Acne During Pregnancy

Acne and some other skin irritation during pregnancy is very common amongst women. Acne outbreaks are most common during the first three to six months of pregnancy and is caused by an increase in the hormone known as androgen.

Androgen causes the glands in a woman’s skin to grow and produce waxy and oily substance known as sebum. When this oil clogs the pores on the woman’s skin, it leads to breakouts and bacteria inflammation.

The tendency for women who deal with acne breakouts during menstruation to have such breakouts during pregnancy is very high. However, the good news is that pregnancy and post pregnancy acne outbreaks are very temporary and disappears without treatment once your hormones go back to normal.

However, if you don’t want to wait it out, there are some simple and natural ways to deal with pregnancy and postpartum acne outbreak and overcome them.

1. Apple cider vinegar

This method works great also for menstrual acne outbreak. All you have to do is get a small quantity of raw Apple cider vinegar and soak a cotton ball in it then wipe your skin with the cotton ball to absorb all the oil.

You can also do a mixture of the parts of distilled water to one part of vinegar and use as a face cleanser. This combination is a natural toner that contains alpha hydroxy acids, and naturally occurring enzymes.

2. Baking soda

Baking soda

Baking soda isn’t only good for your pastry, it is wonderful for skin care as it dries up the excess oil in your skin and possess wonderful healing properties.

Make a mixture of one tablespoon baking soda with one table spoon of water and apply on your skin as a natural blackspot treatment.

The best way to use this mixture is to apply small quantities directly on the pimples instead of the entire surface area. Allow the mixture to sit for some time till it dries before you wash it off your face.

3. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like limes and lemons contain alpha hydroxy acid. When you apply the juice from a lime or lemon fruit to your skin, it would help you unclog your pores and eliminate dead skin cells. These antibacterial and astringent properties is what makes it a very effective exfoliant.

To use any of both fruits, squeeze out some juice from either a lemon or lime fruit, soak up some of the juice with a cotton ball, and applied directly on acne spots. Leave the juice in your skin for a few minutes until it dries up completely and rinse with cool water.

4. Honey

Honey

Honey isn’t only soothing to the skin but contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties. To apply honey on your face, make sure to first have a quick warm water rinse them apply reasonable amount of honey on the affected areas.

Let the treatment sit on your skin for some time (a minimum of thirty or forty five minutes) then rinse off with warm water.

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also very easily absorbed and soothing to the skin. Instead of applying a normal moisturizer on your skin before going to sleep, opt for some coconut oil and watch how it helps you get rid of the outbreak.

6. Oatmeal and cucumber

Oatmeal and cucumber are wonderful at offering cooling and soothing goodness to your skin. You can get a ready to buy combination of both ingredients or simply do it yourself from the comfort of your kitchen. All you require is some oatmeal, cucumber, and a blender.

Cut cucumber info tiny bits and combine with oatmeal in your blender and grind to you have a paste. Once blended, keep in your freezer for a while and apply to your skin. Let the face mask sit for at least twenty minutes and wash off with cold water.

Other important skin care tips

Washing your skin excessively is not a healthy habit as it rids your skin of its natural moisture. When you’re skin lacks the right amount of moisture it begins to produce more oil and that will most likely cause an and breakout.

If you are a lover of very hot water, it will also damage your skin because it rids it off its natural moisture too. It is best to use a soap-free cleanser and cool or lukewarm water after heavy sweating, and also in the morning or before bedtime.

Avoid scrubbing

Most people think scrubbing is a great way to exfoliate your skin and prevent acne outbreak but that is far from factual. While you can scrub other parts of your body, avoid scrubbing your face with a sponge.

A washcloth offer your hands are good enough to get rid of whatever dirt you are washing off.

When using a washcloth or your hands, wash in circular motion with minimum pressure. Wash your skin and rinse thoroughly with warm or cold water then gently pat dry instead of rubbing a towel harshly on it. Also, opt for a gentle oil free moisturiser instead of one containing oil.

Best skin practices during pregnancy

Acne During Pregnancy

You might get tired often when you are pregnant, but that shouldn’t make it difficult for you to take care of your skin. Below are some healthy practices that are sure to keep your skin looking fresh and clean while you are pregnant.

  1. Drink plenty of clean water to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid carbonate drinks and and beverage containing caffeine.
  2. Fight the urge to pop, scratch, pick, or squeeze any and sore. This can not only cause scaring but also increase skin irritation.
  3. Fatigue and stress can create some serious and breakout so endeavour to take enough rest.
  4. Eat healthy and and include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet. Some nuts, avocados, and lean sources of protein will be wonderful aswell. Avoid processed foods and refined sugar as much as possible.
  5. Wash your hair very often especially if you have very oily hair and make sure to keep it off your face as much as possible.
  6. Change your towel and pillowcases regularly
  7. Try not to touch your face too much so you don’t introduce bacteria.
  8. Before using any kind of skin treatment, consult your doctor so that you don’t end up damaging your skin and using products that ain’t healthy for pregnant women.
  9. Make sure to use only oil free makeup products and wash off your makeup once you return home.

With these tips, you should be able to look beautiful before and after the birth of your baby.