Acne is a common skin problem during pregnancy. Acne during pregnancy can be mild, moderate or even severe, and it can occur at any time during the pregnancy. It may come and go, or it may last the entire nine months.
Hormonal fluctuations in the body are partly responsible for pregnancy breakouts, as it prompts the sebaceous glands in your skin to boost production of an oily substance called sebum.
Sebum combined with the dead skin cells block the skin pores. This in turn creates a favorable environment for bacteria to rapidly multiply, leading to inflammation and eruptions of acne.
Women who have a history of acne or have acne flare-ups at the start of their menstrual cycle are at a higher risk of having acne breakouts during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, you should not use over-the-counter medicines to treat acne. It’s highly recommended to talk to your doctor or dermatologist before taking any medication while pregnant.
Fortunately, with the right skin care routine and some all-natural remedies, you can successfully deal with pregnancy-related acne.
Here are the top 10 ways to treat acne during pregnancy.
1. Good Skin Care
The most effective way to treat and prevent acne breakouts during pregnancy is to take good care of your skin.
Always clean your face gently with a mild cleanser twice a day, once in the morning and once at night before going to bed. This will help prevent accumulation of oil and dirt on your face. Make sure to wash and rinse your face thoroughly, especially around your hairline and jaw, where pores tend to get clogged.
Apart from the face, you must also wash your hair on a regular basis to prevent oil from your hair transferring to your face.
You must not touch your face unnecessarily with dirty hands. Also, avoid using lots of makeup on your face. If you need to, use products labeled “noncomedogenic,” which means it does not tend to clog pores.
Above all, avoid the temptation to squeeze or pop your acne, as it usually results in permanent acne scars.
2. Warm Compress
A warm compress can help clear up your acne quickly. The warm temperature will help draw out bacteria and pus from the pores and hair follicles, which in turn aids the healing process. Plus, it helps reduce pain.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt in 2 cups of warm water.
- Soak a washcloth in this solution and wring out the excess.
- Apply the warm compress on the affected area for 10 minutes.
- When it starts cooling down, apply a fresh one.
- Do this a few times a day.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural antiseptic that can help treat acne. It has an antibacterial property that helps kill the bacteria that cause acne.
Also, it works as a complexion-enhancing agent and gives your skin a nice glow.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a little water to form a paste.
- Dab the paste on the affected area.
- Leave it on for about 1 hour, then wash it off.
- Use this remedy 1 or 2 times daily for a few days.
4. White Toothpaste
White toothpaste is also very effective in treating acne that develops on the skin during pregnancy. Its antibacterial ingredients help get rid of the bacteria that cause the problem.
It also helps dry out the acne quickly.
- Dab a small amount of white toothpaste on the acne.
- Leave it on overnight. If you have somewhat sensitive skin then leave it on for just 5 minutes.
- The next morning, wash it off with cold water.
- Repeat daily until the skin is free from any sign of acne.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another wonderful natural remedy for pregnancy-related acne breakouts. It helps treat acne effectively with its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Being rich in antibacterial properties, aloe vera also helps fight the bacteria responsible for acne.
- Slice open an aloe vera leaf and scoop out the fresh gel.
- Apply some of this gel on the affected areas and massage gently for 1 minute.
- Leave the gel on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse it off.
- Do this 1 or 2 times daily.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can also help clear up pregnancy acne, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The oil is effective against the bacteria causing the acne. Also, being an emollient, it helps hydrate and keep the skin nourished.
- Apply organic coconut oil on the affected area.
- Gently rub it into your skin.
- Reapply a couple of times per day. You do not need to rinse it off.