Acne and Pregnancy – An Inextricable Link

While there are a great many joys to be gained from being pregnant – the feeling of femininity and, of course, the birth of new life and joy at the end of the nine months – there are, unfortunately, many pitfalls when it comes to pregnancy. Alongside the expected weight gain and general sense of being uncomfortable, nature packs a punch at all expectant mothers by increasing their chances of developing acne during the nurturing of a new life.

The link between acne and pregnancy is a very real one, and is – unfortunately – unavoidable for the majority of expectant mothers. This can, in particular, come to a shock to older mothers-to-be who felt their days of acne suffering were long gone.

However, there are some bright points on the horizon. While acne in pregnancy is common, it is at its worst during the first three months of any term; so the chances of having to deal with it and being uncomfortable due to baby carrying weight are less likely. Perhaps this is nature’s way of apologising for the toll pregnancy takes on the female body, ensuring an expectant mother only has to deal with one issue at a time!

Acne during pregnancy is caused by a hormonal surge, which causes the skin to secrete more regularly. Following the first trimester, the problem hormone progesterone is produced at a more manageable level and most cases of pre-natal acne can be dealt with in a more effective manner.

During those problematic first three months, many of the oft used medicinal remedies for acne are not safe for the unborn child and are therefore out of bounds for expectant mothers. Most dermatologists and pregnancy experts promote the use of more natural solutions, with tea tree oil featuring regularly in any advice given to mothers-to-be who are suffering with acne problems. Another well regarded tip is the use of clay masks, which are particularly effective in drawing toxins away from the skin and reducing blackheads in particular.

It is, however, best to discuss your options with your general practitioner doctor to see what other help might be applicable to you. The use of medicinal aids is not a blanket ban, but an advisory one, and a doctor will know which products are suitable for use for those expecting a child.