10 Home Remedies For Acne During Pregnancy & Prevention Tips

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Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a common condition that leads to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and oily skin. Irrespective of its severity, acne during pregnancy does not affect the growing baby. The various hormonal changes during pregnancy may make pregnant women prone to acne. It is considered that around half of pregnant women experience acne at some point during pregnancy (1). Those with pre-existing acne may experience more severe flare-ups.

The management of acne in pregnant women is the same as that in non-pregnant women. Most women may be able to manage acne at home with the help of simple home remedies and lifestyle changes (2). Read this post to learn the various causes, management, and prevention methods for acne in pregnancy.

Causes Of Acne During Pregnancy

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The following are the causes of acne during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations are the main cause of acne during pregnancy (3).

• An increase in androgensⁱXSteroid hormones that play an important role in initiating puberty, growing physically, and managing reproductive health. during pregnancy leads to the growth and expansion of sebum-producing cells, and therefore, the overproduction of sebum. It leads to blockage of the pores, inflammation, bacterial growth, and acne breakouts.

• Increased stress due to the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy.

• The many alterations in the immune system during pregnancy.

• Water retention is common during pregnancy, and as a result, fewer toxins are excreted from the body. These toxins get trapped in the pores and may result in acne.

• Pregnancy cravings that may lead to excessive consumption of junk food and fast-burning sugars.

Veronika, a mother of two children and a blogger, shares the changing acne pattern she experienced during her pregnancy, “The first month and a half or so of my pregnancy, my skin was pretty incredible. It was more oily, but it was also very clear. I did still struggle with blackheads, but my acne was gone. After the initial six weeks or so of pretty great skin, I did start to experience some breakouts, but they were different than the cystic acne I used to have. The acne on my back also went away which I was thrilled about — though I have gotten a few pimples on my chest randomly since being pregnant. I also noticed more recently, between about 16-18 weeks of pregnancy that my jaw and chin areas are experiencing more blackheads and pimples than before (ⅰ).’’

Home Remedies For Pregnancy Acne

Anecdotal evidence suggests the following home remedies for the management of maternal acne. However, you should consult your doctor before using them to prevent any side effects.

• Apple cider vinegar

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Diluted apple cider vinegar is applied topically to acne to absorb excess oil from the skin. You must discontinue the use of apple cider vinegar if the skin becomes dry (4).

• Baking soda

Baking soda is widely used to manage acne as it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties.

• Citrus fruits

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as citric acid (CA) are present in citrus fruits, including limes and lemons. The astringent and antibacterial properties of citric acid help clear clogged pores and shed dead cells. You can apply lemon or lime juice directly to the acne (5).

• Honey

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey can help treat acne and acne marks (6).

• Oatmeal

Oatmeal may help get rid of acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (7).

• Cucumber

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High water content in cucumbers helps in keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized. In addition, the astringent and antioxidant properties of cucumbers help get rid of acne and associated scars (7).

• Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel contains anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antiseptic (inhibits fungi, bacteria and viruses) compounds that may be helpful in reducing acne. It also has moisturizing and skin-healing properties with the nourishing effects of vitamins A, C, and E that act as antioxidants (8).

• Green tea extract

Green tea extract with its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, has been found to be beneficial in treating acne. Tea polyphenols may help reduce sebum production and resulting acne (9).

• Papaya face mask

Papaya extract has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, and skin-healing properties (10). These benefits may be utilized to combat pregnancy acne by applying a face mask containing papaya paste.

• Essential oils

Some essential oils help prevent acne by killing bacteria or drying the skin out (11).

• • Tea tree oil
  • Lemon essential oil
  • Rosemary oil
  • Lemongrass oil
  • Bergamot oil
  • Sandalwood oil
  • Lavender oil
  • Geranium

• Hydration

Hydration will help prevent acne by flushing toxins from a woman’s body.

• Healthy food

Nutritional deficiencies may lead to maternal acne. A healthy balanced diet consisting of all essential vitamins, zinc, and other necessary minerals improves skin health and helps prevent gestational acne.

• Good sleep routine

While sleep problems during pregnancy are common, it is essential to sleep well to maintain skin health and overall health. Try to sleep for seven to eight hours a day. Sleep deprivation can cause more sebum secretion and thereby increase acne.

