Is Acne Common in Pregnancy? Gynaecologist Clarifies

If you are battling breakouts, instead of getting the famous ‘glow’ during pregnancy, you are not alone. Many women wonder why they are experiencing acne during this time, and whether this is normal or a cause for concern. Pregnancy brings about a plethora of changes in a woman's body. This sudden change in skin health is also one of them.

To help clear up the confusion, we reached out to Dr Manjeet Arora, Clinical Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Kailash Colony. The medical expert clarified whether acne is common in pregnancy and shared some ways to deal with it.

Is Acne Common in Pregnancy?

Dr Arora confirms that acne is indeed quite common during pregnancy, particularly in the first and second trimesters. The expert explains, “Some women develop acne for the first time during pregnancy, while others who have previously experienced acne may notice it worsening. On the other hand, some women find that their skin becomes clearer during pregnancy.”

She continued, “The primary reason behind pregnancy acne is hormonal changes. Rising levels of progesterone stimulate the sebaceous (oil) glands, causing the skin to produce more sebum. Excess oil, combined with dead skin cells and bacteria, can clog pores and lead to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed acne lesions.”

Dr Arora further explains, “Pregnancy acne most commonly appears on the face, particularly the cheeks, chin, jawline, and forehead. Some women may also develop acne on the chest, shoulders, and upper back. Although pregnancy acne can be frustrating, it usually does not affect the baby's health. In many cases, it improves naturally after delivery when hormone levels return to normal.”

A 2020 study, published in the International Journal of Dermatology, examined 295 pregnant women. It discovered that most cases of pregnancy acne are mild to moderate, and severe breakouts are relatively uncommon. The researchers found out that the severity of facial breakouts and the occurrence of body acne were significantly worse during the third trimester, as compared to initial stages of pregnancy.

The research added women who had higher body weights, irregular menstrual cycles, polycystic metabolic syndrome (PMOS), or excess body hair prior to pregnancy are more likely to experience severe pregnancy acne. Ultimately, the study concluded that pregnancy acne is pretty similar to regular adult female acne, but it is driven by complex hormonal changes. 

Tips To Deal With Pregnancy Acne

Dr Arora lists some practical tips to deal with pregnancy acne:

• Managing acne during pregnancy requires a gentle skincare routine. Wash your face twice daily with a mild cleanser. Use oil-free, non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products.
• Avoid picking or squeezing pimples.
• Keep hair clean and away from the face.
• Stay hydrated.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as these may also support healthier skin.

So what are the best treatment options for pregnancy acne? “Many common acne medications are not considered safe during pregnancy. Retinoids (including isotretinoin and topical retinoids) should be avoided because they can cause serious birth defects. Certain oral antibiotics and hormonal acne treatments are also unsuitable during pregnancy. If acne becomes severe, consult your obstetrician or dermatologist before using any treatment. They can recommend pregnancy-safe options such as specific topical preparations.”

A 2022 study, published in Dermatology and Therapy journal, stated that treating pregnancy acne needs special care. This will protect both the mother and the foetus. It notes that up to 43% of women experience acne during pregnancy, and it peaks in severity during the second and third trimesters. They cited the primary reason as complex hormonal changes. 

The review advised pregnant women to use safe topical treatments to manage mild-to-moderate breakouts. For more severe cases, they noted that specific oral antibiotics, as provided by the doctor, can be taken to avoid harming the baby. 

When To Seek Medical Help

Dr Arora says that you need to seek medical advice if acne is painful, widespread, leaves scars, or significantly affects your emotional well-being. She adds, “A healthcare provider can determine the safest treatment based on your stage of pregnancy.”

“Pregnancy acne is a temporary condition for most women. With proper skincare and guidance from your healthcare provider, symptoms can usually be managed safely until hormone levels stabilise after childbirth,” concludes Dr Arora.

Conclusion

Dealing with breakouts during pregnancy can be frustrating. However, it is important to remember that pregnancy acne is a temporary skin problem. For most women, the skin naturally clears up once the hormone levels stabilise after childbirth. To effectively deal with it, opt for a gentle skincare routine and avoid harsh, unapproved medications. If your acne is painful or causing emotional distress, reach out to a dermatologist or your obstetrician. With the right medical guidance, you can manage your symptoms and have a healthy, happy pregnancy.

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