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Pregnancy acne is primarily due to the hormonal fluctuations that occur within the body. Usually, pregnant women complain of their acne becoming worse during the first and second trimester. However, as the pregnancy progresses, acne outbreak are expected to diminish. Still, it is a case to case basis. There are reported cases where acne lasts until the remaining weeks of pregnancy or even during breastfeeding. But more often than not, acne will disappear right after the first trimester or soon after the delivery of the baby.
What causes acne to appear?
As discussed earlier, pregnancy acne is fairly common. During pregnancy, there is a significant increase of the androgen hormone. This hormone is the one responsible for the increased production of sebum or the oily substance on the skin. When the skin is oily, it is very prone to develop acne since oil, dirt and bacteria can easily clog the pores and follicles.
Natural acne treatment in pregnancy
Certainly, for a new mother, it can be very devastating to have pimples during the most important stage of her life. Thankfully, there are a variety of safe and natural ways to fight acne and acne redness. It is advisable though that before pregnant women can begin any new treatment, they should consult their physician or obstetrician. In fact, there are a number of safe home remedies and treatments available. Oatmeal is not just a yummy meal rich in fiber. It can also serve as a beauty mask. A mask of warm oatmeal is applied to the face for about 15-20 minutes. This healthy mask can help clear up blemishes and pimples in as little as a few days. In addition, a lemon cut in half is a terrific acne remedy. Aside from those two, baking powder, garlic, olive oil and mashed potatoes are effective treatments to fight blemishes and prevent future acne breakouts.
How to get rid of acne naturally
There are mild and severe cases of acne. Mild acne is easily treatable. Pregnant women are just advised to keep their skin healthy by washing their face and other acne affected area at least twice daily. Pricking and popping blemishes and pimples will just cause acne scarring, so avoid this unhealthy habit. Choosing the right foods to eat especially foods rich in Vitamin A like carrots can help keep the skin healthy too. Eating fruits and vegetable will not only keep skin acne free, it is also beneficial for the baby's proper growth and development. Apples and blueberries are both rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants can help prevent future acne outbreaks.
However, for severe cases of acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist or an obstetrician before taking any antibiotics for acne (pregnancy should be treated as a special case), over the counter medication and products. For the reason that there are medications that can harm the unborn baby and can cause serious problems like birth defects and even death.
