Acne in pregnancy: why does it occur?

Soft shades of powder blue or baby pink, glowing skin, and a firm belly are what pregnancy is often portrayed as in popular media. But for many moms-to-be, the reality includes pregnancy acne along with a baby bump. If you’re one of those people who have pregnancy acne, find some relief in knowing that you’re not the only one dealing with it! Read on to learn more about pregnancy acne, why it happens, and how to treat it.

What is pregnancy acne?

Pregnancy acne is the same as regular acne. “Acne is common during pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes,” explains obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Rohan Palshetkar. The National Institutes of Health says that more than 42 percent of pregnant women suffer from acne. In fact, 60 percent of cases of acne worsen during pregnancy. It is most common in the first two trimesters and goes away as you get closer to the end of your pregnancy.

Causes of acne during pregnancy

The main cause of acne during pregnancy is the increase in hormone levels called androgens in the first trimester. The increased hormone levels promote the production of natural oils or sebum by the skin. This oil leads to clogged pores and inflammation and acne breakouts.

If you’re wondering if all women get acne during pregnancy, the answer is no. However, it’s difficult to predict who will develop acne during pregnancy. “If you don’t have acne in the first trimester, you’re unlikely to have any major breakouts during the second or third trimester,” says Dr. Palshetkar.

Is it possible to prevent acne during pregnancy?

Here’s the good news for you! Pregnancy acne can be prevented. However, managing acne when you’re pregnant can be tricky, but there are some things you can do to help clear up or reduce the amount of acne:

• When cleansing your face, make sure to use a gentle, oil-free, alcohol-free, non-abrasive cleanser. Don’t use scrubs because they can irritate your skin.
• Make sure you change your pillowcases often.
• Avoid over-cleansing. It can overstimulate the skin’s oil glands.
• Don’t touch your face with your hands because your fingers are full of bacteria.
• Avoid popping pimples as this may leave permanent acne scars.

Apart from this, keeping your skin hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, relaxing and avoiding stress, and using oil-free makeup and skincare products can also help prevent pregnancy acne.

How to treat acne during pregnancy?

If you’ve found yourself with a bad case of pregnancy acne and are wondering how to get rid of it, it’s important to note that since it’s due to increased hormone levels, the acne will go away once your levels return to normal. You should ideally avoid any harsh over-the-counter skin care products or spot medications. Acne medications can be dangerous when you’re pregnant and should be avoided. Prescription topical products that contain benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, or erythromycin are thought to be safe to use during pregnancy. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before trying any acne medication regimen. Home remedies for pregnancy acne can also be effective.

Home Remedies To Treat Acne During Pregnancy

Here are some drug-free home remedies that may help you fight acne during pregnancy:

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice and can help with acne. Using a 1:3 ratio, mix ACV with distilled water. This is rich in natural enzymes and hydroxy acids. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and dab it on your skin. Keep it for 20 minutes, then rinse. However, make sure to dilute the mixture first. A study published by the National Institutes of Health claims that Propionibacterium acnes, or Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, could be killed with ACV. However, more research is needed on this.

2. Honey

Honey is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and can help with pregnancy pimples. Make sure to use raw, unprocessed honey. It should be applied directly to the pimples after washing your face with warm water. Rinse your face after 30 minutes. This also reduces the pain of a rash. A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine suggests that Manuka honey is the best for this purpose.

3. Coconut oil

Even good old coconut oil can work wonders here. It soothes the skin and is absorbed naturally. You can apply virgin coconut oil every night and you will soon see the difference. Coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal and helps with acne, says this study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Summary

Pregnancy acne is a common problem during pregnancy and it occurs due to excess oil production on the skin. This is because our hormones are increased during pregnancy. In most cases, acne resolves later in the pregnancy or after. There are many home remedies such as using honey, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar to treat pregnancy acne.