During the first and second trimester of pregnancy, most women experience more acne than usual. That is because of the overproduction of an oil called Sebum. This oil can clog pores and lead to inflammation and breakouts. Women who are prone to acne during their menstrual periods are more likely to have pregnancy acne. Pregnancy acne is not a special kind of acne, some women simply seem to have trouble with it during pregnancy. So, let’s talk about how we can treat pregnancy acne.
Pregnancy acne can be treated with self-care, sometimes medicine if it’s excessive. If you have tried these remedies for your acne and you are still having problems, talk to your doctor at Intermountain Aesthetics MD Spa. Caring for your skin during pregnancy doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some ways you can help your skin stay beautiful and glowing.
- Don’t pick. Picking, scratching, or squeezing your acne can increase irritation and cause scarring. It also doesn’t look good after you have done it, so it’s not worth it.
- Keep your skin hydrated. Drinking plenty of water everyday can reduce the amount of acne. Avoid carbonated drinks and too much caffeine. A small amount of caffeine is still ok for you to have during your pregnancy, but talk to your doctor if you are having any questions.
- Wash your hair regularly. Your hair can produce more oils during pregnancy as well. Keeping your hair clean and away from your face can reduce the amount of oils on your skin.
- Use oil-free makeup. Some women still want to wear makeup throughout pregnancy. Oil-free makeup can help keep oils from going into your pores and causing the breakouts. You should also make sure to wash your face before you go to bed.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Don’t use facial scrubs, astringents or masks as they tend to irritate your skin and cause more acne. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, or soap and water, twice a day. Try not to excessively wash your face, it can cause irritation as well.
Being pregnant can be tough for some women, fatigue and nausea are just some of the many symptoms we have to go through. Your skin may act in ways it never has, which can add more stress and lead to breakouts. There are some natural remedies you can try on top of what we have already discussed to help with your breakouts. Here are just a few of those natural things you can do to help.
- Use Tea Tree Oil. Applying tea tree oil can reduce the amount of acne as it eats away all the dirt and oil on your skin. Tea tree oil is always good for your body inside and out. Apply the oil after you have used a gentle cleanser
- Citrus fruit. Fruits with citrus like lemons or limes can help unclog the pores and shred dead skin cells. Squeeze a lemon or lime and apply directly to the spots with a cotton ball. Leave on for 10 minutes or until dry and rinse with cool water.
- Coconut oil. Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can also be soothing to the skin when applied. Instead of using a moisturizer, apply the coconut oil.
Things to avoid
During pregnancy, there are a lot of things you can and can’t do. This also includes makeup products and face cleansers. You should avoid over-the-counter topical cleansers, makeup and moisturizers that contain chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid and alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Talk with your OBGYN or dermatologist to learn more on what you can do to help keep your skin clear and glowing.
