonal changes typically occur in the first trimester, contributing to early pregnancy pimples.
Safe and effective pimple treatments during this stage focus on gentle ingredients that reduce inflammation and unclog pores without harming the fetus. Pregnancy-safe options include azelaic acid and glycolic acid, known for their efficacy and safety for treating acne during pregnancy.
Simple lifestyle adjustments can also help minimize pimple flare-ups in early pregnancy. Maintaining good skincare habits, such as washing the face twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser, is essential to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Additionally, avoiding heavy or greasy skincare products and opting for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers can maintain skin balance and reduce the risk of clogged pores.
Sources:
Skin Conditions During Pregnancy | ACOG
Treatment of Acne Vulgaris During Pregnancy and Lactation | Dermatology and Therapy (NCBI)
Major malformations after first-trimester exposure to aspirin and NSAIDs | The University of York
Is salicylic acid safe to use during pregnancy? | Medical News Today
Safety of skin care products during pregnancy | The Collee of Family Physicians of Canada
What’s the best way to treat pregnancy acne? | Mayo Clinic
How to Spot-Treat a Pimple When Pregnant According to Dermatologists | Very Well Family
