Yes, for some future mothers, the only change in their skin is a stunning, rosy glow. But some pimples—or perhaps more than a few—will start to appear at some time throughout your pregnancy. It can be common, yet acne is so irritating! – an outcome of having a child.
Pregnancy Acne
A skin outbreak in pregnant women known as pregnancy acne may be brought on by hormonal changes. Pregnancy frequently results in acne. In fact, acne is a possibility for more than half of pregnant women. The acne may be severe in some circumstances.
What Causes Pregnancy Acne
Although a breakout on your face is not definite during pregnancy, there is a significant probability that zits or splotches will appear even if you have never experienced acne.
The elevated hormone levels in the first trimester are the primary factor in pregnancy-related acne. The higher level increases the natural oil production of your skin.
However, if you have a history of acne or experience acne flare-ups at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, your risk is increased.
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When Does Pregnancy Acne Start
The breakouts, which typically appear around week 6 of pregnancy, are caused by hormonal fluctuations, of course. Progesterone specifically makes your glands secrete more sebum, an oil.
All that additional sebum can block pores and encourage the growth of bacteria, resulting in outbreaks.
If you don’t get acne in the first trimester, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience unusual breakouts in the second or third trimesters.
Pregnancy Safe Skin Care For Acne
Prioritise taking good care of your skin and yourself in general. Here are some tips for cleaning up your complexion:
The best defence is a solid offence, therefore throughout pregnancy, take good care of your skin to avoid flare-ups.
Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to gently wash your face twice a day, in the morning and at night. Make sure to wash and rinse completely, paying special attention to the areas around your jawline and hairline where pores are prone to clogging.
Shampoo your hair every day if you frequently get pimples along your hairline.
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Applying an oil-free moisturiser might actually lessen the discomfort, despite the fact that this may seem counterintuitive. Breakouts can often be more common on skin that has been severely dried out by strong acne soaps.
In addition to accelerating skin ageing and raising your risk of developing skin cancer, too much sun exposure can result in additional blotches during pregnancy. Use oil-free sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 whenever you are going to be outside. Even better, provide additional protection by donning a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
These days, changing your way of life is your greatest option. Many of the traditional methods for treating acne are unsafe while pregnant. So, it will be beneficial for you to do a lifestyle check and consider these tips:
- Try your best to manage your stress.
Though it’s easier said than done, try to set aside some time each day to relax. Stress won’t make you break out in pimples, but it can make existing acne worse.
- Keep it tidy.
In addition to washing your face twice a day, you should also wash your hair frequently, particularly if it is oily. Always keep your towels, caps, and pillowcases clean. Make it a practice to wipe down your phone as well.
- Up your vitamin A intake.
Increase your intake of foods like milk, salmon, eggs, and carrots to get more vitamin A, which helps maintain good skin. However, avoid vitamin A supplements and goods because consuming too much of them could harm your developing child.
- Fill up on wholesome foods.
Speaking of food, avoiding refined carbs and sugar may help your skin clear up. Opt for more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish instead. Believe it or not, dark chocolate can also be a skin-friendly food. Eat it in moderation (the darker the better), since chocolate does contain caffeine.
- Sip a lot of water.
Another good reason to be hydrated is that it keeps your skin moisturised and generally looking its best.
Pregnancy Skincare Tips
Both self-care and medication are effective for treating pregnancy acne.
Acne during pregnancy is common due to hormonal changes. Some women merely seem to experience acne problems during pregnancy. An excessive amount of oil (sebum), which occurs when the body generates more of some hormones, is the most likely culprit.
Self-care is the first step in treating pregnancy acne:
1. Keep from overwashing
In addition to having more sensitive skin during pregnancy, over-washing your skin dehydrates it. Your oil glands then work overtime to try to replace what you’ve eliminated, which makes your skin more prone to outbreaks.
2. Refrain from rubbing or squeezing
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Despite your temptation, resist the urge to become confrontational. These methods will prolong the duration of zits and may leave scars, as your mother constantly cautioned you (and this time she was correct).
3. Select skin care products free of oil
Look for products that are oil-free and marked as non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic in skin care, cosmetics, and even hair care (formulated not to cause acne).
Be mindful of what touches your skin. Keep your face away from your hair and clean. Do not place your hands or other items on your face. Tight garments or headgear can also be uncomfortable, particularly if you’re perspiring. Oils and sweat both contribute to acne.
4. Inquire with your doctor about topical remedies
Which topical acne remedies are safe to use can be advised by him or her. As long as your doctor has given the go-ahead, you may also be able to use lotions that include erythromycin or other antibiotics.
Since glycolic acid, fruit acid, and other alpha-hydroxy acids don’t enter the skin, exfoliating scrubs prepared with these acids are usually acceptable, though they could irritate some people. Use only oral or topical medications recommended or approved by a healthcare professional who is aware of your pregnancy.
5. Avoid using unsafe products for pregnancy acne
You should avoid using many of the lotions and medications that are frequently used to treat zits since they include components that could potentially harm your developing child. Among the acne products to avoid while pregnant are:
- Retinoids
- Doxycycline and minocycline
- Oral isotretinoin
Both the American Academy of Dermatology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend using topical salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in minimal doses during pregnancy. These two compounds are present in a wide variety of skincare and drugstore items (AAD).
However, not all specialists agree that they are secure for expectant mothers. Consult your doctor before using any products that include one of these chemicals.
Acne In Pregnancy: When Will It Go Away?
Acne during pregnancy occurs naturally. When your hormone levels stabilise, it usually fades away.
Avoiding any over-the-counter or prescription chemical spot treatments for acne is the safest course of action. You can substitute drug-free home treatments instead.
However, if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, see your doctor about the best and safest course of action before beginning any acne treatment.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
