Acne

Hormone Changes During Pregnancy May Cause Acne

During pregnancy your body goes through a huge hormonal upheaval. This affects body in various ways, mostly good but some bad as well. One such issue, especially skin issue during pregnancy is Acne. If you are going through the same symptoms then read on for useful tips on getting rid of this pregnancy acne naturally.

How do we get acne during pregnancy

Before we get onto the tips for treating the pregnancy acne lets first find out the cause behind it.

Pregnancy is the time of great physical and emotional changes. One being, increase in pigmentation and secretion of oil through oil glands. Hence, the skin becomes too oily during pregnancy which can cause breakouts.

During pregnancy, the body gets overloaded with hormones. As the level of androgens goes higher, more breakouts occur. Androgens are the hormones which are responsible for the production of the oily substances called sebum. Increased volume of sebum thereby blocks the pores and creates an environment where bacteria could stick to the skin and gets multiplied. This eventually leads to acne and inflammations in the skin.

Yet, there is an increase in blood circulation also during pregnancy, which brings a shiny glow to the face. Moreover, these pimples also settle down once the hormones get stabilized. Meanwhile, to control the irritations and itching caused by acne, you can try some home remedies.

Tips to treat acne during pregnancy

You may find relief from these over-the-counter acne problems if you treat them well in time properly.

  • Use cleansers to clean your face two times per day in a daily routine. This clears up all the oil from your face and makes it shiny.
  • Manage your diet properly. Include the foods that contain antioxidants as it will help to fight off free radicals from your skin which causes acne.
  • Keep the skin hydrated and moisturized by using moisturizers in form of lotions/creams.
  • Drink lots of water
  • Use can make your own face masks at home using some natural ingredients like oats, strawberry, curd etc.
  • Change your pillow covers frequently.

Suggested Precautions

For a safe pregnancy, you need to take some necessary cautions, so that you don’t have to regret later.

  • Avoid prescription acne medications during pregnancy as this may harm your baby.
  • Opt for drug-free treatments because these drugs may harm the fetus.
  • No doubt, you should use cleansers but need to avoid over cleansing. Make a point, not to use chemical cleansers.
  • Do not pop your pimples; this may leave the scars behind.

Bottom line

Acne during pregnancy is completely natural. Some may get them, some may not. It may be mild or may be vague. This all depends on hormone changes and these changes vary too. Acne during pregnancy is not a serious issue. Just stay calm, it gets back to normal after delivery. It’s particularly important to avoid drugs to cure acne. Keep in mind that your pregnancy isn’t all bad for your skin!

View Comments

  • Acne breakouts can take place anytime. During pregnancy, it becomes more severe and frequent. not everybody gets a glowing skin during pregnancy. It's better to do nothing and wait for acne to heal with time. Only try organic products.

  • It happens to all of us, I have suffered from severe acne during pregnancy and I am not sure if it was hormone changes or what that caused it but its all gone now. Don't be hard on yourself and I would advise to stick with the home remedies rather than using any aftermarket product. It is a natural process and goes away with time. After all your kid is coming.

  • Yes this happens, Has happened to me, I was very worried about the severe acne I had to face for one month during pregnancy, It wasn't limited to my face, So when I consulted with a doctor he suggested that I drink more water and Eat healthy as it was just due to the hormonal changes.

  • Any suggestions on cleanser for sensitive skin? Mine tends to get overly dry and I end up skipping pm washes.

  • There are many Cosmetic product available today which contain a wide range of harmful chemicals which, if used in excess, slowly damage our skin and body until it is too late to mend. In case your pregnancy you can't take risk! So, do not use any chemical product during pregnancy.

  • If your pimples are disturbing you during your pregnancy, do not take it seriously. They will go with time! But if you'll try chemicals on it, then the problem may get severe for you and your baby. Accept your acnes as a part of your pregnancy.

  • The majority of women with acne have normal androgen levels. But during pregnancy as the hormones changes, women are more prone to acne. I am pregnant and I can see many acne marks on my face. In second trimester they started and still i am dealing with them. I hope they recover soon.