Pregnancy can be a whirlwind because almost every part of you is experiencing some change, and your skin is no exception to the rule. It’s common for women to experience pregnancy acne in the form of cystic breakouts, dermatitis or excess breakouts on the forehead and chin area. 

Pregnancy acne can affect almost 50% of mothers going through the stages of pregnancy, triggered by increased androgen hormones, which can cause excess oil production, leading to inflammation. While it can occur in both the first and second trimesters and calm down in the third, this isn’t the rule and more of an above-average statement based on the majority of women's experience, not all.

There aren't many treatments available for pregnant women to prevent risks to the baby or negative reactions on the skin, as the skin is at its most sensitive during these stages. That usually means over-the-counter options, and there are natural, sensitive remedies available to help soothe and calm acne.

What Treatments / Skincare Are Available To Pregnant Women?

There are several natural ways you can turn to during pregnancy for acne, and they don’t always have to be paid for with professional treatments and adopted into the home and daily routine.

Obagi Facial

Whilst the standard Obagi facial treatment and chemical peel are not safe for pregnant people, as the strength of the retinoids and acid is not safe, there are still some Obagi-based options that are offered by many clinics that practice Aesthetics in Cheshire that can help to target acne. Obagi pregnancy facials help to deeply hydrate by calming inflamed skin, giving an overall smooth, clear and glowy effect which is great for more sensitive pregnant skin.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is great for acne-prone skin as it helps to reduce inflammation, which often makes acne look worse than it is. This kind of acid, though gentle, helps to kill bacteria which can fester on the skin and cause fungal acne and general breakouts. Thio acid helps to remove this debris and sweat, which can stay on the skin even after a cleanse. 

Light Therapy

For those who are after a less invasive treatment for their pregnancy acne, light therapy is not only good for healing, but it can also be relaxing, especially for those who are having an uncomfortable pregnancy. You can do this through purchasing an at-home mask that you can wear once a week or through professional masks, which are usually more powerful. The results should be clearer skin that makes you feel more confident

Benzoyl Peroxide

Used in low concentrations, benzoyl peroxide can have a positive effect on acne-prone skin while still being suitable for pregnant people. If used once every two weeks or in small doses as a face wash, this can be an effective acne treatment which can transform blemish prone skin. Make sure that you are careful with how much you use or even ask an aesthetician before you use this on your skin.