Pregnancy - skin

[reservoircats]

Hi all,

This is my first pregnancy, I am mid-twenties and almost 12 weeks now, I've been feeling quite low generally but my skin is making me feel so much worse. I have never had a fully-clear complexion but my goodness- I have spots all over my face and on my jawline too. I've just counted and there are 32 in total.
I have massively toned down my skincare- not using any acids and only moisturising once a day, I'm also not wearing any makeup and haven't for my entire pregnancy so far.
I've spoken to my mum and she says that I should go to the GP and they will be able to prescribe me something.
Does anyone else have any experience of this and if so, was there anything you did that helped?

Hi, I'm early twenties and expecting my second baby boy... I've never had perfect clear skin however pregnancy has made it 100x worse both times. I use sensitive cleansers and really light moisturisers etc but nothing helps... it's just one of those horrible pregnancy symptoms all thanks to our hormones so I really don't see the point in getting something prescribed unfortunately you may just have to stick it out! Lots of love, I know it's hard x

Thank you for your reply @anotherboyontheway and thank you for you kind words. It is nice to know it's not just me. I did think it was mainly hormones as they are in places where I don't usually get them. The annoying thing is my skin marks and scars really easily so I'll probably be left with loads of scars. Joy.

I am also covered in spots for the first time in my life. I look like a salami pizza. There’s nothing we can do other than hide and blame Covid.

Hi - suffering with bad skin is so hard, the only thing that helped me was skincare from the brand Medik8. They do a cleansing foam, moisturiser and spot gel specific for bad skin, might be worth a try xx

@reservoircats I’m unsure if it it was just a different phase of pregnancy, or switching from my usual Liz Earle skincare regime (been using it for years, but it doesn’t suit my pregnancy skin) to Tropic skincare, but that made a huge difference for me x

@reservoircats it's as if the nausea, weak bladder and stretch marks aren't enough of a joy hey? Haha! Really hope it clears for you soon xx

During my first trimester, my skin was so spotty and sore, especially around my chin, neck and shoulders, it looked like I had a rash or burns. I went to the GP who prescribed some antibiotics and two topical creams which were safe for use during pregnancy. My spots cleared up in about a week and stayed away until a few weeks ago when I hit about 32 weeks, but they certainly aren't as bad as they were before. It might be worth speaking to your GP if you can.

Thanks @Belalice it does look like a rash that goes from under one ear all across my face to the other side. If I wasn't pregnant I would think I'd have a viral rash.

My skin used to get worse after washing it or being in he shower or bath as well, it would almost feel itchy. I would definitely give your GP a call, it is worth an ask!

I get this especially during my first trimester, but further through pregnancy I don't get a single spot! Hopefully you find similar.

You don’t have to suffer it if it’s getting you down. I’ve had acne all my life since being a teenager and there are many options even during pregnancy.
Topical things that are safe include benzoyl peroxide, Azelaic acid (finacea or skinoren on prescription), clindamycin or erythromycin topical antibiotic lotions.
There are also some oral antibiotics that are safe such as erythromycin.
First pregnancy I used topical antibiotic, second pregnancy my acne was awful and I used a topical antibiotic, benzoyl peroxide and oral erythromycin then azelaic acid to keep on top of it once it had calmed down. I’m pregnant again and after persisting through the first few weeks using benzoyl peroxide and a topical antibiotic my skin is starting to calm down and I’m just needing the benzoyl peroxide. There’s lots of options though, please see your gp or if you can afford it or your gp isn’t helpful see a dermatologist privately.

Thank you everyone for your replies, it's amazing how talking to other people in the same boat can make you feel so supported 🥺
Thanks for the info @TimeToPullMyHairOut I'll make a note of those

I got horrible cystic acne across my jawline in both my last and current pregnancy. It got progressively worse until around 20 weeks and then started to improve, hoping it will do the same again this time round! I was prescribed erythromycin but didn't take it for very long as it made me feel sick and I had some (irrational) concerns about taking 'unnecessary' medication during pregnancy.

I have rosacea so my skin is often bad anyway.... but first 12 wks were awful. I felt so self conscious and couldn’t do anything to cover them up as it just made my face so sore. I’m 14 wks now and my skin has got a lot better in the last couple of weeks. Hang in there I think things may get better once you’re in 2nd trimester x

I have suffered with hormonal jawline acne for over 10 years now, I rarely get a spot elsewhere in my face, but my jawline/chin can have upto 5 or 6 spots/cysts. I was offered accutane recently but obvs was TTC so couldn't have it. The only thing that has EVER controlled my skin is the contraceptive pill! Hence coming off when TTC my skin went mad. If you don't normally suffer then topical treatments combined with antibiotics will probably clear it up, if you are like me and have suffered no matter what then... Nothing works permanently