Treating Acne During Pregnancy

It’s not always easy to predict whether you’ll definitely get acne during pregnancy, but it definitely increases the likelihood. Some women who have had acne before they got pregnant notice a decrease in the amount of spots and pimples when they’re expecting a baby, while for other women who have never had acne before, their skin suddenly starts breaking out.

What we do know is that many women do report getting acne during early pregnancy months, and this is mainly due to more sebum being produced due to the hormone levels being higher than usual. If this is affecting you, then you’re no doubt searching for a safe acne treatment so that your baby is not harmed in any way.

Let’s face it, many products contain harsh chemicals and ingredients that can cause side effects, and this is why you need to be extremely cautious about treating acne during pregnancy, especially when buying over-the-counter products. With this in mind, you might want to speak with your doctor to see if they can recommend a solution that fits your own specific needs.

There are some tips that you can follow though. As an example, it’s generally advised that you should wash your face with a mild soap or the best cleanser for acne twice daily. Make sure you avoid scrubbing your face as this can make the situation worse, and instead, aim to gently massage the solution onto the skin in a circular motion until it has lathered up. It’s then a good idea to pat your face dry with a soft towel to avoid any irritation.

Changing Your Diet is Key

One aspect that many women overlook in their quest for clear skin while pregnant is diet. While it’s been proven that greasy foods don’t cause acne, it won’t do you any harm to start cutting out the junk, while at the same time eating many healthier foods which contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for great-looking skin with minimal blemishes.

Something that you should get plenty of in your diet is vitamin A, as this helps to keep your skin healthy and give it a radiant glow. Foods to eat include fish, eggs and carrots; take vitamin A supplements daily in accordance with the instructions.

Try to cut back on saturated fats and replace them with healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and avocado. Vegetables and fruits should also be high up on the menu, as well as meats such as chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef and lamb. Unfortunately, chocolate is not suitable for eating when you have acne, although small amounts every now and again is acceptable as a treat.

As well as following a healthy diet, you need to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body well hydrated. Medical professionals recently found a link between acne during early pregnancy and dehydration, so always aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, and drink more if you live in a hot country.

Home Remedies for Acne

Another safe acne treatment while pregnant is a remedy prepared by yourself at home. This is becoming more popular as knowledge is passed around the internet, and there are now literally hundreds of home remedies that you could try out for yourself. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Lemon Juice

Just about everybody has some lemon juice in their kitchen so this is a great ingredient to get started with. The main reason why this works is because lemon is an astringent, which is a fancy way of saying it helps to dry out spots and pimples. The best way to apply it to your skin is with a cotton bud straight from the bottle. You don’t need to dilute it or include any extra ingredients.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Another home remedy for acne that you can use during pregnancy is apple cider vinegar which has many potent anti-bacterial properties. Not only that, but it also restores the natural pH balance of your skin so it becomes harder for acne to form on your face. It’s a good idea to dilute apple cider vinegar with some water, typically at a 1 to 3 ratio. You can then use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to your face.

Tea Tree Oil

It seems that many women are now using tea tree oil for acne during pregnancy in order to get rid of those annoying blemishes and blackheads. If you don’t already have a bottle in your home then you can get it online. We recommend Keeva tea tree oil for acne, so find out why.

The best thing about tea tree oil is that it has anti-bacterial properties and works fast at unclogging pores. Just like apple cider vinegar, it’s highly recommended that you dilute it with water, as using it undiluted will be much too powerful for most people and will also give off a strong smell. Dilute at a ratio of around 9 to 1, although you might want to slightly reduce this to get the right balance.

Medication for Treating Acne During Pregnancy

Years ago, it used to be common for women to be prescribed medications such as Accutane or Minocycline to clear up acne when pregnant. Although these types of medications are effective, it’s now thought that you should avoid them altogether, mainly due to the fact that they might not be suitable for an unborn baby, which means it’s a good idea to look elsewhere for treatment.

If in doubt, it’s always best to read the label and see what ingredients are included in the product. Generally speaking, many of the well-known brands contain chemicals that are not really safe for women who are expecting, and shouldn’t be used on a regular basis. It just isn’t worth the risk.

So what is a safe over-the-counter product to use for treating acne during pregnancy? Without a doubt, using brands that only include natural ingredients is a great option, mainly because they are completely safe for you and your unborn baby.

One brand that comes highly recommended is Christina Moss Naturals facial wash, and this is mainly because all of the ingredients are natural and certified organic, as well as being suitable for all skin types. This means it won’t make your skin too dry or oily, and even better, it will moisture your face to leave it feeling smooth and silky. Read our review, give it a try and see what you think!

As you can see, suffering from acne during pregnancy is a common occurrence, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. The best way to treat your acne is to avoid  products that contain chemicals, and opt for natural treatments instead.