Pregnancy Acne: How to Prevent It?

Acne is a skin condition characterised by the emergence of spots and small lesions on the skin. These symptoms are caused by an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands at the level of the pilosebaceous follicles, which clogs the skin's pores. This fat-rich environment promotes the proliferation of a bacterium, Cutibacterium acnes which secretes pro-inflammatory substances that cause inflammation.

Acne is very often under hormonal influence. Indeed, hormones stimulate the activity of the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum. This is the case during periods of hormonal upheaval such as adolescence or in adulthood with menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause.

Nearly 30% of women experience acne during pregnancy. It generally occurs in the third trimester, the period when hormonal influence is at its peak. All women can be affected, but those who have had acne during adolescence and/or during previous pregnancy(s) are at a higher risk. Pregnancy acne usually disappears after childbirth.

Pregnancy acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations during this period. Indeed, during pregnancy, the level of progesterone, a sex hormone, skyrockets. These hormones can act on receptors at the sebaceous glands and stimulate the production of sebum. This overproduction of sebum results in the onset of acne.

The progesterone is a very important hormone during pregnancy. It promotes the implantation of the egg, allows the maintenance of gestation and prepares the mammary gland for lactation. A study in rats has shown that in females, progesterone induces an increase in sebum production. However, the link between progesterone and acne is not yet well established. It is supposed that progesterone binds to a receptor in the sebaceous glands capable of activating protein kinase C (PKC). This latter stimulates sebum production by increasing the activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), an enzyme that breaks down membrane phospholipids into free fatty acids and lysophospholipids, precursors of sebum.

During pregnancy, it is generally recommended to have a skincare routine that is as minimalist as possible and to ensure that the products used are suitable for pregnant women. Even though pregnancy acne is influenced by hormonal changes, certain actions can help prevent the formation of spots and blackheads.

• Cleanse your skin morning and evening. In order to prevent impurities from accumulating on the skin's surface, it is recommended to cleanse your face morning and evening using a gentle care product. This also helps to combat excess sebum and allows for the removal of particles that could exacerbate pore blockage. The skin is thus purified.

• Use local treatments.

  If you suffer from acne, your dermatologist will likely prescribe you topical treatments. These are to be usedonly on comedonesand are not to be applied uniformly across the entire face. Indeed, topical treatments are highly concentrated in active ingredients, often insalicylic acid, which is safe to use during pregnancy. Topical treatments are effective on blemishes but can prove to be irritating on clear skin.

• Hydrate your skin morning and evening.

  Even when suffering from acne, one should not neglect thetwice-daily hydration of the skin. Indeed, this ensures theproper functioning of the skin barrier and the maintenance of the hydrolipidic film on its surface. However, when this film is weakened, the sebaceous glands react by producing even more sebum than usual to replenish it, which can also trigger acne outbreaks. Instead, opt for amoisturising cream that is fluid and non-comedogenic, with a light texture that does not leave a greasy finish on the skin surface.

• Apply daily a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

  It is crucial to protect oneself from UV rays, even when suffering from acne. Indeed, the sun promotes skin thickening, which can potentially clog the pores. Moreover, UV rays have a drying effect on the skin, which responds by producing more sebum, contributing to the formation of comedones.

• Do not underestimate the impact ofdiet.

  Some foods can induce the formation of acne. Adopt a healthy and balanced diet with foods that have a low glycaemic index and are anti-inflammatory.

• Manage your stress.

  During pregnancy, stress is very common. However, it can trigger acne outbreaks and also put the foetus at risk. Therefore, we advise you to engage in gentle physical activity (such as yoga) or other relaxing activities.

• Avoid touching your face.

  One of the key habits to maintain at all costs when dealing with comedones is to avoid touching your face. Indeed,our hands carry numerous bacteriathat could spread or exacerbate acne. Therefore, it is crucial to refrain from touching your face as much as possible and to thoroughly wash your hands before doing so.

• SHUSTER S. & al. Impact of progesterone on sebaceous glands. Postgraduate Medical Journal (1978).

• ZOUBOULIS C. C. Acne and sebaceous gland function. Clinics in Dermatology (2004).