Masaba Gupta on dealing with body acne during pregnancy: I’ve renamed them ‘baby kisses’

Masaba Gupta recently opened up about regularly experiencing a skincare issue during her pregnancy. The fashion designer, who is expecting her first child with actor-husband Satyadeep Mishra, revealed that she has been facing a “fresh bout of body acne every couple of weeks”. “Through my pregnancy, I have been getting a fresh bout of body acne that leaves a mark behind — every couple of weeks,” Gupta wrote on Instagram stories.

Masaba, who felt “troubled by it earlier”, added that now she has “just renamed them ‘baby kisses'”. “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,” added the 34-year-old.

But why do some women get body acne during pregnancy?

Acne is a condition where the skin pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. “It is a common skin concern mostly in teenagers and adults. Some women start to experience acne almost every week during pregnancy. There could be various factors contributing to acne such as stress, clogged pores, and taking certain medications,” said Dr Swati Gaikwad, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune.

Masaba Gupta on body acne (Source: Masaba Gupta/Instagram Stories)

Hormonal imbalance is one of the major suspects of a fresh bout of acne. According to Dr Gaikwad, during pregnancy, women undergo several hormonal changes that potentially increase the production of natural oil in the skin. “This natural oil is also known as sebum. It can further encourage the growth of bacteria resulting in inflammation and skin breakouts. Acne can appear on areas like chest, face, back, and neck, and it’s intensity can range from mild to severe. The onset of acne is most common during the first and second trimester and might last during the entire pregnancy. This can go on its own after delivery,” said Dr Gaikwad.

But, managing and treating acne during pregnancy can be tricky and stressful.

To avoid the onset of pregnancy acne, avoid frequently touching your face with dirty hands as it can worsen your symptoms, stressed Dr Gaikwad. “Pregnant women can try using skincare products or lotions to reduce the visibility of acne. Make sure to choose products that are labelled as pregnancy-safe. Certain chemical or active ingredients can be harsh on your skin, especially during pregnancy,” said Dr Gaikwad.

Reducing stress can work wonders in reducing acne and improving skin health. “Consult a dermatologist to discuss your concerns and for tips to combat pregnancy acne. They can provide expert guidance in choosing the best products or lotions to avoid allergic reactions,” said Dr Gaikwad.

To address acne marks during pregnancy:

Dr Jatin Mittal, co- founder, cosmetologist and skin expert, Abhivrit Aesthetics New Delhi shared the following measures:

*Gentle skincare: Use mild, non-comedogenic products. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser and moisturise daily.
*Sun protection: Apply a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen to prevent marks from darkening.
*Safe treatments: Use products with azelaic acid or vitamin C to help fade marks; these are generally safe during pregnancy.
*Avoid picking: Refrain from picking or squeezing pimples to reduce the risk of scarring.
*Hydration: Drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet.
*Consult a dermatologist: Seek professional advice for safe treatments, specifically suited for pregnant women.

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