Pregnancy Acne...

jenhutch22 · April 2016

Hey Fellow Mommies

Is anyone else dealing with pregnancy acne? My face is usually pretty clear, but I've noticed more breakouts lately. Just curious to know if anyone else is dealing with this and if you have any suggestions?

aevan011 · April 2016

I occasionally dealt with cystic acne, maybe one at a time when AF was coming around. This is one of the first symptoms I'm dealing with....I have 4 painful cysts residing on my face right now. It's so painful. Since I've heard to avoid salicylic acid, I've been using purifying masks and rotate between cold and warm compresses. When I dealt with regular pimples I used tea tree oil. - though I think there are mixed reviews for using that during pregnancy.

Someone posted on a board around here that they're using the regular old yellow Dial soap. I think I'm going to try that next.

MamaWino · April 2016

aevan011 said:

Someone posted on a board around here that they're using the regular old yellow Dial soap. I think I'm going to try that next.

Yup, that was me

I have really clear skin but break out like a teenager while pregnant. I saw a dermatologist during my first pregnancy and he recommended Dial. It works wonders.

penelope4612 · April 2016

I usually have cystic acne around my period (at least since going off birth control - before that my skin was clear). Now I have white heads and black heads galore, in addition to the cysts. Complete with lots of dark marks from all these break outs. I am trying the dial soap that @MamaWino suggested. I have a topic zit zapper that has glycolic acid, witch hazel and tea tree oil, which is safe in pregnancy (but I honestly can't tell if it's doing anything) and I've been doing kaolin clay masks a few times per week. I also use a clarisonic. I'm hoping things will get better soon...

cjm1994 · April 2016

Oh my goodness yes! It's been really bad! So annoying!

Starrywhirl5 · April 2016

I'm definitely dealing with more acne than usual, and it's a bit more painful... I'm spot treating with clean & clear benzoyl peroxide (not every day) and that seems to help particular pimples not to stick around too long. I researched benzoyl peroxide a bit and it doesn't seem like there's a problem with it.

Starrywhirl5 · April 2016

I'm definitely dealing with more acne than usual, and it's a bit more painful... I'm spot treating with clean & clear benzoyl peroxide (not every day) and that seems to help particular pimples not to stick around too long. I researched benzoyl peroxide a bit and it doesn't seem like there's a problem with it.

aevan011 · April 2016

@MamaWino I've been using the Dial soap....maybe my hormones are leveling out....but I'm gonna say that Dial works. My skin hasn't been this clear in many months!

cjt121413 · April 2016

Major pregnancy acne here, too. I had bad acne as a teen but it has been under control for years until now. I also have random zits on my chest and shoulders. It is gross and embarrassing. Dial soap really seems to be helping. Thanks, @MamaWino for that suggestion.

uromys · April 2016

I've never had to battle acne but this pregnancy has me suffering bad! My face is mostly clear but the neck, chest, and back are getting it bad. I will be going to get some dial per PPs suggestion. I hope it helps! It's getting too warm around here to stay covered up all the time

Thanks Ladies!

MamaWino · April 2016

@aevan011 and @cjt121413, I'm so glad to hear it's working for you! I couldn't believe it when my dermatologist suggested something so simple. My acne is still out of control (thank you, hormones) but I definitely notice that it's worse if I forget to use the Dial.

Kacie209 · April 2016

My acne has started again, and 2 cystic ones on my forehead. One is covered up by my hair but the other is brand new and starting... so I am hoping to be able to combat that before it gets too bad. I have been getting more in my hairline, as well. I had it bad as a teenager, into my 20's and then for about a year when I was 27-28. Ugh. I've also had more breakouts on my chest.

All of my at home products have salicylic acid in them, as that works best for my skin. I was concerned when I read that you shouldn't use that. But, found this last week:

Salicylic acid (BHA) is a superior exfoliant for skin but when used in high concentrations for professional peels it is considered a risk when you are pregnant. However, the small percentages used in skin care (2% or lower) are considered safe. You can also considering using glycolic acid or lactic acid (AHA) exfoliants as an alternative during your pregnancy.

They sourced the American Congres of OBGYN, so I looked that up and found this:
Can over-the-counter medications be used during pregnancy to treat acne?

Over-the-counter products containing the following ingredients can be used during pregnancy:

Topical benzoyl peroxide
Azelaic acid
Topical salicylic acid
Glycolic acid

If you want to use an over-the-counter product that contains an ingredient not on this list, contact your health care provider.

1982Babies · April 2016

I bought this stuff and it seems to be working pretty well. I've had acne on my neck for quite a while, even before pregnancy, and it is drying it up. My neck was the most prone area last time.

juliehollz13 · April 2016

Yes. My only suggestion is DON'T TOUCH IT! I've noticed pregnancy acne is close in temperament to cystic acne. It looks big and ready to pop and hurts like a B but when you pop it it's blood and clear liquid, then that gets infected and stick around for a while and spreads. I got a zit last week, didn't try to pop it, and this week it's barely there and going away on it's own.

penelope4612 · April 2016

I tried Dial but sadly it seemed to make things worse for me. Now I'm using tea tree oil at night and a sulfur based spot treatment during the day. I also have some natural based products that I use to wash my face. I think it's making things better but it's hard to tell. I already have so many dark spots on my face from zits that are gone that it just looks like a mess.

tlszoltysik · April 2016

I call mine pizza face...great now I want pizza...

sourlemon · April 2016

Just like in my first pregnancy, I've got it bad. Not so much my face but neck shoulders chest back....nothing worked last time but Cetaphil cut down the redness.

My bigger problem is eczema! I have 2 types of eczema which both flare with pregnancy. Nothing works that is safe so I basically get to walk around with 2 types of rashes (that behave differently) until I deliver. It got a little better in the 3rd tri last time so I'm hoping. It's horrible! My OB basically said suck it up and watch for infection. Thanks.

princesslockness · April 2016

If you have a zit that is getting 'ready' to be popped you can put the white cream toothpaste on it over night. That sucks out a lot of the oil and allows it to 'solidify' so it can be popped.