Can we talk about pregnancy acne?!

[riceandwhisky]

I'm only 6+5 and I can't stand the state of my skin!

My forehead is the worst! Not only do I get spots but my pores just generally look dark and clogged I can't face going to work with no make up!

Now with the bloody tiredness in the morning id love to skip the make up routine and get an extra half hour snoozing, but I just feel like confidence is reaching floor level ha! And I can't even begin to describe how frustrating my chest and back spots are.

Can we just have a group moan or even better, if anyone has some non drastic remedies to share, I will love you forever!!

I feel your pain!! I’m covered in face and chest spots and tiny whiteheads all Over the top of my back. My skin and hair is so oily and like waxy and the tiredness is unreal!!

I’m 9+5 and still trying to work out remedies for the above x

Hello! I had the exact same Acne problem all throughout pregnancy until around 17 weeks it started to calm down.

It is all to do with your pregnancy hormones which does amazing things at the cost of annoying acne!

My advice is not to exfoliate too hard like I did which made it worse, don't put anything too oily or drying on it either, and normal remedies that usually work for me didn't work which means you're better just getting good cover with makeup.

I bought new makeup to cover them up that looked good without being too heavy or oily. Easy makeup application is the best way forward during these weeks. I used the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, or use a lighter coverage foundation with concealer like my NARS Radiant cream.

I normally don't wear much foundation but being at peace with your skin trouble with something quick to slap on before work that also looked good was the best solution.

Yup, I’m 8 weeks now and waiting for that pregnancy ‘glow’!

My skin in the first 3 weeks of finding out was awful, now it seems to come and go. I’ve not yet found a remedy as my usual skin care contained retinol so I’ve had to ditch it. I use Revlon colour stay for combination/oily skin which gives me pretty good coverage on my bad days and doesn’t break the bank

This really bugged me in early pregnancy I got so frustrated with my face tried everything (no scrub or cream would take them away) thankfully now at 30 weeks it's calmed down and my face is pretty much all clear but still got quite a few spots on my back and chest unfortunately it's just something that comes with all the hormones I suppose

Oh it's so awful! It started with an almost rash over my chest and neck, and now I have actual big red angry acne on my jaw/cheeks. :( no amount of face masks are helping. I'm 8+5 and I hope to god it goes soon.

A colleague mentioned it's probably all the "crap" I've had over Xmas but most of it's in the cupboard so it's hormones 🙄

I like The Body Shop's seaweed range and their matt clay clarifying foundation; they also do a tea tree range but my skin can dry out with that one if I use it for too long a period.

I only wash morning and night if I can, as more frequent washing encourages more sebum production. I've been told to avoid anything with vitamin E, as it usually contains vit E oil, which just makes everything greasier/clogged up. I try to not wear too much make-up, but use clarifying foundation/concealer if I do, and clean my brushes as frequently as I can (after each application if ideal but not realistic).

Hi all - I got this but have managed to get it under control now with using acnecide - it has benzoyl peroxide in it which is safe to use in small amounts (ie not over your entire body multiple times per day). It’s cleared me up a treat but is a bit drying.

Details on BP during pregnancy here: www.nhs.uk/medicines/benzoyl-peroxide/

Salicylic acid in low concentrations (which is all over the counter products) can also be used. In high doses like in peels it is contraindicated in pregnancy. But small amounts topically are fine and some people find their skin prefers either salicylic or BP.

Finally - glycolic acid a few times per week will unclog your pores and is totally allowed in pregnancy. I use Alpha H liquid gold. Apply after cleansing and leave to completely dry (usually leave at least 15 mins) and then apply BP.

Most of these products are drying on the skin so use sparingly and start off slow and low (use different products on alternate nights and work your way up to daily). Use a good moisturiser and spf as these products can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

Hope that helps x

Oh and with the acnecide it’s the topical cream you want. They also do a wash which some people will use together (wash with that and then apply the cream) but that is very drying so not recommended on skin that hasn’t used BP or other acids like glycolic before. Putting too many or too much product on will just completely dry out the skin and won’t treat the spots any faster (I’ve learned this the hard way over the years!)

I'm only 5+5 and the skin on my forehead and chest is awful! Exactly as you describe, @riceandwhisky.

Luckily I have a fringe which hides the worst of it, but probably doesn't help because it makes my forehead greasier!

@hjbows88 I use the liquid gold too and it’s was amazing pre pregnancy, but now I’m pregnant, my skin is up the wall again! I will get some acnecide and will give it a go alongside the liquid gold. Thank u x

Try ozonated olive oil - worked wonders for my pregnancy acne last time. Should be able to find it in health stores or online.

Omg yessss!!! 6+3 here how long until the pregnancy glow hits! My skin is terrible on my face neck and chest and my hair is greasy within an hour or two of washing it. Which is crappy when you're too tired to wash your hair every day! I'm now starting to get dandruff as I'm using dry shampoo all the time 🤦🏽‍♀️😭 it's all glamor at this stage isn't it! I've also had to go and buy bigger bras and jeans already yesterday as I'm soooo bloody bloated!

OP this is what you need to get prescribed I put it on twice a day smothered it on my back it's taken probably 6 weeks but now they are completely gone and they were bad !! My face it doesn't seem to be working on as quickly but it's helping I blather Sudocrem on an evening and that stuff on a morning

Thanks all for your suggestions! Looks like we're all in a similar boat!

@Williams3001 @hjbows88 I read about Acnecide a few years back and tried it - my skin is very sensitive so it would just burn it. Skin around the spot turned red and then it dried and peeled for day after. I'm trying to stay away from chemicals like that!

I also read somewhere that your pores are your pores (genetically) so there is nothing really you can do to change those no matter what creams and exfoliators you use

@mrssunshinexxx is this safe in pregnancy? It looks like a lot of ingredients!!

Yes otherwise I wouldn't be taking it ? @riceandwhisky

@riceandwhisky probably best to ask your midwife when you next see her and see what she suggest for you. Everyone's skin is different so might be worth getting a more personal recommendation. I have suffered badly throughout my pregnancy (now 32 weeks & still suffering) my doctor didn't want to prescribe me benzoyl peroxide while pregnant even though I've used it before and instead gave me a less harsh cream to use which has helped x

@mrssunshinexxx sorry I didn't want to assume you were!

I just raided Superdrug to at least try and feel pampered got a date night so let's hope I can hide the redness at least.

I have very light skin so the smallest pimple draws attention to itself

I had awful cystic acne pop up on my chin around week 10 -- hated it so much that I went to see my dermatologist straight away. She recommended using dapsone cream all over my face, morning and night. Regular exfoliation is also helpful. Use a cleansing brush twice a week (if you own one) or a low percentage glycolic acid cleanser.

8 weeks now and it is worse than ever! Did anyone happen to find a miracle cure in the last couple of weeks?! 😭

@BabyB19 no miracle cure BUT (touch wood) mine has slowed down a little. Still pimples but not as big. Fingers crossed yours start calming down soon x

Thank you @riceandwhisky I'm getting them on my back and chest and everything I'm like a teenager! Fingers crossed it slows down as I get closer to the second trimester x