Masaba Gupta recently shared her experience of dealing with a recurring skincare issue during her pregnancy. The fashion designer, expecting her first child with actor-husband Satyadeep Mishra, revealed that she has been encountering “a fresh bout of body acne every couple of weeks.” Taking to Instagram stories, Gupta expressed how she initially found it troubling but has now affectionately renamed these occurrences as ‘baby kisses’.
Explaining further, she wrote, “A reminder of the newness of creation maybe. But in case you are going through something similar, hormones can be wild. You are not alone.”
Why do some women experience body acne during pregnancy?
According to Dr. Swati Gaikwad, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Pune, acne during pregnancy occurs due to skin pores becoming clogged with oil and dead skin cells. She noted that hormonal changes, stress, clogged pores, and certain medications can contribute to this common skin concern among pregnant women.
Hormonal imbalance is a significant contributor to recurring acne bouts during pregnancy, explains Dr. Gaikwad. Pregnant women experience hormonal shifts that increase sebum production, fostering bacterial growth and leading to inflammation and breakouts in areas like the face, chest, back, and neck. Acne severity can vary from mild to severe, commonly emerging in the first and second trimesters and potentially persisting throughout pregnancy. Dr. Gaikwad reassures that acne often resolves on its post-delivery.
Managing and treating pregnancy-related acne poses challenges. Dr. Gaikwad advises against touching the face with unwashed hands, which can exacerbate symptoms. She recommends using pregnancy-safe skincare products to alleviate acne visibility, cautioning against harsh chemicals that may irritate sensitive pregnancy skin.
Reducing stress is crucial for improving skin health and minimizing acne. Consulting a dermatologist for tailored advice on safe skincare during pregnancy is recommended to prevent allergic reactions and optimize treatment outcomes.
Addressing acne marks during pregnancy, Dr. Jatin Mittal suggests:
- Gentle skincare: Use mild, non-comedogenic products for cleansing and daily moisturizing.
- Sun protection: Apply broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen to prevent darkening of marks.
- Safe treatments: Opt for products with azelaic acid or vitamin C to fade marks, known to be safe during pregnancy.
- Avoid picking: Refrain from picking or squeezing pimples to minimize scarring risk.
- Hydration and diet: Maintain hydration with adequate water intake and a balanced diet.
- Dermatologist consultation: Seek professional guidance for safe and effective treatments tailored for pregnant women.
In navigating the challenges of pregnancy-related acne, it’s evident that hormonal changes play a pivotal role in its occurrence. Dr. Gaikwad’s insights underscore the importance of gentle skincare practices and the use of pregnancy-safe products to manage symptoms effectively. Furthermore, Dr. Mittal’s recommendations highlight the holistic approach needed to address acne marks, emphasizing hydration, sun protection, and expert dermatological advice. By prioritizing these strategies, expectant mothers can nurture their skin health with confidence, ensuring a radiant complexion throughout their pregnancy journey.
