How pregnancy affects the skin:
- Pregnant women get to us because their acne problems are reappearing. These are not surprising, as often these women had acne problems in the past, which they managed using the combination pill.
- They had to stop using estrogen-progestin contraception, and their acne problems returned. One also has to consider hormonal influx during pregnancy.
- It tends to boost secretions from the sebaceous glands, paving the way for renewed acne outbreaks.
1. ARE THERE SOLUTIONS FOR THESE SKIN PROBLEMS?
Throughout pregnancy, hormone treatments can’t be taken, apparently. Many medications must be avoided, including topical retinoids. But we can suggest local antibiotic therapies. If the problem becomes genuinely severe, we can provide erythromycin-based antibiotics treatments.
2. WHAT OTHER ACTIONS CAN BE TAKEN?
During pregnancy, it is a good idea naturally to use cosmetics made for acne-prone skin and to avoid eating sweets, which aren’t very healthy anyway. A high glycemic index can trigger bouts of acne. We also recommend minimizing your sun exposure and always using sunscreens that offer right photo protection to avoid developing a pregnancy mask.
3. ANY TIPS FOR AFTER PREGNANCY?
For mothers who do not plan to breastfeed resume their estrogen-progestin contraceptive use, which was previously active. For those who breastfeed, we will suggest a mini pill, progestin-only contraception, which might make skin problems worse. We are also increasingly recommending copper IUDs, but not progestin IUDs, as they increase the risk of renewed skin problems.
KEY POINTS:
Acne May Return During Pregnancy Hormone Treatment! Topical Antibiotic Treatments After Childbirth: Resume Initial Pill If Breastfeeding, Use Copper IUD
