How to Manage Pregnancy Acne

How Long Will Pregnancy-related Acne Last?

If you’re going to get acne when you are pregnant, it will most likely occur during the first trimester when the most significant hormonal changes occur. Research suggests that it’s not common to only experience breakouts during the second and third trimesters.

Unfortunately, acne can last your whole pregnancy and may only go away when your hormone levels return to normal. This may be a few months after your baby is born as your body recovers from the significant changes it has gone through.

Can Acne be Treated During Pregnancy?

Keeping your baby safe while you’re pregnant will be your priority, which is why certain prescription medications and treatments commonly recommended for acne are off-limits during pregnancy. These include oral isotretinoin and topical retinoids.

Some medications can lead to birth defects, while others simply haven’t been tested on pregnant women just in case of causing adverse events. That’s why we only advise trying topical treatments that contain a small amount of ingredients. This means that they’re unlikely to be absorbed into your bloodstream, which could risk harming your baby.

After a thorough consultation, we may also recommend treatment with Dermalux LED. The blue LED light used in this device provides an anti-bacterial effect to successfully treat congested acne-prone skin. Depending on the level of your concerns, we may sometimes recommend waiting until after your pregnancy to try this treatment.

While acne treatment is limited during pregnancy, you can be reassured that your skin concerns will most likely resolve when your hormone levels settle after your baby is born and you’re no longer breastfeeding.