Acne During and After Pregnancy

It’s not uncommon for acne to suddenly appear on the face of an expecting mother. It’s estimated that even one in two women struggles with acne during pregnancy and in the weeks following. 

However, the discomfort caused by pregnancy acne is enough for pregnant women to look for effective ways of fighting it. As you know, when pregnant, your options are much more limited. The idea of treating it with certain medications goes out the window. That’s why expecting mothers have the option to turn to natural preparations and homemade cosmetics, which turn out to be very effective!

What causes acne during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the body produces very large amounts of prolactin and progesterone. These are hormones responsible for many things including the increased function of the sweat and sebaceous glands. During this time, the number of androgens also increases, leading to an overproduction of sebum.

As a result, the skin becomes oily and shiny, and the pores often become clogged. Acne can begin to manifest in the form of pimples and blackheads—all because oily skin is an excellent habitat for bacteria that thrive on the surface and contribute to inflammation.

Diet also has a significant influence on the occurrence of pregnancy acne. We’re probably all aware that many expecting mothers have various types of food cravings—but eating certain foods can often contribute to skin changes.

The emotions and stress experienced by pregnant women, due to the new life role ahead of them, can also have an impact on the skin’s condition. Acne during pregnancy usually appears in the same zones as juvenile acne like the forehead, nose, chin, decolletage, and back.

What to avoid when treating pregnancy acne?

Pregnancy is a special period in life where we make decisions not only for ourselves but also for the baby. Caution is especially recommended when using any preparations that are marketed to help fight acne during pregnancy. If you begin to experience skin changes while expecting—it’s worth consulting a gynecologist or dermatologist first.

The use of most anti-acne drugs is forbidden during pregnancy, as these products may pose a threat to the baby or adversely affect the course of pregnancy. Drugs based on tetracycline, spironolactone, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, prednisolone, or isotretinoin should be avoided. It’s also prohibited to use substances containing retinoids, that can affect the placenta and lead to irreversible fetal defects.

Natural treatment & care methods for pregnancy acne

Cosmetics for pregnancy acne

The first priority when caring for acne-prone skin during pregnancy is the use of natural preparations that do not contain alcohol and ingredients that irritate the skin. For cleansing the skin, it’s worth using products based on herbal extracts and natural spring water. These types of cosmetics do not contain alcohol, so they’re safe to use while expecting. They restore the skin’s natural pH, thanks to which, it’s less prone to acne.

Products based on black mud can also be helpful. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory, disinfecting, and astringent properties, which makes it perfectly cleanse the skin and regulate the work of sebaceous glands. Once every two weeks, you can use a gentle peel treatment that’ll remove the calloused epidermis and cleanse the pores.

When fighting acne during pregnancy, do not forget to moisturize your skin regularly! Dry skin tends to equalize the hydrolipid level and increase the production of sebum, which contributes to the formation of acne lesions. Therefore, use mineral moisturizing creams that have a light formula and do not clog pores.

Natural remedies for skin with acne

Great results can be obtained by topically applying various types of natural oils with antiseptic, antibacterial, and astringent properties. These types of preparations cleanse the skin well, destroy bacteria present, and soothe inflammation. After use, the skin is matte, disinfected, nourished, and more radiant. For best results, use tea tree, lavender, chamomile, argan, and jasmine oils.

Similar effects can be achieved by applying lemon or aloe juice to the affected areas. A great result is also consuming herbal infusions of nettle, field pansy, or chamomile. Here, however, it’s worth consulting a doctor beforehand to make sure the herbs will not affect your pregnancy.

    | Skincare isn’t the only regimen that changes during pregnancy. Check out this blog for pre-natal hair removal tips.

Yeast mask for pregnancy acne

When fighting pregnancy acne, reach for masks based on natural ingredients. One option is a yeast mask, which you can make at home! It perfectly cleanses the skin of imperfections and restores its healthy-looking appearance.

To make it, you’ll need a quarter of a cube of fresh yeast and a small amount of warm milk. Mix both ingredients until a homogenous paste is obtained and apply it to clean skin. After 20 minutes, wash the mask off with lukewarm water. Since the yeast mask can dry out the skin, make sure to apply moisturizing cream right after.

Diet for pregnancy acne

Maintaining the right diet will not only contribute to the proper development of your baby but also help protect against acne and alleviate its symptoms and appearance. The menu of expecting mothers should include products containing unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins, mainly from the B2, B7, PP, E, and A groups.

A healthy intake of fiber, vegetables, fruits, and fish is also important. Foods such as sweets, fatty foods, fried foods, and spicy food have a negative impact on the condition of the skin and should be avoided.

Likewise, it’s also important to keep the body hydrated from the inside, which means that you should not forget to drink the right amount of fluids—about 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day. Mineral water allows you to cleanse the body of lingering toxins, which will help improve your skin.

How long does postpartum acne last?

Post-pregnancy acne usually lasts for several months. However, the exact timeframe will often depend on the lactation period. When you finish breastfeeding, your hormonal balance will return to the state it was before pregnancy, in turn, improving your skin.

Then, you’ll be able to also take advantage of cosmetic treatments such as microdermabrasion or stronger peels to thoroughly cleanse and restore the skin to its former appearance. But, until then, use the same care methods as during your pregnancy.

If acne lesions still appear on your skin after you’ve finished breastfeeding, pay a visit to your dermatologist. Your doctor will be able to assess the cause of the problem and administer the appropriate treatment.

Acne during pregnancy is temporary, so don’t stress too much about it. However, it’s always worth trying out natural methods of clearing up your acne to keep your skin in a good state in order to prevent acne scars, which can be difficult to remove. The key is taking care of your skin while pregnant, because who doesn’t want flawless skin before and after giving birth?