Acne During Pregnancy

Many women will naturally deal with acne during pregnancy. It is most likely to show up during the first and second trimesters.

If you have noticed such, don’t panic. An increase in hormones known as androgens can make the glands in your skin to grow and make more sebum — which is an oily, and waxy substance. The oil that is produced can clog pores and cause bacteria, inflammation, and also breakouts.

Women who are most prone to breakouts while they are having their menstrual periods have a higher likelihood of experiencing pregnancy acne. Fortunately, both pregnancy acne and postpartum acne is often temporary. It will begin to clear up once your hormones start returning to normal.

Are you experiencing acne during pregnancy? If yes, try these natural remedies:

The tips below are useful for the treatment of pregnancy acne from daily skincare do’s and don’ts to all-natural remedies. We hope that you would find them useful.

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar might be one of the items you already have in your kitchen. However, it is more useful than you already know. To treat acne during pregnancy with apple cider vinegar, all you have to do is mix one part of your vinegar to three parts of distilled water.

What this will do is help create a toner that is rich in alpha hydroxy acid and naturally occurring enzymes. Once you have made your mixture, simply soak a cotton ball into it and applied directly to your skin so it can help absorb oil.

It is very imperative that you dilute the apple cider vinegar with some distilled water. And if you notice that you suffer excessive dryness after using this mixture, you have to discontinue immediately. Make sure that you never use undiluted vinegar on your skin as it can cause burns due to its acidity.

If you cannot find apple cider vinegar in your local grocery stores, all you have to do is search online for a reliable vendor.

2. Baking soda

Baking soda

Baking soda is not only useful for pies and pastries; it is also a fantastic skincare product. Baking soda is quite active at helping to dry up oil on your skin and also promote healing.

However, it is not one of the remedies that come highly recommended by health care workers due to the fact that it can cause skin irritation and also eliminate vital protective oils. The best way to use it is as a spot treatment for acne breakouts.

Make a natural spot treatment by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of water. Apply to individual pimples, not the entire body or face. Allow it to dry before washing off.

You can make a natural spot treatment with baking soda by combining 1 tbsp of baking soda with a tablespoon full of water. When using this, apply only to individual pimples and not on your entire face or body. Allow this to dry then wash off with running water

3. Citrus fruit

assorted sliced fruits
Photo by Trang Doan on Pexels.com

You may already know that the rinds of citrus fruits are somewhat harsh. Alpha hydroxy acid is present in citrus fruit like limes and lemons, and these fruits are great for the skin.

When you apply the juice of a lime or lemon to your skin, it will help unclog pores and also shed dead skin cells. Because of the astringent and antibacterial properties that it contains, it is quite useful as an exfoliant.

Squeeze out the juice from a lime and lemon and apply it directly to dark spots using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes or until it dries up and then rinse off with cool water.

4. Honey

honey on white bowl
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Honey is super sweet to the taste and on your skin. Honey has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The best part is that it is mild and soothing to the skin.

To apply honey to your face, gently rinse with warm water and apply the honey directly on the areas that are affected. Make sure to leave the honey on your skin between 20 minutes to half an hour, then rinse with warm water.

5. Coconut oil

You may have learned a thing or two about making coconut oil on your own, but let your skills not end there. Here is where you can learn how to use your homemade coconut oil on your skin to fight acne during pregnancy.

Because coconut oil is easily absorbed and soothing to the skin, it makes a great bedtime moisturizer if you’re dealing with acne. Simply rinse your face with warm water and applying coconut oil before you go to bed.

6. Oatmeal and cucumber

Usually, when I think of oatmeal and cucumber, I imagine breakfast. But then, it also makes a wonderful face mask. The combination of oatmeal and cucumber offers a cooling and soothing feeling when applied to the skin.

To make this face mask, simply combine cucumbers and oatmeal in a blender and blend to make a paste. Once this is done, put it in the freezer for half an hour, then apply to your face for 10 to 15 minutes before you wash off.

General important skincare tips

Don’t over-wash: People are often advised to wash their skin regularly, but that does not mean you have to wash too many times in a day. Excessive washing can rid your skin of its natural moisture, which will also make you prone to breakouts.

While hot water can be soothing, it is not advisable to use very hot water to wash your skin. It is best to use warm water with mild Soap-free cleanser in the morning and at night.

Avoid scrubbing: A lot of people think that scrubbing aggressively is one of the best ways to exfoliate, but that is not the case. If you are aiming for smooth skin, it is best to gently exfoliate using a circular motion as you wash and also rinse thoroughly.

Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it and then follow with a mild, oil-free moisturizer.

Best skincare practices

Pregnancy is not exactly the most comfortable time of any woman’s life. However, caring for your skin in such a time shouldn’t be too difficult. Below are some of the most straightforward practices you can engage in to achieve an acne-free skin during pregnancy.

  • Don’t pick, pop, scratch, or squeeze any of your acne sores. This will only increase irritation and ultimately cause scarring.
  • Drinking water is very important if you would love to have clear skin, so it is crucial that you drink enough purified water. Also, stay away from carbonated drinks and too much caffeine as much as possible.
  • Eat a healthy diet with fresh vegetables and fruits, lean sources of protein, and some healthy fats such as nuts and avocado. Avoid processed foods and refined sugars.
  • Give yourself enough time to relax and rest. Stress and fatigue can cause acne outbreaks.
  • Change your towels and pillowcases often.
  • Avoid the urge to always touch your face as it can introduce bacteria.
  • Wash your hair frequently, mainly if you know it is oily, and try as much as possible to keep it off your face.
  • If you love to wear makeup, make sure to use oil-free products that are labeled “non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic.” Ensure that you wash off your makeup before you go to bed.
  • It is true that some over-the-counter drugs or acne treatment might be very useful. However, it is crucial that you first consult your doctor before you try out any over-the-counter products. There are some products that contain ingredients that may not be safe during pregnancy.
  • Finally, do well to take enough rest. Pregnancy is a very delicate time in a woman’s life, and it is important not to overstress as you will not only be punishing yourself but also be putting your baby at risk.