Pregnancy pimples on face are considered the biggest problem many women suffer from.
So in this article, we will talk about the causes of pregnancy pimples on face and how to get rid of them.
Acne in women whether pregnant or not causes anxiety and depression.
Many patients suffering from this problem are concerned acne affects their personal and social lives.
Before talking about pregnancy pimples on face let's talk about acne in general.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that happens when increasing oil production (sebum) leads to the formation of pimples and blackheads.
Excessive production of sebum can block the pores.
Bacteria combined with this sebum lead to red inflamed pimples with pus.
Acne appears in the face, and T zone including (the forehead and nose), chest, shoulder, and arms.
What causes pregnancy pimples on face?
A change in hormones occurs during pregnancy and in the case of increased secretion of these hormones, it leads to pregnancy pimples on face.
Increased level of hormones leads to increased production of oil from the skin.
Excessive sebum and oil block the pores which leads to pimples.
When do pregnancy pimples on face (pregnancy acne) start?
Pregnancy pimples on face occur when hormones such as the androgen hormone (male hormone) increase.
Sometimes This occurs during the first two trimesters in most cases.
Sometimes This occurs around 6 weeks into the pregnancy some women don't know that they are pregnant during this period.
So these pimples are considered a sign of pregnancy.
Pregnancy pimples are most pronounced during the third trimester.
What do pregnancy pimples look like?
During pregnancy, pimples look like small pumps under the skin.
In the case of inflammation, this leads to dark spots and scarring on the surface of the skin.
When does pregnancy acne go away?
Pregnancy pimples on face aren't forever.
These pimples disappear a few weeks after delivery, and your face will return to a normal phase like before pregnancy.
Some women who are breastfeeding still suffer from pimples and acne due to the prolactin hormone once the level of this hormone settles the skin returns to normal.
Unsafe pregnancy acne treatments
Pregnant women must avoid these acne medications:
Isotretinoin
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant never take isotretinoin because it contains vitamin A and this causes severe birth defects.
Spironolactone (aldactone)
You must avoid this medication during pregnancy because it negatively affects a growing baby.
This medication is commonly used to treat acne and high blood pressure.
Tetracycline antibiotics
These antibiotics cause damage to the growing baby's bones and teeth.
These antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline.
Topical retinoid
These topical medications like Differin (adapalene), Tazorac (tazarotene), and Retin-A (tretinoin) are applied to the skin and absorbed into your bloodstream then passed on to the baby.
Things that can aggravate pregnancy pimples on face
- Eating a lot of chocolate and sweets increases pimples and inflammation.
- Scratching pimples causes scars and infections.
- Using a lot of makeup, foundations, and concealers increases pimples and inflammation.
What are natural treatment options for pregnancy acne?
Some women prefer to try natural ways to treat pregnancy pimples on face instead of medication ways such as:
- Clean your face twice daily and avoid over-wash as
This leads to increased oil production in the skin.
Many soaps irritate the skin so when you wash your face use ingredients
that don't contain alcohol, oil, or soap to avoid inflammations.
Don't scrub your face hard because this leads to irritation and makes acne worse.
- Drinking purified water to keep your skin hydrated.
- Avoid too much caffeine and carbonated beverages.
- Stress and fatigue increase acne and pimple outbreaks so you must give yourself time to relax and rest.
- To avoid introducing bacteria you must stop touching your face.
- If you want to use makeup you must use oil-free products and make sure to wash your face before the bed from this makeup.
- To avoid increased irritation and scarring don’t scratch or squeeze acne sores.
- Avoid refined sugar and processed food.
- Eat a healthy diet that contains vegetables, proteins, healthy fats like avocado and nuts, and fresh fruits.
To treat pregnancy pimples on face try to use the following natural methods
Honey
Honey has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and also soothing the skin.
To apply this you must first wash your face with warm water then put the honey directly on the affected area, and leave it for 20 minutes finally wash your face again with warm water.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
it's absorbed very easily and soothes the skin.
Before going to bed instead of using moisturizers you must apply coconut oil.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons and limes contain alpha-hydroxy acid
these have antibacterial and astringent properties making them effective as an exfoliant.
The juice of these fruits helps to unclog pores and shed dead cells.
Use a cotton ball and put it in the juice of a lemon then apply it directly to spots, leave it for 15 minutes, and then wash your face with cool water.
Baking soda
This way is not widely recommended because it can irritate the skin and remove protective oils but it might be the best treatment for breakouts and spots.
to apply this way mix 1 teaspoonful of baking soda with 1 teaspoonful of water apply it on the pimples only then wash it.
Apple cider vinegar
This is considered a toner that is rich in alpha hydroxy acids and naturally occurring enzymes.
You must dilute apple cider vinegar before using it, soak a cotton ball in diluted apple cider vinegar, and apply it to the skin to absorb excessive oil.
These natural ways treat pregnancy pimples on face at home.
Let's talk about how to treat pregnancy acne with medications.
How to treat acne safely during pregnancy?
Many acne medications are dangerous for pregnant women they can cause birth defects so if you have pregnancy acne you must call your doctor to get you the most suitable medications.
Topical medications are the first choice to treat pregnancy pimples on face these topical medications such as:
Salicylic acid
Should be used on small body surfaces to break down clogged pores.
Benzoyl peroxide
Stops bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
Azelaic acid
Reduce inflammations, improve dark marks, and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Topical antibiotics
Antibiotics like erythromycin and clindamycin should be used with benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance of bacteria.
If your pregnancy pimples on face are scarring and cystic in this case you should take oral medications such as antibiotics
these antibiotics include:
- Amoxicillin
- Azithromycin
- Cephalexin
- Erythromycin
There are some procedures you can do to treat breakouts including:
- Chemical peels
- Cortisone injections
- Clogged pore extraction
- Light therapy
Summary
Pregnancy pimples on face are caused due to changes in the hormones and immune system.
These hormone changes cause the glands in the skin to secrete more oil this oil clogs your pores and buildup bacteria.
While many medications that treat acne in pregnancy aren't safe, some treatment choices can help you so read this article to know about these medications.
Read more about:
You must be logged in to post a comment.