Dealing with acne is no easy task, and neither is dealing with most pregnancies. Dealing with both at the time can be a real quest: not only is it hard to know what skincare products you can use to fight acne while pregnant, it’s super common for people around you to dismiss your pregnancy acne and state that you just have to endure it. You don’t, and it’s normal for you to feel dismissed when someone tells you to just endure something that can actually be physically painful.
To help you find your way through the conflicting information going all around you, we’re here to help you figure out pregnancy acne: why it happens, how it can be managed, and the products you can use if acne bothers you during your pregnancy.
Pregnancy acne: Why does it happen?
The short answer, as with almost everything pregnancy-related, is hormones. Most people experience bouts of acne during the first trimester, especially if they’ve had acne before. Usually, these flare-ups tend to calm down when entering the second trimester, but some will only resolve by the post-partum period. On the other hand, some people only get acne flare-ups during the third trimester.
Most acne flare-ups are related to an increase in sebum production, as well as changes to the skin microbiome. This, together with the overall tendency for sensitive skin most pregnant people experience, creates a breeding ground for acne.
Just a side note: these hormonal fluctuations aren’t related to whether you’re having a boy or a girl, as the hormones you produce aren’t different depending on the baby’s gender. That’s a myth! All that’s really happening is your body experiencing a few abnormal hormonal spikes.
What to avoid when dealing with pregnancy acne
Usually, all acne medication is off-limits during pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use anything at all on your skin. On the contrary, there are several cosmetics that you can use. However, keep in mind to avoid the following:
Retinoids for pregnancy acne
Any retinoid should be avoided during pregnancy. Don’t worry if you were using them before knowing you’re pregnant-this is a safety measure, not a contraindication. As medication with retinoids can cause harm to the baby, doctors have extended the safety measures to cosmetics containing retinoids. There is no evidence that retinoids in cosmetics harm the baby, but we use an approach of “better safe than sorry”. Retinoids usually available in cosmetics include retinol, retinaldehyde, and several derivatives such as retinyl palmitate.
Essential oils for pregnancy acne
Essential oils have varied compositions, and some can penetrate the skin deeper than others. For that reason, and because there aren’t enough studieson them, doctors tend to advise that you avoid essential oils and cosmetics with them during pregnancy. Keep in mind that we’re talking about essential oils only, not all botanical extracts that can be used in cosmetics.
Salicylic acid for pregnancy acne
It would be great if you could use salicylic acid while dealing with acne during pregnancy, but unfortunately, some doctors don’t recommend it. We advise you to discuss this issue further with your doctor and get their approval before using salicylic acid cosmetics while pregnant.
Skincare ingredients you can use for pregnancy acne
The good news is that, even though retinoids and salicylic acid are usually out of the question, there are ingredients you can and should use. Here are our favorite ones to recommend:
Niacinamide
Niacinamide helps to control sebum production and is a great way to tame acne flare-ups when you’re unable to use other ingredients. It’s ideal for sensitive skin and a great way to care for your skin overall.
Azelaic acid
If you choose fluid formulas with azelaic acid, they’re great for acne. Not only is azelaic acid suitable for sensitive skin, it also helps to tackle post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. So, if you tend to get dark spots after acne flares, this is the right ingredient for you.
Botanical extracts
There are a lot of botanical extracts that do not contain essential oils. Some of them are a great way to soothe the skin and control oil production.
Mattifying ingredients
If everything else fails, controlling excess oil is also a good option. These ingredients absorb excess oil and are perfect for those who feel their skin is overproducing it.
Acne products you can (and should!) use during pregnancy
We wouldn’t explain everything and then leave you hanging without our best recommendations. So here are the products we recommend the most for acne flares during pregnancy:
Cetaphil Pro Oil Control Foam Wash
The best face wash for pregnancy acne
Cetaphil Pro Oil Control Foam Wash
This soft and airy foam contains a unique zinc complex that helps to absorb excess oil and deeply cleanse the skin.
Perfect for those who love to wash their face in the morning and evening in a swift and effortless gesture.
Esthederm Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser
The perfect mask for pregnancy acne
Esthederm Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser
A unique mask that comes with specific instructions to lift impurities from even the hardest areas to reach. Firstly, you need to know that you will be working on each area separately, instead of doing the whole face at once.
Then, you need to apply a small portion of the mask to the skin and gently massage it until it becomes thick and unmovable. Lastly, you just have to rinse the mask and move on to the next portion of the skin. The results? Clear skin that feels soft to the touch and, in time, with visibly fewer blemishes.
Avène Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Imperfections Concentrate
The anti-blemish concentrate
Avène Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Imperfections Concentrate
When dealing with pregnancy acne, our team usually favors this iconic Avène product. Made with botanical extracts, it’s a great way to reduce angry acne blemishes.
With time, people tend to get clearer skin and feel more comfortable, even when dealing with painful lesions.
MartiDerm Acniover Serum Anti Imperfections Acne-Prone Skin
The serum with niacinamide
MartiDerm Acniover Serum Anti Imperfections Acne-Prone Skin
This soothing and effective serum helps to reduce blemishes while caring for the skin. Together with prebiotics, niacinamide repairs the skin while also regulating sebum production.
It’s the ideal serum if you tend to experience sensitivity and redness.
Benzacare Microbiome Equalizer Moisturizing Lotion
The best lotion for unbalanced skin
Benzacare Microbiome Equalizer Moisturizing Lotion
Acne-prone skin can also be dehydrated and have a disrupted barrier. Taking care of both is exactly the point of this soothing and repairing moisturizer.
With prebiotics and panthenol, it ensures the skin is calm and hydrated. On the other hand, a red clover extract ensures excess oil is reduced, for a mattifying effect.
Uriage Hyséac SOS Paste-Local Skin-Care
The spot treatment for the occasional blemish
Uriage Hyséac SOS Paste-Local Skin-Care
Maybe you’re not struggling with actual acne, but you still have some pimples popping here and there. For a locallized action, this Uriage paste is the perfect solution.
This green paste comes with a small spatula that helps you to gently apply a small quantity to just where you need it. It’s perfect for those single pimples that you know you will be picking unless you do something about them.
Eucerin Sun Oil Control Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+
The best sunscreen for pregnancy acne
Eucerin Sun Oil Control Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+
It’s totally safe during pregnancy to use organic (aka “chemical”) sunscreens. This one is our absolute favorite for those who are pregnant and also suffer from acne.
Super lightweight, it fully protects you from UV rays while still helping you to get to the end of the day without a super shiny face.
If you want to dig deeper, we have an entire selection of products for pregnancy acne the shop. From cleansers to sunscreens, and everything in between, this selection of pregnancy-safe skincare will support your skin’s health and well-being during this unique phase of your life.
