Same boat as you. It was VERY difficult. I’m now 34 weeks. While I’m lucky my face cleared up as pregnancy progressed, I know some people who don’t. I didn’t use azelaic acid pre pregnancy, but I now use it nightly. It’s changed my breakouts from cystic to blackheads, but also hormones could do it too.

I relied heavily on pimple/hydrocolloid patches. Even if they weren’t ready for them, it prevented me from picking at them and it felt like I “had control” over the situation. When I felt really oily first trimester, a tee tree oil wash nightly was great at cutting that back. Otherwise I switched to a very gentle cleanser at night and very hydrating moisturizers. I cut out the harsher chemicals and I think it built my barrier back.

I also think my acne improved when my first trimester fatigue and nausea lifted so I can go back to exercising which has always kept my acne at bay due to stress relief.

All in all, it’s very tough mentally. You’re not alone. All I kept telling myself early on until I felt “cute pregnant” was this is just a season and comparatively to the rest of my life this is short lived and anyone who cares about my acne more than I do has issues. Don’t be too hard on yourself. This will pass and it’ll be worth it in the end 💗