
Pimples in pregnancy and lactation
L'postpartum acne it is relatively common. In fact, according to experts, it is one of the most frequent skin changes that pregnant women should expect: i pimples in pregnancy and lactation they are quite normal and are caused by hormones. During pregnancy, large fluctuations occur in the levels of different hormones and the progesterone: progesterone, in particular, can affect the quality and condition of the skin because it stimulates the production of sebum which can clog pores and hair follicles.
In this article
- Acne during pregnancy
- Breastfeeding pimples
- Oily skin in pregnancy: what to do
- Cream for breastfeeding pimples
Acne during pregnancy
As we have said pimples and acne are pretty skin ailments Frequently, mainly caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone: androgen levels rise significantly during the first trimester and continue to rise during pregnancy. These hormones stimulate the production of sebum by increasing the activity of the skin's sebaceous glands. The glands produce more sebum, which can clog pores and cause acne lesions.
L'hormonal acne it usually affects the neck and lower face and ranges from mild to severe. It often presents with raised red bumps that can be painful to touch.
In most cases, the acne that appears during pregnancy disappears spontaneously within a few months of giving birth, when hormone levels return to normal and stabilize.
To treat theacne in pregnancy It is important to first use non-aggressive and non-foaming cleansers to eliminate impurities and free clogged pores and the doctor will recommend which creams can be used to alleviate the problem.
Stranger acne should be reported to the doctor, as in these cases:
- Acne is very inflamed, extensive, or painful
- Rashes occur in strange places on the body
Can Acne Be A Pregnancy Symptom?
While acne may be linked to hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy, it cannot, on its own, be a symptom of pregnancy in the first few weeks. The most common symptoms of conception are:
- breast tension;
- nausea;
- tiredness;
- fame;
- small abdominal cramps;
And obviously the absence of menstruation.
Breastfeeding pimples
After giving birth slowly hormone levels return to normal, but at this point other factors also come into play that can favor the appearance of acne and pimples.
Adapting to the new life as a new mother and having to take care of the newborn, breastfeeding and its difficulties, lack of sleep are all factors that amplify a stressful condition that can undoubtedly trigger acne. The cortisol, the hormone of stress, causes the sebaceous glands to produce more and more sebum which clogs the pores of the skin and causes rashes and inflammation.
Acne is also favored by the fact that very often we touch our face with our hands and many bacteria are transferred to the skin in this way.
Read also: How the body changes after childbirthOily skin in pregnancy: what to do
Undoubtedly, an oily skin already at the beginning is more at risk of being affected by pimples and acne in pregnancy and in the postpartum phase. here, then, are some tips to take care of oily skin in pregnancy:
- Increase your fluid intake and stay hydrated
- clean your face and remove make-up before going to bed;
- do not touch the face too frequently;
- sleep 8 hours a night;
- do not squeeze pimples;
- use oil-free skin care products that do not clog pores;
- wash your face with a mild soap twice a day;
- use an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells once or twice a week;
- limit exposure to direct sunlight and wear sunscreen.
Cream for breastfeeding pimples
The choice of postpartum acne treatment depends primarily on breastfeeding: if the woman is breastfeeding, many topical treatments cannot be used and, in general, particular attention is paid to hygiene and the choice of detergents and creams. In any case, the gynecologist and dermatologist will be able to advise which creams are safe in breastfeeding: for example those containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid.
The gynecologist may also prescribe one contraceptive pill or another hormonal birth control method to restore normal hormone levels.
And remember that acne after childbirth will slowly disappear: you just need to have a little patience and understanding towards yourself and your body that has performed a great miracle!
References
- Treatment of Acne Vulgaris During Pregnancy and Lactation
- Treatment of acne vulgaris in pregnant patients