Comments on: Does anyone have any remedies for pregnancy acne?

By: andrew's mommy

andrew's mommy — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:52:59 +0000

I had the same issue early on when i was pregnant with my son (im waiting to take a test to see if i am pregnant with number 2, but ive been breaking out more than usual)

anyways here is some helpful information:
It is natural and normal for a woman to have increased acne during pregnancy. For the woman who is naturally prone to having acne breakouts, this is especially true. Changes in hormones and hormone levels during pregnancy result in the skin producing more oils, and thus more acne. This increased oils production is probably also responsible for the "glow" that many pregnant women seem to have. During pregnancy, acne can break out not only on the face, but also on the body. Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that you can try to use to deal with acne during your pregnancy.

It may sound overly simple, but it is true: one of the most important and most natural remedies for acne during pregnancy is to keep your skin clean. After you clean your skin, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any soap residue that might be left over. Use an oil-free facial cleanser, and avoid soaps that contain oils or other irritating substances.

Another natural remedy falls into the prevention category. Here, it is important to keep in mind that touching your acne will only make it worse. Keep your hands off those pimples. As tempting as it is to pop them or pick at them, this can cause the bacteria to spread. Picking at them can create acne scars.

During pregnancy, stress management is extremely important, not only in terms of your overall health, but in terms of your acne breakouts. Controlling stress may help to control your acne. Along with stress, keeping an healthy diet and regularly exercising can help control acne. Regular daily exercise can help to increase blood flow to the skin, and will help it to be more tone and stay more healthy.

A variety of natural remedies for acne are available that are safe for use during pregnancy. While most of these treatments have not been clinically proven to help, some evidence suggests taht they may be at least a little bit helpful. Some of the herbs and natural ingredients that these items might have in them can include Oleum Melaleuca, Oleum Lavandula, Oleum Carophylii, Calendula Officinalis, Symphytum, Echinacea, Arctium lappa, Bulbine frutescence, Lavender essesntial oil, Azadirachta, Melaleuca Alternifolia or Tea Tree Oil, and Aspalathus linearis.

Finally, you should take caution when using acne medications during pregnancy. Over-the-counter Acne treatments that include benzoyl peroxide have been tested as safe to use while pregnant. A prescription treatment called Oral erythromycin is an alternative to tetracycline that is safe for use in pregnant women and young children. There are also many natural skin-care products that may be safe for both you and baby. Stay away from any acne medications that contain Tetracycline, Salicyclic Acid (a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments), Tretinon (sold under the brand name Retin-A), and Isotrentinoin (sold under the brand name Accutane).

With some extra care and a little patience, you may find that you can avoid or reduce breaking out in acne during pregnancy by using these natural remedies.
References :
Mommy of a 14 month old boy (hoping to be pregnant with #2)

http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/528.html

By: johnson.rick@att.net

johnson.rick@att.net — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:42:59 +0000

Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Tea Tree oil and itch hazel are good, natural ways to clear your skin. You must not put the tea tree oil directly on your face, though. Soak a cotton ball with water first. Then dap a tiny bit of the tea tree oil on the wet cotton ball. Rub that on your face from the chin upward. The upward motion is better for your face. That reduces lines later in life. The Witch Hazel can go on your face straight. It is also great to have around for the pregnancy! If you put some on a pad after birth, that will help reduce swelling and promote healing. Many do this by simply purchasing Tucks pads. Tucks are just little circular wipes with Witch Hazel on them. You will save money by simply buying it at a regular drug store. You might find the tea tree oil there, as well. If not, look for the tea tree oil in a health food store. I have my teenagers trade off using both. They hate the tea tree oil, due to its smell, but they don't have any acne when they do hat I tell them. I had less problems with acne and only used Witch Hazel during my pregnancies and now for occasional deep cleaning. I rarely need the tea tree oil, but it works very well.
best wishes, Sharon
References :
momma of 16 years

By: Kayla_22

Kayla_22 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:18:59 +0000

I had the same. Little red pimples, but mine were all over. My doctor told me to stop using Proactive in the first trimester. Proactive has a lot of chemicals, including bleach.

I use Clearasil. It works fantastic. I use an acne kind that has salicylic acid. It cleared up my face overnight. I use it every morning in the shower.

Best of Luck
References :

By: corbin's mommy :)

corbin's mommy :) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:06:59 +0000

Change your pillowcases every couple of days. This is a big cause of breakouts, and not just for pregnant people

Wash your makeup off and moisturize before bed.

Be gentle with your face. Use a mild cleanser and a light moisturizer morning and night. And do NOT pick at your current breakouts!

Good Luck, your face will probably clear in the coming weeks. The second trimester brought me nicer skin
References :

By: mthtdr22

mthtdr22 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:39:59 +0000

I also have these. My skin was perfect with my daughter and has been disgusting with this baby. Blah. Anyways, I asked my midwife if it was okay to use Proactive. She said as long as you use it just once a day not twice it would be fine. My skin has really cleared up in the last couple of days while using this. I use the combination skin and use the green tea moisturizer both day and night. It's really helping. Maybe you should look into something like this. Good luck.
References :