How to deal with the acne?

[stepmumSW5]

I'm barely 5 weeks in and already got loads of breakouts. I'm panicking as I get scars very easily and didn't have acne as a teen. Any advice from experienced mums? Can anyone recommend a good dermatologist in London?

I don't have much useful advice other than to say that I got really bad breakouts from before I even had my BFP - it was one of my first symptoms - and I'm now 13 weeks and they're starting to clear up quite significantly so hopefully it does mean it won't stay for the whole pregnancy. It's absolutely awful, isn't it?! I just tried to wear makeup as little as possible (WFH makes that a lot easier) and be religious about washing my face morning and night.
Hope they ease up soon x

I'm exactly the same position, I'm convinced my teenage breakout is going to reveal my secret! 😭 I've started using the Liz Earle cleanser, toner and moisturizer religiously twice a day and I don't wear makeup, and it's starting to ease after flaring badly. I found before changing pillowcases every few days helped (I have 2 pillows so can use a fresh side a night so it's 4 days between changes).

I'll try to up my skincare routine and change the pillowcase every other day then. Thank you and let's hope it passes soon xx

Hi Im 24 weeks now and my skin has cleared up but I can sympathise with you as I had horrendous spots from being 7 weeks until about 18 weeks, there wasn't really anything I could do as its just hormonal, so just second the pp advice, keep make up to minimum, and wash face well! Hope it goes away soon for you

Mine got a lot better when I stopped wearing make up; my instinct was always to wear make up to cover it but much better once I stopped.

Google Dr Sam Bunting pregnancy skin care - she has some great videos on YouTube

Caroline Hirons has also written loads on this

I recommend Niacinamide from The Ordinary - it’s pregnancy safe and really improves the texture of my skin

X

Acnecide from the GP

Thank you everyone for the advice ❤️

I had it so bad over my neck and chest at about 7 weeks, it started to look like a rash and was very painful. I tried different products and wearing no make up, but when it is hormonal acne, there sometimes isn't a lot you can do yourself. At about 15 weeks I contacted my GP who was brilliant and started me on a low dose antibiotic and gave me two creams to put on the affected areas in the morning and at night. My acne has massively cleared up now and it is such a relief! Hope you find something that works for you xx

I had it all over my back and upper arms late first trimester. Completely cleared up by about 20 weeks. As others have said there’s not much you can do for hormonal acne, besides reducing stress where possible. I dis buy myself one of those sonic cleansers from tkmax and a lovely cream mask and gave my shoulders a pampering in the shower. It made me feel better but I think improvement was hormones levelling out.

Thank you ladies 💕

It's hormonal so go super gentle. Maybe wash with a mild soap twice a day. I had success with the La Roche Posay Effaclar products.