Quick tip

Choose ceramide-based products for washing and cleansing your face. Ceramides are fatty acids that naturally exist within your skin and keep it from drying out (13).

Treatment For Acne During Pregnancy

Adequate research has not been done to support the safety of acne medications during pregnancy. However, most doctors recommend the topical application of the following medicines during pregnancy (2).

• Azelaic acidⁱXTopical medication with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Low concentration salicylic acidⁱXTopical medication that treats skin conditions such as scaling, corns, warts, and clogged pores. preparations

• Fruit acids such as glycolic acidⁱXAlpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that exfoliates the skin and dissolves the dead skin cells.

For severe gestational acne, the doctors may prescribe the topical application of antibiotics or oral erythromycin or clindamycin. Penicillin or cephalosporin may also be prescribed.

Light and laser therapy for acne is also safe during pregnancy (2).

Point to consider

A dermatologist can provide intralesional steroid injectionsⁱXCorticosteroids that are injected into the skin lesion or below it for treating dermatological diseases. to reduce pain and swelling from inflamed nodulesⁱXAn unusual growth of tissues in any area of the body, which are generally harmless but may point to a condition. . These work best if you have just a few deep, painful bumps (13).

Unsafe acne treatment during pregnancy

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The following drugs are forbidden for acne treatment if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant (2) (12).

Topical preparations containing,

• High concentrations of salicylic acid

• Retinoids such as adapalene, isotretinoin, tretinoin.

• Spironolactone (Brand name: Aldactone®)

• Tazarotene (Brand names include: Avage®, Fabior®, Tazorac®, and Zorac®)

Oral medicines including,

• Tetracyclines such as doxycycline, minocycline, lymecycline, etc., may cause brownish spots on the baby’s teeth.

• Other oral antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole

• Isotretinoin (Brand names include: Absorica®, Amnesteem®, Claravis®, Myorisan®, Sotret®, and Zenatane®) during early or mid-pregnancy may cause miscarriage or birth deformities.

Prevention Of Acne During Pregnancy

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The following tips may help prevent acne during pregnancy (3) (10).

• Do not wash your face frequently. Limit washing your face to twice a day with lukewarm water.

• Use a mild cleanser free of soap, oil, and alcohol to cleanse your skin twice a day as some soaps may be harsh on the skin.

• Avoid rubbing, squeezing, or picking the acne as it may leave a scar.

• If you have oily hair, wash them regularly and keep them away from the face.

• Avoid processed food, junk food, and sugar-laden foods.

• Use oil-free products for makeup and pregnancy skincare.

• Cleanse your face and remove your makeup before you go to bed.

• Have a good sleep routine.

• Do not pick, pop, or touch the acne as it may damage the skin and spread the outbreak.

Quick tip

If you tend to pick at your acne, applying pimple patches containing hydrocolloidsⁱXThickening agents with a gel-like consistency that heal wounds and inflamed pimples or blisters. may help break this habit (13).

• Avoid scrubbing your face with a washcloth as it can irritate your skin or pop your acne.

• Pat your skin dry gently. Do not rub.

• Change your pillowcase regularly.

• Consider using earphones instead of using your phone against your face.

• Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamin A and zinc.

• Ensure sufficient hydration.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables as they will help regulate your bowel movements and toxin elimination.

Infographic: How To Prevent Maskne In Pregnancy?

Acne due to mask use is called mask acne or maskne. Avoiding masks is not ideal during the pandemic since immunity is weaker during pregnancy. So, you may adopt a good skincare routine to prevent acne. Go through the infographic to know remedies for maskne.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Learn about the common causes of acne during pregnancy and some tips to help control it given by a medical expert, in this video.

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Dr. Ben Abbes Taarji HichamMD

Dr. Ben Abbes Taarji Hicham is a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist with around 20 years of experience in the field. Having worked in various Moroccan hospitals, he currently runs a private practice. Dr. Hicham specializes in rejuvenation and cosmetic gynecology, medically assisted reproduction, breast and gynecological cancers, HPV diseases, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, and hormonal disorders.more

Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC

Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College. During her clinical practice, pediatric dentistry was her particular area of interest, and she constantly thrived to...more

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and...more

Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD

Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer. Her research work was published in international journals and publications, such...more