Please help, I have developed acne. What can I do about this condition?


Some women experience a return of acne in their pregnancy. Unfortunately the skin can get bad enough to affect not only the face but back, shoulders and chest. Fortunately most of the time acne doesn't last throughout pregnancy. An increase in levels of hormones estradiol and testosterone in the first trimester causes the oil production to go on an overdrive giving rise to pimply skin. Usually women who get this will be plagued by acne in the first half of pregnancy and the situation reverses in the second half causing the skin to clear up. Estradiol overtakes testosterone and this shift reduces the oil level. A good cleansing regime will benefit your skin but avoid harsh products that act more as an abrasive which is not advisable for blocked pores. Secondly acne medications are not safe so don't take that route. Wear a sunscreen as protection against the sun whenever possible. For severe acne please consult your doctor on appropriate action such as topical antibiotic suitable to pregnancy.