Pimples in pregnancy: here’s what to do
Everything you need to know about pimples in pregnancy: where, when and why they appear, how to fight them, drugs to avoid and curiosities about the sex of the baby.
From the first days of pregnancy , the female body is faced with many changes, mainly due to the variation in hormone levels. These modifications are also visible on the skin and can manifest themselves with the appearance of oily skin , pimples or acne , especially in women who have suffered from them during adolescence.
In such a delicate period from an emotional point of view, these blemishes can greatly affect the mood of expectant mothers, also because they are often completely unexpected.
In fact, many pregnant women expect to experience the so-called “pregnancy glow”, that is to say that perfect, rosy and luminous skin that often characterizes pregnant women.
In fact, it is estimated that around 40% of pregnant women suffer from acne during pregnancy. So, if after the positive test you started noticing pimples on your chin or forehead, know that it’s completely normal and more common than it seems.
The good news is that these manifestations will most likely disappear in the second trimester or, in the worst case, at the end of breastfeeding.
In addition, there are several useful remedies to combat them. In the most serious cases, the doctor may prescribe medicines compatible with pregnancy , while – we remind you – do-it-yourself pharmacological treatments are absolutely prohibited.
Pimples in pregnancy: when do they appear and why?
First weeks
In mothers who show them, pimples appear especially at the beginning of pregnancy . In particular, they tend to appear around the 6th week of gestation , although they can appear even earlier. That is why this symptom can be one of the first signs of an ongoing pregnancy.
The situation generally improves from the 4th month , although sometimes the imperfections can last until delivery or reappear during breastfeeding.
If the pimples do not appear in the first trimester, it is unlikely that they will appear in the following months, although this possibility cannot be ruled out.
The cause? Progesterone
But why do you have pimples during pregnancy? The fault lies above all with progesterone , a fundamental hormone from the beginning of pregnancy. In fact, we think that it is he who blocks the menstrual cycle, prepares the uterus for the implantation of the embryo and for its nourishment, and in general to prevent early abortion.
This is why, in the first weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother’s body is committed to producing large quantities of progesterone, which can accumulate in excess and “tire” the skin. One of the side effects, in fact, is the increased secretion of sebum, which can block the hair bulbs, cause inflammation and promote bacterial growth, resulting in the appearance of pimples or acne.
Some women are more at risk
Age , genetic factors , stress and nutrition can favor the development of blemishes.
In particular, women who are more at risk of developing pimples during pregnancy are:
- have oily or combination skin ;
- are predisposed to the development of pimples before the period or during menstruation;
- have had acne in the past.
Where do pimples appear during pregnancy?
Pregnancy pimples tend to be concentrated on the face ( nose, chin, forehead, cheeks, jaw) but can also affect the neck and upper arms .
Furthermore, some mothers may notice the appearance of pimples on the breasts, stomach , back and even in the groin or vulva ( especially in the labia majora area ).
Pimples can appear in more or less serious forms, namely:
- open comedones (blackheads);
- closed comedones (whiteheads);
- papules (bumps usually conical in shape and without pus);
- pustules (evolution of papules, contain pus).
It is important to underline that from the first weeks of pregnancy, it is very common to notice the presence of small bumps or white dots on the areolae around the nipples . In this case, it is not boils but the so-called Montgomery tubercles , sebaceous glands which, while pregnant, produce more sebum to protect and lubricate the nipples in anticipation of breastfeeding.
How to fight pimples in pregnancy?
The importance of daily skin care
If you suffer from oily skin or have suffered from it in the past, it is advisable to adopt skin care during pregnancy that helps regulate sebum production.
In particular:
- use a sebum-regulating cleanser to wash your face (3 times a day);
- in the morning, after cleansing, apply a sebum-regulating cream, possibly with a high protection factor even in winter (to avoid the appearance of chloasma gravidarum);
- in the evening, after the cleanser, apply a zinc oxide-based cream from the first month of pregnancy;
- 1 or 2 evenings a week, apply a face mask based on natural clay or activated charcoal
For personalized indications, consult your dermatologist , who will be able to prescribe you skin products compatible with pregnancy. For example, creams based on acetylsalicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid can be used from the 4th month of pregnancy to regulate sebum production, according to the doctor’s instructions (generally every other night and for a limited period).
Furthermore, if necessary, the specialist can carry out short peels based on acetylsalicylic acid once a month, always starting from the second trimester .
The yeses and nos for healthier skin
Some good habits can help you prevent or reduce pregnancy pimples. Here are which ones:
- follow a balanced diet , rich in fruit and vegetables and low glycemic index foods;
- drink often to keep the skin hydrated. Remember that pregnant women should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day!
- limits stress ;
- regularly practice moderate physical activity ;
- try to rest adequately;
- do not overdo the makeup and always remember to remove make-up before sleeping;
- vaporize thermal water on the skin;
- change the pillowcases often .
On the contrary, in order not to make the situation worse, avoid:
- popping pimples and constantly touching your face;
- use too aggressive detergents ;
- rubbing the skin (for example, when washing or drying your face);
- use oil-based hygiene and makeup products ;
- wearing clothes that are too tight , made of synthetic and non-breathable fabric.
Pimples on groin and vulva
To prevent them, in addition to general advice on lifestyle, nutrition and clothing, pay attention to waxing . Before you shave, prepare your skin and use a moisturizer immediately afterwards.
In the case of pimples on the groin or on the labia majora, it may be useful to apply a warm, moist compress on the affected part to speed up the pus’s ascent towards the surface and the “emptying” of the pimple (drainage).
Instead, avoid:
- squeeze the pimple
- do vaginal douches
- use aggressive intimate cleansers
- have sex in case of pain
If the furuncle lasts longer than normal, see your gynecologist.
Acne in pregnancy: drugs to avoid
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG ), the use of the following products is contraindicated during pregnancy :
- isotretinoin, a form of vitamin A that can cause serious birth defects;
- topical retinoids , similar to isotretinoin and found in several over-the-counter products such as adapalene ;
- oral tetracyclines , an antibiotic that can have adverse effects on teeth and bones.
It is also recommended to avoid :
- hormone therapies
- cefalexin , an antibiotic that could cause resistance to staphylococcus aureus;
- trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) , an antibiotic that can cause miscarriage.
Natural remedies for pimples in pregnancy
Here are two simple DIY masks to fight pregnancy pimples naturally.
But be careful: in case of acne , we advise you to consult your doctor before using home remedies, especially if you have already started dermatological treatments, to avoid worsening the irritation.
Honey mask
As you may already know, honey has antibacterial, antiseptic, and soothing properties . Here’s how to use it as a pimple remedy:
- wash your face with warm water;
- apply a little honey on the area affected by pimples;
- leave on for 20-30 minutes;
- rinse with warm water.
Citrus exfoliating mask
Citrus fruits like lemon and lime are rich in alpha hydroxy acids and have exfoliating and astringent properties . To use this mask:
- squeeze the juice of a lemon and apply it on the face “tapping” with a cotton ball;
- let it dry for 10 minutes;
- rinse with warm water;
- apply a moisturizer.
Pimples in pregnancy: boy or girl?
According to some beliefs, the presence of pimples or acne during pregnancy is linked to expecting a baby girl.
Currently, however, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.