It normally appears on the lower a part of the face, reminiscent of your jawline or chin, adds Dr. Farhang. These lesions might be particularly painful and long-lasting because they stay beneath the skin’s surface. Due to excess sebum (oil), sweat, and clothing, breakouts also can develop in your chest, back, abdomen, and pelvis.
How common is pimples while pregnant?
Dr. Farhang says there’s an honest probability you’ll see more blemishes while pregnant, estimating that roughly 40% of individuals “will experience a point of pimples during their pregnancy.” Unfortunately, there are not any telltale signs for knowing ahead of time for those who will experience breakouts. Some studies have suggested that acne-prone folks usually tend to break out while pregnant, but Dr. Farhang says lots of her patients with acneic skin have seen their complexions clear up while pregnant, while those that normally had clear skin experienced more breakouts. This is further proof that no two pregnancies are alike.
What causes sudden pimples while pregnant?
Many aspects may cause pimples, but a number of the skin changes while pregnant might be attributed to an increase in androgens, a gaggle of sex hormones that stimulate the glands to extend the production of sebum within the skin. “This excess oiliness can clog the pores and result in pimples lesions,” explains Dr. Farhang.
If you switched up the products you employ after you bought pregnant, that latest cleanser or moisturizer may be aggravating your skin. Says Dr. Levin, “I often see patients overhaul their skin-care routine, but sometimes the marketed ‘pregnancy’ skin-care products is probably not the fitting ones to your skin.”
Dr. Levin’s advice? Stick with oil-free and noncomedogenic cleansers and moisturizers which have pregnancy-safe ingredients. For cleansers, she recommends the Cerave Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser (a nonstripping, creamy face wash she likes for normal skin types) and EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser (a decadent formula she suggests for greasy complexions). As for moisturizers, her go-tos include EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex and Roc Barrier Renew.
When does pregnancy pimples start?
Breakouts can occur at any point while pregnant, but Dr. Farhang says “they sometimes start across the six-week mark, when hormonal changes are most pronounced.” A study found that breakouts are sometimes most intense through the third trimester.
If you detect any changes in your skin while pregnant, Dr. Levin advises, get an assessment before attempting to self-treat. “There are multiple types of folliculitis that may mimic pimples, so getting an expert diagnosis is essential,” she explains. “If it’s pimples, it should be addressed and treated properly to avoid scarring.”
Can you prevent pregnancy pimples?
Dr. Levin says that hormonal pimples while pregnant is “unavoidable for some.” That said, there are steps you’ll be able to take which may decrease the likelihood of nonhormonal pimples and the severity of breakouts. Whether you’re pregnant or not, Dr. Levin and Dr. Farhang each emphasize the importance of maintaining good hygiene and skin-care practices, including washing your face often, cleansing your sheets and pillowcases, and keeping your makeup brushes clean.
