10 Home Remedies For Acne During Pregnancy & Prevention Tips

Image: iStock

Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a common condition that leads to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and oily skin. Irrespective of its severity, acne during pregnancy does not affect thegrowing baby.The various hormonal changes during pregnancy may make pregnant women prone to acne. It is considered that around half of pregnant women experience acne at some point during pregnancy(1). Those with pre-existing acne may experience more severe flare-ups.

The management of acne in pregnant women is the same as that in non-pregnant women. Most women may be able to manage acne at home with the help of simple home remedies and lifestyle changes(2). Read this post to learn the various causes, management, and prevention methods for acne in pregnancy.

Causes Of Acne During Pregnancy

The following are the causes of acne during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations are the main cause of acne during pregnancy(3).

• An increase in雄激素ⁱXSteroid hormones that play an important role in initiating puberty, growing physically, and managing reproductive health.during pregnancy leads to the growth and expansion of sebum-producing cells, and therefore, the overproduction of sebum. It leads to blockage of the pores, inflammation, bacterial growth, and acne breakouts.

• Increasedstressdue to the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy.

• The many alterations in theimmune systemduring pregnancy.

• 水retentionis common during pregnancy, and as a result, fewer toxins are excreted from the body. These toxins get trapped in the pores and may result in acne.

• Pregnancy cravingsthat may lead to excessive consumption of junk food and fast-burning sugars.

Home Remedies For Pregnancy Acne

Anecdotal evidence suggests the following home remedies for the management of maternal acne. However, you should consult your doctor before using them to prevent any side effects.

• Apple cider vinegar

稀释苹果醋是局部使用to acne to absorb excess oil from the skin. You must discontinue the use of apple cider vinegar if the skin becomes dry(4).

• Baking soda

Baking soda is widely used to manage acne as it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties.

• Citrus fruits

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as citric acid (CA) are present in citrus fruits, including limes and lemons. The astringent and antibacterial properties of citric acid help clear clogged pores and shed dead cells. You can apply lemon or lime juice directly to the acne(5).

• Honey

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey can help treat acne and acne marks(6).

• Oatmeal

Oatmeal may help get rid of acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties(7).

• Cucumber

High water content in cucumbers helps in keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized.In addition, the astringent and antioxidant properties of cucumbers help get rid of acne and associated scars(7).

• Essential oils

Some essential oils help prevent acne by killing bacteria or drying the skin out(8).

• • Tea tree oil
  • Lemon essential oil
  • Rosemary oil
  • Lemongrass oil
  • Bergamot oil
  • Sandalwood oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Geranium

• Hydration

Hydration will help prevent acne by flushing toxins from a woman’s body.

• Healthy food

Nutritional deficiencies may lead to maternal acne. Ahealthy balanced diet consisting of all essential vitamins, zinc, and other necessary minerals improves skin health and helps prevent gestational acne.

• Good sleep routine

While sleep problems during pregnancy are common, it is essential to sleep well to maintain skin health and overall health. Try to sleep for seven to eight hours a day. Sleep deprivation can cause more sebum secretion and thereby increase acne.

If you notice any unusual side effects, discontinue these home remedies and seek your doctor’s advice.

Treatment For Acne During Pregnancy

Adequate research has not been done to support the safety of acne medications during pregnancy. However, most doctors recommend the topical application of the following medicinesduringpregnancy(2).

• Azelaic acidⁱXTopical medication with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Low concentrationsalicylic acidⁱXTopical medication that treats skin conditions such as scaling, corns, warts, and clogged pores.preparations

• Fruit acids such asglycolic acidⁱXAlpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates the skin and dissolves the dead skin cells.

For severe gestational acne, the doctors may prescribe the topical application of antibiotics or oral erythromycin or clindamycin. Penicillin or cephalosporin may also be prescribed.

Light and laser therapy for acne is also safe during pregnancy(2).

Unsafe acne treatment during pregnancy

The followingdrugs are forbiddenfor acne treatment if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant(2)(9).

Topical preparations containing,

• High concentrations of salicylic acid

• Retinoids such as adapalene, isotretinoin, tretinoin.

• Spironolactone (Brand name: Aldactone®)

• Tazarotene (Brand names include: Avage®, Fabior®, Tazorac®, and Zorac®)

Oral medicines including,

• Tetracyclines such as doxycycline, minocycline, lymecycline, etc., may cause brownish spots on the baby’s teeth.

• Otheroral antibioticssuch as fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole

• Isotretinoin (Brand names include: Absorica®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Myorisan®, Sotret®, and Zenatane®) during early or mid-pregnancy may cause miscarriage or birth deformities.

Prevention Of Acne During Pregnancy

The following tips may help prevent acne during pregnancy(3)(10).

• Do not wash your face frequently. Limit washing your face to twice a day with lukewarm water.

• Use a mild cleanser free of soap, oil, and alcohol to cleanse your skin twice a day as some soaps may be harsh on the skin.

• Avoidrubbing, squeezing, or pickingthe acne as it may leave a scar.

• If you have oily hair, wash them regularly and keep them away from the face.

• Avoid processed food,junk food, and sugar-laden foods.

• Use oil-free products for makeup and pregnancy skincare.

• Cleanse your face and remove your makeup before you go to bed.

• Have agoodsleep routine.

• Do not pick, pop, or touch the acne as it may damage the skin and spread the outbreak.

• Avoid scrubbing your face with a washcloth as it can irritate your skin or pop your acne.

• Pat yourskin drygently. Do not rub.

• Change yourpillowcase regularly.

• Consider usingearphonesinstead of using your phone against your face.

• Consume abalanced dietrich in vitamin A and zinc.

• Ensure sufficienthydration.

• Eat more fruitsand vegetablesas they will help regulate your bowel movements and toxin elimination.

References: