Eric Schweiger, M.D.

Acne During Pregnancy Treatment Options

Many women find that they revert back to their teenage ways and begin to have acne on their face and body during pregnancy.  Anecdotally, pregnancy acne tends to be worst during the second trimester and improve after childbirth.  This can be a frustrating phenomenon for many women, as they may already be overwhelmed by the other changes that their bodies are undergoing.  When acne first pops up during pregnancy, many women turn to their dermatologist for help battling the new breakouts.

Not all acne treatments are safe during pregnancy.  Most acne medications are not safe for use during pregnancy; your dermatologist can help you to navigate this tricky skincare situation.  Some prescription medications, like an anti-inflammatory cream called Finacea, are generally considered safe during pregnancy.  However, most other prescription medications are not to be used during pregnancy.  In-office treatments are often a good option for the treatment and prevention of acne during pregnancy.  The Isolaz laser treatment, Blue and Red LED Light Therapy and medical extractions are all effective and appropriate for women during pregnancy.  Dr. Schweiger notes that “acne during pregnancy is something that many women experience.  We try to offer a variety of options to combat these flares.”

Read more about procedures to treat acne during pregnancy here and here.