Acne during pregnancy
By: Mary GoodsTotal Views: 97, Word Count: 719,
Acne or pimple break-out is perhaps the most common skin condition that has affected 90% of the people some time or the other. But it is found to prevail in teenagers and pregnant women, especially. Acne during pregnancy is a very common and adds to the discomfort of the pregnant mother.
Why do pregnant women get acne?
Acne is caused when the skin pores gets clogged with sebum and dead cells. There is inflammation of the blocked pores with that of skin bacteria called P. acnes. Clogging of pores occurs when there is overproduction of sebum, which is generally the case in pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is a great deal of hormonal imbalance which stimulates the sebaceous glands and they tend to overproduce sebum. They in turn are not easily washed by the natural cleansing mechanisms of the body, and end up clogging the skin pores.
How to control acne in pregnancy?
- During pregnancy one must strictly avoid consuming over-the-counter capsules or applying acne creams, as these might harm the baby or affect the growth of the baby.
- One must consult a good dermatologist if the acne outbreak is very heavy as pregnancy is delicate condition, and any medicines taken during that time, should be consumed with care.
- It is advisable to consume foods rich in antioxidants during pregnancy, such as olives, green leafy vegetables etc. These foods eliminate the toxins and free radicals from the body which cause acne.
- One must also avoid medications containing salicylic acids and benzoyl peroxides (which are commonly used to tackle acne) in pregnancy. Instead, the diet of a pregnant woman should be rich in fiber and salads. Pregnant women should also meditate to reduce mental stress which is also known to stimulate acne out breaks on the skin
- Medicines containing Retinoic acids must be completely avoided during pregnancy. Most of the popular acne medications contain this as a major ingredient, but retinoic acid is known to cause birth defects in the baby and hence, must be avoided.
- Effective acne controlling creams which considerably reduce acne and gives you a clear skin should be tried out on the skin only after a sound medical advice by the doctor, as pregnancy increases the vulnerability of the woman and her growing baby.
Home-made remedies for acne in pregnancy
- Instead of chemically medicated creams and face washes to tackle acne during pregnancy, it is advisable to use natural remedies to control acne in this delicate condition. Mix 1 tsp of lemon juice in teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of oats. Apply on the face and scrub off gently after 30 minutes. The natural astringents of lemon juice and honey neutralize the sebum and controls acne. Oats act as a very good scrub.
- The best natural remedy is to keep oneself hydrated during pregnancy. This not only helps in keeping the skin clean but also throws out the harmful toxins from the pregnant woman. 6-8 glasses of water should be consumed daily, especially during pregnancy.
- Use a mixture of fuller’s earth, sandalwood powder and rosewater to make a paste. Apply generously on the face avoiding the eyes. Wash off after 20 minutes. This facial pack considerably reduces the acne break-outs and absorbs excess oil from the skin.
About the Author
Mary Goods is a researcher in skin problems and their treatments. She is currently involved in the study of acne, their causes and how to effectively treat them. She is also involved in publishing a series of papers dealing with the effect of acne and pimple scars on the behavior of teenagers. She recommends topical application of skin creams to get rid of acne, blemishes and even whiteheads and black heads.
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