Dealing With Pregnancy Acne: Safe And Natural Acne Remedies For Using In Pregnancy

Pregnancy has a woman’s body going through so many changes including changes in the level of hormones in her body amongst other things. This makes the skin breakouts more during pregnancy. For treating acne in pregnancy, there is always the concern of what to use on the skin and whether it is pregnancy safe or not.

In this article we will be discussing about some natural acne remedies which are safe to be used when pregnant.

What is Pregnancy Acne and Why Does It Occur?

Acne during pregnancy is experienced by many women and it commonly develops in first and second trimesters. In pregnancy, there is an increase in androgens, which is a hormone that causes increased production of sebum⁽¹⁾ that clogs the skin pores and results in accumulation of bacteria, inflammation leads to pimples or acne. Women who have a tendency to breakouts during their periods are more susceptible to experience pregnancy acne. The good thing is, this acne is temporary and will clear up once the levels of hormones are normal.

Given below are some natural and safe home remedies for pregnancy acne:

Natural and Safe Home Remedies for Pregnancy Acne

Apple Cider Vinegar⁽²⁾

Take one part of unfiltered and raw apple cider vinegar and mix it with three parts of distilled water to make a homemade toner which has naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids and enzymes. Next, take a cotton ball and soak it in this diluted apple cider vinegar toner and gently apply to your skin to help absorb the excess oil. Diluting the apple cider vinegar with distilled water is important. If the skin becomes very dry with using this, then stop this treatment. Using undiluted vinegar on skin can cause burns, as apple cider vinegar is very acidic in nature.

Citrus Fruits to Naturally Exfoliate the Skin

There are natural alpha hydroxy acids present in citrus fruits like limes, oranges and lemons. Application of juice of a lime or lemon on the acne helps in removing the dead skin cells and unclogging of the pores.  The juice of citrus fruits contains antibacterial and astringent properties, which make it an effective natural exfoliant⁽³⁾.

Apply as a spot treatment the lemon or lime juice on the pimple. Leave till it dries and then rinse your face with cool water.

Baking Soda for Spot Treating Pregnancy Acne

Baking soda helps in drying out the excess oil produced by the skin and helps with healing of the acne⁽⁴⁾. However, baking soda is not recommended by dermatologists, as it can causes irritation to the skin and can strip the skin of its protective oils. So, it is best to use this remedy as a spot treatment for acne.

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water and apply this mixture individually to each pimple, instead of applying to the whole face. Wash this off after it dries.

Honey Great for Acne Skin in Pregnancy

Honey has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which make it great for treating acne and for soothing the skin⁽⁵⁾. First rinse your face with some water and then apply honey to the affected acne areas. Leave it till it dries or for about half an hour and rinse with water. Do this daily.  Honey can be applied as a mask to the entire face also. 

Cucumber and Oatmeal Mask

Cucumber and oatmeal have cooling and soothing properties for the much needed pregnancy acne skin^{(6, 7)}. Take equal quantities of cucumber and oatmeal and blend it and store in a clean jar and keep it in your fridge. Use this as a mask on your clean face, keep it till it is semi-dry and rinse off with normal water. 

Coconut Oil is a Natural Moisturizer for Pregnancy Acne

Coconut oil also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties⁽⁸⁾ and is a great remedy for treating pregnancy acne and in calming the skin. Instead of a moisturizer, apply virgin coconut oil to your face once daily.

Pregnancy Skin Care Tips For Preventing Acne⁽⁹⁾

Avoid Over-Washing: Avoid excessive washing of your skin, as it removes the natural oils and moisture. This can cause overproduction of oil from the skin to combat the loss of moisture and increase the risk for breakouts.

Avoid using very hot water on your face and even the body, as it dries out the skin. It is recommended to use a gentle soap-free cleanser with lukewarm or cool water in the morning and at night.

Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: Do not harshly scrub your face and instead use gentle exfoliation. Make use of a soft washcloth and clean your face in circular motions using gentle pressure. Always pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it and use a mild and oil-free moisturizer.

Consume a healthy diet consisting of vegetables, fresh fruits, healthy fats like nuts and avocado; and lean sources of protein. Do not eat processed foods or foods with refined sugars.

Never ever pick, pop, squeeze, scratch the acne sores/pimples. This can cause more irritation and scarring. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Do not drink excessive caffeine or carbonated beverages.

Rest: Fatigue and stress can trigger acne outbreaks, so try and relax as much as possible.

Do not touch your face: Follow the golden rule of not touching your face as your hands can have lot of bacteria on them, which can get transferred to the skin and cause acne.

Use Clean Towels and Pillowcases: Change your towels and pillowcases frequently, as using dirty towel and pillowcases can cause your skin to breakout.

Use Oil-Free Skin Products: When using skin care and makeup, always use oil-free products which are labeled as, “non-acnegenic” or “non-comedogenic.” Always wash your make up before going to sleep.

Wash your hair regularly: Always make sure to regularly wash your hair, especially if you have an oily scalp and keep your hair away from the face.

Do not use OTC Acne Medications: Consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter acne treatments. Some of these acne treatments contain ingredients which are not pregnancy safe, such as salicylic acid or retinoic acid.

References:

Also Read:

• What Causes Pregnancy Acne & How to Deal with Acne During Pregnancy?
• How Long Does Pregnancy Acne Last & Quick Ways to Get Rid of It?
• 5 Remedies to Fight Pregnancy Acne