Pregnancy Acne Problems
Pregnancy is certainly a time of change. Your life changes dramatically when you’re about to have a child and your body changes too. Of course there are the obvious and well known changes that occur – your tummy grows; you put on weight; your moods change more noticeably, etc. And then there are the less well known changes like pregnancy acne.
When you become pregnant, it’s as if your hormones decide to go to Mardi Gras. They’re no longer moderated by your body and brain in the usual way so they sky rocket and plummet at times of their own choosing. There are a lot of physical and psychological side effects to all of that hormonal mischief too, and some of it takes its toll on your skin.
It is not at all uncommon for women to experience acne during pregnancy – even if they’ve never suffered from acne before. The first trimester is usually when it starts because that’s when an expectant mother’s hormones are in their greatest state of flux. The increased hormonal levels are responsible for many things and among them is an over-stimulation of the sebaceous oil glands in the skin. When they’re sent into overdrive, these glands secrete more oil (AKA “Sebum”) than the skin can cope with. That clogs and irritates the pores which results in blemish breakouts that are very much like teenage acne.
Acne in pregnancy often improves during the second trimester. Hormone levels tend to even out a bit then and those bothersome oil glands take a little time off from their busy schedule. But for some women there is no improvement. They suffer from increased pimples and blackheads throughout their entire pregnancy.
Now there are no specialty pregnancy acne treatments that soon-to-be moms can undergo. And if anything, acne treatment during pregnancy is something to be very careful with. But there are some positive steps you can take to lessen the skin eruptions and get through it all.
First, accept that this is one of several, normal changes that occur during pregnancy. Don’t work yourself up about it. Staying calm and collected can help your overall health which in turn can have a positive effect on your skin.
Next, dedicate yourself to a “clean-skin-regimen.” Wash multiple times a day to keep your skin as oil-free as possible. Pay proper attention to your diet. Eating healthy can only help. And make sure you get more than enough sleep. During deep sleep the body tends to process and rid itself of toxins which also gives your hormones a chance to rest.
Be very careful when treating pregnancy acne with any acne products, either over-the-counter or prescription. There’s and old wives tale/saying about not putting anything on your skin that you couldn’t or wouldn’t eat. And that’s a good rule of thumb. After all remember, everything that goes on your skin will ultimately be absorbed into your bloodstream and be passed to your baby. So you should never take it on yourself to use any commercial chemical or natural acne product. Seek some expert opinion before you try any acne treatment. You want to make double sure that what you’re doing is absolutely safe.
In the end, pregnancy and acne often go together. Unsightly blemishes may make you feel unattractive but keep reminding yourself that it’s just temporary. Do what you can to keep your skin clean, healthy, and hydrated and you’ll be able to minimize your pregnancy acne. Remember, your baby will feel whatever it is you’re feeling so stay positive. That may be the most important step of all.
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