Females are facing pregnancy acne during pregnancy but pregnancy is a happy phase in every woman’s life. A woman goes through multiple changes emotionally, mentally, and physically. Women admire some of the changes like her growing baby bump whereas looking in the mirror lowers her mood due to Acne.
Even if you haven’t had acne in a lifetime, never get surprised to see pregnancy acne. It is very common in many women.
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that causes boils, blackheads, whiteheads, or nodules. Acne or pimples are quite common during pregnancy in many women. In the first and second trimesters, increased acne can be seen due to hormonal changes. Women facing the problem of acne before pregnancy are more likely to cause acne during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy acne is temporary. When hormones get back to normal acne will diminish.
What causes breakouts in Pregnancy?
Due to an increase in hormones, glands in the body produce and secrete more oily substances. The oil is clogged inside the pores. It catches dust, and bacteria and leads to inflammation. Pregnancy acne is a skin breakout in pregnant people, It's most common during the first and second trimesters
The effect of hormones is different in different bodies. How?
1. Hormonal changes impart glowing skin in the majority of women during pregnancy. Like any other obvious things in pregnancy, glowing skin gives clues about a life growing inside a woman. Previous pimples heal in some women after pregnancy. Pregnancy acne is main caused by hormone changes
2. In many pregnant women, the surge in hormones results in flaring-up of acne.
3. No visible changes in the skin have been noticed in some women while pregnant.
Which areas are affected due to acne?
Pregnancy acne will affect the forehead, cheeks, chin, neck, chest, and sometimes the upper side of the back.
How to avoid acne during pregnancy?
Pregnancy acne is temporary and totally normal in pregnancy. When hormonal levels are regulated pimples will go away. Here are some tips to avoid acne during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor: Do not use over-the-counter medicines, or face wash to treat your acne at home. Some medications used to treat acne such as Isotretinoin can cause birth defects in babies. Isotretinoin and other retinoids are used to treat nodular acne. Avoid using creams containing salicylic acid. Any product should be used with maximum precaution during pregnancy.
Hormonal therapy for acne like estrogen and anti-androgen medications like Spironolactone and Flutamide is known to cause birth defects.
Antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline also interfere with the growth of the fetus and cause birth defects.
Therefore, any product should be used with maximum precaution during pregnancy.
Local application of pregnancy-safe medicine such as Azelaic Acid or Glycolic acid, and Benzoyl peroxide in affected areas would be effective.
Skincare: A sustainable skin-care routine will help you fight your acne problem. Proper but gentle washing of your face will take off excess oil from your face. Avoid over-cleansing because it will overstimulate the oil glands. Clean your face thoroughly two to three times a day with suitable face wash according to your doctor's recommendation. Do not use face scrubs.
When you step out, apply sunscreen of SPF 35 at least to protect your skin from direct sunlight. It will also prevent skin from dark pigmentation on the forehead and under-eye.
Avoid Make-up: When acne is in an active stage, avoid make-up. Oil-based cosmetics increase the chances of flare-up.
Hair care: Wash hair twice a week to keep it dandruff free. When hairs with dandruff come in contact with facial skin it leads to pimples and itching. Proper hair care will keep the scalp healthy and improve blood circulation. Hence it will prevent acne and itching.
Keep yourself hydrated: Water will keep your skin hydrated and prevent itching. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water in a day is mandatory. Avoid canned juices, and drinks with preservatives.
Do not squeeze: Do not squeeze or pop the acne out of temptation. Do not touch it with your hands to prevent contamination with germs and dust. One can use earbuds or cotton to clean if fluids come out of acne.
Use clean pillow covers: Pillow covers come in contact with the face for a long time, so use clean and soft (preferably cotton) pillow covers.
Sound mind sound body: Stress and acne have constant relation. Physical discomfort and other changes build up stress during pregnancy. A stress-free life is a formula to prevent any skin disease. Yoga, meditation, or any form of physical activity will act as a stress buster during pregnancy. Indulging in any hobby like reading, music, or painting will also help in stress management.
Diet: Healthy diet will improve your skin. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables which are natural sources of antioxidants. Consume homemade fresh food rather than junk food like pizza, burgers etc. Avoid eating oily and fried food. You will free from pregnancy acne during pregnancy.
Tips to deal with pregnancy acne:
Neem paste or aloe vera gel is safe to use.
Do not pop up blackheads or white heads. It will lead to infection and scarring.
Use facewash containing Lactic acid or Glycolic acid. Lactic acid is mild and provides hydration and moisturisation to the face. Glycolic acid decrease blemishes, effective against black and white heads.
You can use creams containing Erythromycin, and Azelaic acid throughout pregnancy.
Do not use heavy make-up.
Choose oil-free skin-care products
Eat more vitamin A foods such as milk, fish, eggs, and carrots to keep your skin healthy.
Dr. Saloni Aggarwal, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of Dr. Aggarwal’s Wellness Multispeciality Hospital explains that medication can treat pregnancy acne, but it can also affect your baby when applied during pregnancy. Although most acne treatments sold over-the-counter have not been studied in pregnancy, a small amount may be absorbed into the skin. As a result, it is unlikely that the treatment will pose a risk to the developing baby. It is known that acne medications can cause birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Get medical advice from your dermatologist or obstetrician before taking any acne treatments if you want to treat acne during pregnancy.
Stay happy. Never feel insecure due to acne. Enjoy your pregnancy.
