Bump Beauty: 5 Ways to treat acne during pregnancy

Skin changes are completely normal during pregnancy as your body adapts to accommodate your growing baby and your hormones go through the necessary changes to ensure you and your unborn baby remain healthy. 

Some women see their skin improve during pregnancy; others may develop new or worsening acne, says Dr Fatima Moosa, a Bloemfontein-based dermatologist at The Derm Factor. So, how can you effectively deal with new acne flare-ups? Dr Moosa shares her advice.

1. Be sure that it is acne

Before you can start treating a skin condition, you need to be able to identify it. “The signs of acne are the same as in a non-pregnant person and the symptoms will vary depending on severity – mild, moderate or severe,” says Dr Moosa. 

“Acne is a common condition whether you are pregnant or not. The same causes of acne in non-pregnant people remain, while the added culprit of hormonal changes, especially an increase in androgens, is also at play. These hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which then clogs pores and leads to breakouts,” she explains.  

Dr Moosa says that acne can show up as:
- Comedones (clogged pores that could appear as small bumps – either whiteheads or blackheads)
- Papules (small, inflamed bumps that are darker than your skin tone; are sensitive to touch; and can be painful)
- Pustules (off-white or yellow in colour, these superficial bumps are filled with pus)
- Nodules (solid, painful lumps that are 1-2cm wide)
- Cysts (filled with pus and are painful)

Dr Moosa adds that acne can affect the face, chest, back, and even shoulders. It is important to treat acne, she says. If it is left untreated, it can become complicated with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring.

2. Relook your lifestyle

Could your lifestyle play a role in keeping acne under control? Yes, says Dr Moosa. “While hormonal changes during pregnancy cannot be controlled, some lifestyle changes may help. This includes a healthy diet (avoiding high-glycaemic foods) and applying non-comedogenic, breathable makeup to prevent clogged pores.”

She says that while prenatal supplements do not specifically target or treat acne, certain nutrients in these supplements – like zinc, which may help reduce inflammation and improve acne – may indirectly help the skin.

3. Know which ingredients are unsafe during pregnancy

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, remember that there are certain skincare ingredients that should be avoided as they can harm the developing baby or affect breast milk, which includes some acne treatments. “These include retinoids/retinol, and tetracycline antibiotics, which may harm the development of the baby,” says Dr Moosa. She advises that pregnant or breastfeeding women always consult with a dermatologist before starting any acne treatments to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

4. Ease the symptoms 

Effective acne management starts with how you handle your skin at home. Dr Moosa says that starting with a good, simple skincare routine is important and shares these tips:
- Use gentle cleansers. These remove excess oil without over-drying the skin.
- Moisturise. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser.
- Use spot treatments. Apply pregnancy-safe spot treatments (including, for instance, azelaic acid or sulfur-based products) to inflamed areas.
- Do not pop your pimples. This reduces the risk of scarring and infection.
- Apply sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen labelled "non-comedogenic" to avoid further irritation and pigmentation.

“Management of acne during pregnancy and breastfeeding may be challenging,” says Dr Moosa, listing some effective options during pregnancy as: 
- Azelaic acid: helps reduces inflammation and helps with hyperpigmentation. 
- Niacinamide: helps calm inflammation and balances oil production.  

5. Get professional help

“Acne in pregnancy can be very frustrating, and I would suggest consulting a dermatologist or doctor when the acne is severe or over-the-counter treatments have failed,” says Dr Moosa. There is no need to wait for it to become unbearable as it could lead to your psychological wellbeing being affected with feelings of low self-esteem, she says. A dermatologist would be able to discuss treatment from the onset, especially when you are unsure about effective product selection. “They can guide you and prescribe an effective treatment plan to manage acne.”

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