During pregnancy hormonal levels are fluctuating similar to when women are in mid-cycle during menstruation. The female hormones oestrogen and progesterone are at high levels and the more male dominant hormone similar to the Androgen hormone in men (progesterone) is dominant and stimulates the sebaceous glands and encourages excess oil secretions. Similarly to all hormone related acne problems the sebaceous glands over secrete oil this in turn is combined with dead skin cells in the hair follicles and causes a blockage with daily dirt causes a bacterial inflammation and leads to acne.



Will skin types be affected?

No is the answer not all women with differing skin types will be affected. If you all ready suffer from acne problems or are prone to menstrual hormonal acne then the chances are you will suffer with exacerbated acne problems during your pregnancy. If you have clear skin and don’t normally suffer with acne problems then your chances of a breakout during your pregnancy is reduced but not guaranteed. Hormonal changes will affect each individual woman differently during each pregnancy. If you never suffered with acne in a previous pregnancy this doesn’t mean you won’t with further pregnancies.



What causes increased Acne Problems during Pregnancy?

As previously stated the male hormone levels in the body will increase and lead to excessive oil secretion to the dermis. The first trimester is the typical onset for hormonal Acne problems. The fluctuating hormone levels lend itself to hormonal acne coupled with the body trying to adjust to the changes in the body. The first trimester is when the foetus is developing and the hormone levels are necessary for development. Acne is generally attributed to the first 3 months of pregnancy breakouts, but can be experienced at any stage during the 40 week gestation.



What kind of Acne will develop?

The typical acne development is the same as other hormonal acne problems where women develop Cysts, Pustules or black or white heads. The two typical kinds of acne are Cystic and Nodular acne. Cystic acne is similar in appearance and affects as cysts and are painful and irritating. Cystic acne appears as a soft inflamed raised lump and develops Into a puss filled sore which is unable to disappear through the skin and forms a hard appearance before bacteria infection subsides.


Cystic acne is similar to Nodular acne and is quite painful. The puss filled cyst is associated with deep skin scarring if picked or popped. Cysts shouldn’t be squeeze as this will deepen the infection under the e [epidermis and further spread onto other areas of the skin where he puss has leaked out. The infection will last longer if spread by touch or under the finger nails. A visit to a professionally trained. Dermatologists expertly trained in skin conditions will give peace of mind. The skin is the larges organ in the body and should be expertly treated.


Nodular acne is large in appearance and hard to the touch. Nodules remain under the surface because the bacterium is trapped under the skin and has no way of easing. Nodular acne is painful and can leave unsightly scars. This form of acne is prone to frequent flare ups. A Dermatologist will have the expertise to deal with this form of acne.



Will my Acne Disappear During or after the Pregnancy?

After the first trimester the problem of acne will usually decrease. After the pregnancy and the hormone levels have returned
to normal the acne breakouts will subside. For some women the drop in hormone levels will trigger the acne breakouts again. The scarring from sever acne might be evident after the pregnancy if you have squeezes or picked at the cyst or nodule. It is important to take care of the skin in a natural way to keep the skin clean and free form breakouts.



Can I prevent Acne during Pregnancy?

The answer to this unfortunately is no. Just like hormonal acne the onset is triggered by fluctuating hormone levels which are out of your control. The problems will usually subside after the first trimester. It is possible however to take care of your skin the best you can and eat a balanced diet for both you and your unborn baby. The problem with hormonal fluctuation is that it sometimes gives us cravings for food which is highly processed or full or fat or sugar. Foods which have a high glycemic index will not benefit the skin and should be controlled. Drinking plenty of water will flush out toxins and dilute the hormone levels in the body.



What kind of treatment is Safe for me and my Baby?

As with all forms of Hormone Acne problems it is important to get the best medical advice from fully trained professionals. A Dermatologist is expertly trained in all aspects of the skin. It is important not to self diagnose and resort to OTC skin treatments that might be detrimental to the health of your un-born baby. Herbal natural treatments also should be fully investigated as the majority of their ingredients are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.


Some supposedly safe creams such as Erythromycin, an antibiotic is not always effective for prolonged use as the bacterial resistance will be built up. Other medications with little documented harm to the un-born foetus are Azelaic Acid a topical cream with all antibacterial properties. As with all medication it is imperative you get medical advice and not self diagnosis or dabble in treatments without permission. Unsafe medication to use during pregnancy is Retinoid A Vitamin A derivatives whether in topical or oral forms these should not be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding. Oral Retinoids like Tretinion and Adapalene are absorbed into the blood stream and have been shown to be un safety during pregnancy. Isotretinoin is used to treat Cystic acne but is supposedly dangerous to the un-born foetus and can cause foetal abnormalities and miscarriages.



Will my Baby be susceptible to Acne during or after birth?

There is no sound medical connection between acne in pregnancy and baby acne. If your baby develops baby acne it is because mom’s hormones are present in the baby after birth. Hormones passed through the placenta are responsible for stimulating oil glands or flaky skin trapped in the pores. Hormones can also be passed on to your baby during breastfeeding. Small pimples on the heels forehead or chin. Central heating in hospitals or over heating can cause a skin breakout in a baby.


Some fabric softeners or detergents can cause skin irritation in some babies with sensitive skin. Some baby toiletries can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin and should be dispensed with for luke warm water and a soft wash cloth instead. Baby acne will disappear as the baby grows. If skin irritation or acne persist it is important to consult a doctor or midwife. Their is no known coloration between hormonal acne in pregnant women and their babies.


The internet is a useful tool for educating your self on acne during pregnancy, however any advice you are unsure of should be thoroughly investigated by a medical professional before embarking on treatments. It is important to remember that ingredients that are perfectly safe pre-pregnancy might not be safe while conceiving, pregnant or breast feeding.