Is It Safe to Treat Acne Spots during Pregnancy?
Acne during pregnancy is common among many women, especially during the first and second trimesters. Acne results from an increase in hormones called androgens, causing the skin glands to produce more sebum. The sebum clogs pores leading to bacteria, inflammation, and acne breakouts.
Women prone to acne breakouts during menstrual periods are at higher risk of pregnancy acne. However, the condition is temporary and will clear up when the hormones stabilize.
Women with acne during pregnancy may begin researching acne spot treatment to get rid of the irritating spots on their face and body. They may also receive various suggestions from friends, family members, or even online sources recommending acne spot treatment methods in pregnancy.
Studies conducted on pregnant animals reveal that some antibiotics didn’t produce any adverse congenital disabilities. However, no research is available on humans to confirm whether acne breakouts during pregnancy are safely treated by ingesting or applying antibiotics over the skin. On the contrary, experts recommend stopping some acne treatments or only using them under advice from an obstetrician or dermatologist.
Are Pimples Common during Pregnancy?
As mentioned earlier, women prone to acne during menstrual periods are likely to notice pimples on their face or other parts of the body during pregnancy. Fortunately, the development is temporary during pregnancy and postpartum and will likely disappear when the hormones stabilize. The condition is common in many women, so there is no reason to worry.
Women considering skin treatments during pregnancy must understand that the process is tricky and concerning, especially because many skincare products can be unsafe. Therefore, women must exercise caution and stay away from unreliable or unknown treatments recommended by those around them to ensure they keep their body and their baby safe from any side effects.
Can I Use Face Wash While Pregnant?
It would be best if you consulted a dermatologist during pregnancy about any acne breakouts on your face or any part of your body. The expert can provide further guidance and also discuss treatment options with you, including pregnancy-safe prescriptions.
Hormones tend to run wild during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. The surge of hormones in your body leads to irritation and acne breakouts even if you have never experienced an occurrence earlier.
When considering a face wash during pregnancy, you must avoid some of the most common skin-clearing ingredients containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and vitamin A because they are a risk for the baby.
If your skin has become drier during pregnancy, you can use organic oils to nourish your skin and keep it hydrated without clogging pores. For example, sweet almonds and avocado are excellent for nourishing the skin. In addition, you can find various products available at health food stores that can help prevent any irritation that triggers acne breakouts.
If you develop a cluster of spots, you can reduce their redness by treating the inflammation using the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree and aloe vera. The anti-inflammatory properties will calm your skin while also helping you to fight the bacteria causing the acne.
Acne develops from the accumulation of dirt and dead skin in your pores. Gently exfoliating your face helps remove the extra buildup. While most acids are harmful during pregnancy and are better avoided, lactic acid is excellent during this stage. Lactic acid adds a glow to your face by cleaning your skin.
Dealing with Acne Spots on Your Face and Body
Acne during pregnancy is not limited to your face because you can also develop spots on your body. You may have to make additional investments in changing some of your makeup and skincare products to help you avoid acne spots during pregnancy. You must aim to minimize blocked pores by using products recommended by your dermatologist and none other.
What you think is safe can pose challenges during pregnancy because most researchers don’t have information to confirm what pregnant women can use as a treatment for pregnancy acne. The only available information is from animal studies. Therefore, it is best to treat pregnancy acne using natural remedies recommended by a skincare specialist rather than risking your health and the health of your baby merely to improve the appearance of your skin.