Pregnancy acne, also known as hormonal acne, occurs due to fluctuations of hormones during pregnancy. These hormonal changes stimulate the skin’s sebaceous glands, resulting in excess oil production. Hence, pores become clogged with dead skin cells, oil and bacteria, causing breakouts and inflammation. To know how to manage this skin issue, follow the tips by the best dermatologists in Salt Lake.
Before going into how to deal with pregnancy acne, let us first learn more about it.
What is Pregnancy Acne?
As discussed, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can increase the levels of androgens like testosterone, which leads to excess oil production and acne formation. Pregnancy acne is most common during the first and second trimesters when hormone levels are at their peak. But, some pregnant women might experience acne throughout their pregnancy.
Tips to deal with Pregnancy Acne
1. Use a gentle cleanser: Choose a non-comedogenic, mild cleanser to wash the skin at least twice a day. Avoid the use of abrasive products or harsh scrubbing that can irritate the skin and exacerbate your acne.
2. Practice good hygiene: Avoid picking at your acne lesions as it can cause them to react and leave behind potential scarring. Moreover, avoid touching your skin with unwashed hands as they might carry harmful bacteria which can affect your skin.
3. Moisturize regularly: If your skin is oily, moisturizing is crucial to keep it hydrated and prevent excess oil accumulation, suggests the best dermatologists in Salt Lake. Choose non-comedogenic moisturizers to balance your skin’s oil production.
4. Use oil-free products: When choosing skincare or makeup products, go for the ones that are labelled non-comedogenic or oil-free to protect your pores from getting clogged, which can otherwise aggravate acne.
5. Opt spot treatments: In case you have spots or marks from previous acne, choose over-the-counter spot treatments. However, before using acne products, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist who can guide you towards the right skin treatments.
6. Practice sun protection: Try to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. Opt for formulations that can be safely used during pregnancy after consultation with your dermatologist.
If your pregnancy acne becomes severe over time or persists, reach out to the best dermatologists in Salt Lake for personalized treatment plans. They will be able to recommend procedures and prescription medications that are safe for treating acne during pregnancy.
