Acne During Pregnancy: Symptoms and Treatment

• Acne breakouts – something we all experience because hormones and acne are directly related and, of course, we all have hormones, and those hormones are especially active during pregnancy
• Thankfully, many acne skin care products are available to help us deal with this most common and most troublesome skin care issue

Having a child can be the most joyous blessing of your life. Pregnancy, though, is a mixed bag of joy and discomfort. Weight gain, morning sickness, and having to go to the bathroom several times a day can be trying. However, the pay off at the end is truly one of the most miraculous events of your life. Sometimes there are difficulties, difficulties that can range from serious to simply annoying. Getting acne during pregnancy is often one of these bothersome difficulties, and usually there’s not a whole lot that can be done about it; however, there are some things that you can do to minimize the effects. Since acne and pregnancy usually go together, it’s important to understand the science behind the breakouts. Understanding more about the problem can help you in finding a solution.

Hormones called androgens are released during pregnancy. Androgens affect the skin by making the sebaceous glands swell, causing the body to release an oily substance known as sebum. Sebum ends up blocking pores, which leads to acne. As stated above, there are some steps you can take to lessen the frequency and severity of these outbreaks.

During your daily skin care routine, wash your face with a gentle cleanser applied directly to the face with your hands, and don’t use a washcloth. Scrubbing your skin will only make the problem worse. When drying your face, dab at the wetness with a soft towel.

Make sure to use moisturizers that are water soluble and contain little chemicals, and look for products that are hypoallergenic to minimize the risk of allergies exacerbating the breakouts. Use makeup that is not oil-based because adding any oil to your face will cause a buildup of oil, and since your skin is already releasing more than enough oil, this will only worsen the potential for breaking out.

If your breakouts are severe, you can consult a dermatologist to see if there are any medicines or lotions that may help. Something very important to know is to never use the drug accutane. Accutane is a prescription medicine used to treat severe cases of acne and is normally a safe drug; however, it has been found that it may cause serious birth defects. Again, never use accutane. It can turn the miracle of birth in to a heartbreaking experience.

Natural remedies are all the rage lately, and there are many herbal supplements on the market that promise to clear up acne breakouts. Be aware that some of these supplements can be harmful, even if they are natural. Always consult your doctor or medical care giver before using any lotion or pill. Natural simply does not always mean safe. Don’t be fooled by the hype published on the Internet about so-called miracle cures. A healthy diet will usually give you the best chance of alleviating any skin condition. While most of these herbal remedies are harmless, it is wise to be careful. As with any medicine or supplement, always talk to your doctor first. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.