During the period of pregnancy, expectant mothers experience a lot of changes in their body. They undergo rapid weight gain, a surge of appetite and unpredictable mood swings. These changes can be justified as just normal. Sometimes though, there are pregnancy effects that can be frustrating for them. One example is the manifestation of acne during pregnancy.
Acne usually starts breaking out during the first trimester of the pregnancy. The appearance of acne during pregnancy is contributed by the great hormonal fluctuations in the body. The surge of estrogen is one particular example. This occurrence results to an excessive oil production that excretes through the skin. Sometimes, the pores wherein the oil comes out becomes clogged. This leads to pimple breakouts in the facial area. Furthermore, acne does not just only show in the face, it can also appear in the back and the chest area.
Safe Treatment of Acne
Naturally, pregnant women will want to treat these nasty pimples but it can be quite a dilemma not knowing which products are safe to use. What products are most suitable for their condition and can be safe for the fetus? Luckily, the solution for this problem is just very easy. You do not have to go through great lengths searching for the best treatment. The key is to keep your face and body clean regularly. Do this by washing with a gentle soap or cleanser. Do not forget the power of moisturizing as it can make your skin look smoother and clearer.
When pregnant, it is also highly advisable that you avoid using toners and astringents. This can be quite potent and may irritate the skin, which can be very sensitive especially during pregnancy.
Aside from the hormones, stress can also cause acne. Therefore, it will be good if you free yourself from worries and have enough hours of sleep. Eat nutritious foods for faster acne healing. If the acne problem worsens, then do not touch those zits. Never pop them too as it may cause permanent scarring. You have the option of using certain medications like Benzoyl to treat the pimples. Just make sure that you consult it with your obstetrician first.
Treatments worth Avoiding
Although some medications like Benzoyl can be safe for acne treatment during pregnancy, most medications are not. Here is a list of acne medications highly discouraged for use especially by pregnant women.
– Tetracycline use is contraindicated for use of pregnant and lactating women as it may contribute to detrimental effects for the child and even the mother. – Isotretinoin use is also not advisable. The use of this medication has caused pregnancy miscarriage and birth defects. – The use of tetracycline and its derivatives also have ill effects for the mother and the fetus.
There are some lucky women who have gone into pregnancy and did not experience pimple outbreaks. If during your teenage years, you have had a clear skin; then this does not assure you that you will not have pimples during pregnancy. Either way, the most important thing to consider is the practice of safe treatments to prevent and treat acne during pregnancy.
Discover a safe treatment for your acne while pregnant. Find out more about acne and pregnancy online.