Pregnancy Glow or Acne Problems During Pregnancy? Here’s Why Women Get Acne During Pregnancy and How You Can Get Rid of It

Acne during pregnancy is a condition experienced by many expectant mothers. This is due to increased hormone levels. Pregnancy acne is a common problem during pregnancy and can be treated with some home remedies.

Pastel shades of powder blue or pale pink, glowing skin and round belly are images of pregnancy often depicted in popular media. But for many expectant mothers, reality includes pregnancy acne and baby bumps. If you are experiencing acne during pregnancy, rest assured because you are not the only one facing this problem! Read on to learn more about pregnancy acne, what causes it, and how to treat it.

What is pregnancy acne?

Pregnancy acne is the same as regular acne. Acne occurs during pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes. The National Institutes of Health says more than 42 percent of pregnant women suffer from acne. In fact, in 60% of cases, acne will worsen during pregnancy. It usually occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy and disappears towards the end of pregnancy.

Causes of Acne During Pregnancy

The main cause of acne during pregnancy is increased androgen levels in the first trimester of pregnancy. High levels of hormones encourage the skin to produce natural oil or sebum. This oil can cause inflammation and acne, as well as clogging of pores.

Do you want to know if all women suffer from pregnancy acne? Answer is no. But it’s hard to predict who will develop acne during pregnancy. If you don’t have acne in your first trimester, you’re less likely to have any breakouts in your second or third trimester.

Can pregnancy acne be prevented?

This is good news for you! Pregnancy acne can be prevented. However, managing acne during pregnancy can be difficult, but there are some things you can do to get rid of or reduce the acne you have:

• When cleaning your face, remember to use a soft, oil-free, alcohol-free, non-cleaning substance. Do not use scrubs because they can irritate the skin
• Don’t forget to change your pillow regularly.
• Do not over-cleanse your face. It overstimulates the skin’s oil glands.
• Keep your hands away from your face because your fingers have germs.
• Do not pop pimples as this can cause permanent acne scars.
• In addition, keeping your skin moist, eating well, getting enough rest and avoiding stress, and using oil-free make-up and skin care products can help prevent acne in pregnant women.

How to treat pregnancy acne?

If you have severe acne during pregnancy and want to know how to get rid of it, it is important to remember that due to the increase in hormones, acne will disappear when the hormones return to normal. Ideally, you should not use over-the-counter skin care products or medications. Acne medications can be dangerous and should be avoided during pregnancy. Topical creams containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, or erythromycin are believed to be safe for use during pregnancy. However, it is important to consult a doctor before trying any acne treatment. Home remedies for pregnancy acne are also effective.

Home Remedies for Pregnancy Acne

Here are some non-toxic home remedies that can help reduce pregnancy acne:

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice and may help treat acne. Mix ACV with distilled water in a 1:3 ratio. It is rich in natural enzymes and hydroxy acids. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and pat it gently on your skin. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it off. But don’t forget to dilute the mixture first. A study published by the National Institutes of Health shows that Propionibacterium acnes or Dermatobacterium acnes (acne-causing bacteria) can be killed by apple cider vinegar. However, more research is needed in this area.

2. Honey

Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and may help treat pregnancy acne. Don’t forget to use raw, unprocessed honey. After washing your face with warm water, you should apply it directly to the acne. Wash your face after 30 minutes. This also reduces the pain of breakouts. A study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine suggests that Manuka honey is best for the job.

3. Coconut oil

Good old coconut oil works here too. It soothes the skin and absorbs naturally. You can use coconut oil every night and you will see results in no time. This study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, says that coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties and may help treat acne.

Summary

Pregnancy acne is a common problem that occurs when the skin produces too much oil during pregnancy. This is because our hormones increase during pregnancy. In most cases, acne clears up after or during pregnancy. There are many home remedies to treat pregnancy acne, such as using honey, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar.