Acne during pregnancy: causes, how to deal with it, and how to prevent it

Apart from nausea and muscle pain, many pregnant women complain of skin problems with acne. This condition is normal and is not something to worry about. However, what causes acne to appear during pregnancy? So, how do you safely get rid of these pimples while pregnant? Come on, find out the answer in the following review.

The cause of acne prone to appear during pregnancy

The main causes of acne breakouts are clogged pores by dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria. In fact, this blockage is very susceptible to occur in pregnant women. The trigger is the change in the level of hormones present in the body during pregnancy.

The appearance of acne during pregnancy is caused by an increase in androgen hormones. This hormone has an androgen function to support fetal development. But on the other hand, the excessive production of androgens causes the skin glands to produce more sebum (oil).

Oil production is actually needed by the skin to maintain moisture. Unfortunately, too much of it can clog pores so that pregnant women get acne very easily.

Acne can appear at any time during pregnancy. However, it most often occurs in the first trimester because the increase in hormones at that time is very rapid. Over time the acne will get better and appear again in the third trimester.

Facial treatments to treat acne during pregnancy

Acne that appears during pregnancy can actually go away on its own, usually after giving birth because the body's hormones will stabilize again. Once hormone levels stabilize, oil production in the sebaceous glands becomes more controlled.

However, you may be anxious about getting rid of it immediately rather than having to wait too long. Wait a minute! Carelessly using acne medication during pregnancy can boomerang for the health of you and the fetus in your womb.

Do not squeeze pimples forcibly because it can actually worsen the condition, even leaving scars.

Instead of squeezing, you are better off applying safe ways to treat acne during pregnancy, as quoted from the following Mayo Clinic page:

1. Wash your face with a mild cleanser

To prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, excessive oil, and bacteria on the facial skin, you must be diligent in cleaning your face. Use a mild facial cleanser that is free of alcohol, dyes and fragrances, and does not contain salicylic acid.

Use warm water to wet and rinse your face when washing your face. Avoid rubbing your face when washing your face. Better, massage your skin with your fingers slowly and evenly.

Generally, you can wash your face twice a day. However, you can adjust it according to your skin condition, especially if your face is very oily and dirty.

2. Shampoo regularly

The next way to get rid of acne during pregnancy is to wash it regularly. This is especially recommended for people whose skin area around the hairline is prone to breakouts.

Dirt and hair oil can flow to the facial skin area carried by sweat. This can increase the risk of developing acne. Therefore, you need to keep your hair clean so that acne-prone skin does not worsen.

3. Avoiding irritants

A face with acne is very sensitive to some cosmetic ingredients or facial cleansers. This can cause more irritation or blockage, for example cosmetic products that contain oil or alcohol.

The oil content in sunscreens can cause blockages. Meanwhile, excessive use of alcohol can dry out the skin. Both of these effects can worsen acne conditions. Instead, choose products that are water-based, oil free, or non-comedogenic. which is safer for acne prone skin.

Natural ways to deal with and get rid of acne during pregnancy

Some natural ingredients are considered effective for treating acne during pregnancy, such as pure honey and coconut oil. You may even already have the following ingredients in your kitchen.

1. Honey

Honey is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties that both inhibit and kill bacteria.

First of all, rinse your face with warm water and pat dry. Apply honey to the area with the acne and wait 20 to 30 minutes. When it's dry enough, rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do it in the morning and at night to keep the skin moist and of course overcome the acne that lodges on your face.

2. Coconut oil

Like honey, coconut oil also contains antibacterial and antiseptic compounds that have the potential to treat acne during pregnancy.

Clean your face first with warm water, then apply coconut oil to the area of ​​the skin with acne. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes then rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can also apply it before going to bed, and leave it on overnight before rinsing it off the next morning.

3. Oatmeal and cucumber

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The mixture of oatmeal and cucumber provides a cool effect on facial skin when used as a mask.

The method is easy. Blend the oatmeal and cucumber chunks, then put them in the refrigerator. Apply to face for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with cold water. In addition to providing a cool sensation, your face will be cleaner with smaller pimples.

Interested in trying it? However, wait a minute. Before using home remedies, consult your doctor first. Do a sensitivity test first on the skin of the hands, to find out whether you are allergic or not to these natural ingredients.

If a rash appears accompanied by itching after using honey or coconut oil, you should stop using it to prevent further skin irritation.

Treatment at the doctor to treat acne during pregnancy

In some cases, acne experienced by pregnant women can cause severe symptoms. If this condition is very disturbing, pregnant women need to seek medical treatment. Do not use acne medication without your doctor's permission.

The American Academy of Pediatric states that the use of certain acne medications during pregnancy can interfere with fetal development and growth. Some drugs to avoid include tretinoin (an oral retinoid drug), isotretinoin, adapalene, and the antibiotic tetracycline.

However, there are treatments that are classified as safe as a way to get rid of acne during pregnancy, such as the use of erythromycin and clindamycin on acne prone skin and laser therapy. However, this treatment really needs a doctor's consideration.

Tips for preventing acne during pregnancy

How to prevent acne during pregnancy is actually not far from being applied in a natural way. You must be diligent in cleaning your face with the right cleaning products and shampooing regularly.

However, that was not all. Follow these tips so that your face no longer has problems with acne, such as:

• Avoid the habit of touching the face because it can transfer hand bacteria to the skin
• Drink water regularly to keep your skin well hydrated
• Routinely change pillowcases and towels as often as possible
• Reduce fast food by increasing the consumption of healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruit, and contain healthy fats and protein
• Do not use too thick makeup and remove makeup before you go to sleep

Always consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter acne medication or natural ingredients, to avoid side effects.

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