What is Pregnancy Acne?
Pregnancy acne is a common problem for expecting women. It happens due to hormonal changes. Acne is a common skin problem during pregnancy. 60% of women develop acne during pregnancy. If a woman previously has PCOD and PCOS problems, they suffer more from severe acne breakouts. But it is curable through topical care. It does not need much medical attention. Some medical treatments can harm the development of the fetus. For this reason, the doctor suggests topical treatment instead of internal treatment. In most cases, the pregnancy acne issues resolve after childbirth.
Cause of Pregnancy Acne?
The main reason for skin breakout during pregnancy is the rise of the hormonal concentration in the first trimester. The increased hormonal level encourages the sebum glands of your face to produce more oil. If a woman has oily and sensitive skin, she is going to suffer more from acne problems. The produced oil and skin bacteria cause pimple breakouts.
Dry or normal skin women do not usually suffer from pregnancy acne; if a woman does not have flared acne during their first trimester, she is not likely going to face any acne issues in their remaining trimesters.
You have to manage your acne carefully because many of the over-the-counter products may cause congenital disabilities. Dermatologists do not recommend any kind of medication because they can harm your baby.
Which acne treatment is safe during pregnancy?
Apply Apple Cider Vinegar on Acne
Apple cider vinegar is good for your health and skin. It is a popular ingredient in the weight loss journey. It is also suitable for your skin. It works as a natural toner. Apple cider vinegar is enriched with alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin c. Make homemade toner with apple cider vinegar. Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water and mix it well. It works as an excellent toner for oily skin. It controls your sebum production.
You have to dilute apple cider vinegar with water to avoid excessive dryness. Apply this toner with a cotton ball. Discontinue treatment when the acne problem is resolved.
Do not use concentrated apple cider vinegar because it is highly acidic and may cause skin irritation.
Spot Treatment with Citrus Fruit Juice
Citrus fruits like lemon and oranges are enriched with alpha hydroxy acid. Lime juice unclogs your pores and helps you to remove dead skin cells. It is a natural astringent with antibacterial properties. Citrus fruit juice works as a mild exfoliant. Scrubbing is not suitable for acne-prone skin; it worsens acne breakouts. Instead of scrubbing with harsh scrubber, use mild exfoliant to clean your skin Squeeze lime juice, apply it directly on the acne with a cotton ball, leave it for 10 minutes, and then wash it with normal water.
Honey
Use honey and honey-containing face wash to alleviate acne during pregnancy. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is not acidic, so that it can be used directly. Honey soothes your skin. You can mix honey will sandal powder and rose water and make a face pack. This face pack is good for oily skin because honey, sandal, and rose water absorb excess oil from the face and make your skin clear and fresh.
Use Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Everyone knows the skin and health benefits of coconut water. Coconut water has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is suitable for your hair and skin. If you have dandruff issues, you may struggle with skin problems like acne breakouts. In this case, you can use coconut oil mix it with one tablespoon of lime juice. Massage it well and leave it overnight. The next day just shampoos it thoroughly. This treatment will gradually eliminate your dandruff issues.
In winter, you can use coconut oil as a moisturizer to prevent skin problems during pregnancy. Apart from coconut oil, coconut water is also good for your skin and health.
Try to add fresh coconut water to your diet. You can use diluted coconut water as a toner.
Skincare products with coconut are also good for your skin.
Do not wash your face excessively because it may cause dryness. Avoid scrubbing, as it hurts the acne and causes pain, bleeding, deep acne scars.
Not recommended acne treatment during pregnancy
Hormone Therapy:
Dermatologists do not recommend hormone therapy during pregnancy because it affects the level of estrogen, flutamide, and spironolactone.
Oral Tetracyclines:
Oral tetracyclines like doxycycline and minocycline antibiotics are strictly restricted during pregnancy because it reduces the bone growth and teeth and affects the baby in the womb.
Topical Retinoids:
Topical retinoids include Differin, Tazorac; tretinoin should be avoided during pregnancy; it increased the risk of congenital disabilities.
Here we have discussed some remedies to alleviates your acne issue during pregnancy. But if you are constantly suffering from severe acne along with other hormonal complications, you must take guidance from the best cosmetic gynecologist in Dubai. They will diagnose your problem through check-ups and recommend effective remedies to alleviate your skin problems without harming the fetus.