Acne occurs during pregnancy

The appearance of acne during pregnancy causes a lot of inconvenience. This article will discuss the reasons for their appearance, as well as how you can get rid of the problem during pregnancy.

Fighting acne during pregnancy

A pregnant woman has always been associated with special beauty and femininity.

But in reality, women suffer from acne that spoils their entire appearance. Where can I get away from them? What are the safest treatment methods? The answer will be given below.

Why do acne appear during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is always associated with hormonal changes in a woman’s body. The skin reacts especially sensitively to these changes. Dermatologists identify three main root cause problems.

Hormonal changes

During pregnancy, a woman's hormonal levels automatically adjust to the needs of two organisms - the mother and the fetus. The first trimester is especially famous for sudden surges in hormones. Progesterone is a useful hormone that promotes the safety of the fetus in the womb and its proper development. Without it, pregnancy is impossible.

But progesterone activates the sebaceous glands. Sebum and dead skin particles clog pores. In such an environment, bacteria multiply intensively, causing inflammation in the form of pimples and blackheads.

Skin structure

Skin consists of 70% water. During pregnancy, the body dehydrates faster. Because of this, hormones are not diluted, toxins and sebum accumulate in the pores, and the skin structure deteriorates. And this is a direct road to acne.

Oily or combination problem skin

A woman's metabolism is disrupted. The beneficial substances now go to the child. The result may be poor skin condition. It becomes more oily or combined (nose, forehead and chin - oily, cheeks - dry).

If painful acne appears during pregnancy, how to treat it

Acne is an inflammation of the skin due to clogged pores, in the form of individual pimples. Acne is an accumulation of pimples followed by the formation of scars (the effect of “bruised” skin).

Acne and acne on the face, forehead, chin

More often than not, it is the face that suffers from acne, because that is where the most sebaceous glands are located. Acne on the face is a wake-up call about the presence of diseases in the body:

1. Ditso. Rashes on the face are a sign of problems with the gastrointestinal tract and gynecology.
2. Forehead. The functioning of the intestines and stomach is disrupted.
3. Chin. Acne appears after suffering from colds, seborrhea (painful skin condition), problems in endocrinology and gynecology.

On the chest and shoulders

Pimples form on the chest due to changes in the hormonal background of a pregnant woman. This is largely due to poor nutrition.

Shoulders suffer from skin inflammation due to:

1. failure to comply with hygiene rules;
2. wearing tight synthetic clothing;
3. metabolic disorders;
4. problems with the gastrointestinal tract, digestion, thyroid gland;
5. influence of heat;
6. long hair;
7. bad habits;
8. improper nutrition.

How to deal with back acne during pregnancy

Pimples on the back are very painful and cause a lot of inconvenience, as they have the shape of tubercles. The causes of acne on the back may be the following:

1. allergy;
2. viral infection;
3. liver problems;
4. increased sweating due to heat or synthetic clothing;
5. unhealthy food (soda, fast food, large amounts of sweets).

A dermatologist or nutritionist will choose a balanced protein diet consisting of vegetables, fruits and cooked meat. This will significantly improve the condition of the skin on your back. If your diet changes, your acne will also begin to go away.

Acne on the body

Acne can also appear on the arms, legs, stomach and buttocks. The rash itself, in some places, is not dangerous for the baby in the womb. This is just discomfort for the mother. The danger is represented by the reasons for its appearance, or too large an area affected by the rash (sepsis occurs).

Traditional methods: how can you safely treat?

Face masks are very effective in combating acne during this period. They are applied twice a week. Masks can be made:

1. Fruit:

1. strawberry;
2. raspberry;
3. grape;
4. apricot;
5. apple with lemon juice;
6. cinnamon + honey

2. Clay (blue, black, white, green).

Instead of lotions in the morning, it is advisable to use ice cubes based on herbs (chamomile, rose, calendula, sage, aloe). A replacement for tonics will be salicylic acid (followed by application of a hypoallergenic cream). And to tighten the pores, you can take herbal steam baths.

How to determine the gender of a child by rashes: boy or girl

It is believed that if a mother has acne, she will have a girl (she takes away all the beauty of the mother). If there is no acne, it will be a boy. But this is just a myth. It is impossible to determine the gender of a child by the presence and number of acne on the body.

What not to do

It is important for a pregnant woman to be careful about food and certain procedures. But there is something she absolutely cannot do:

1. take medications and antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription;
2. eat large quantities of fatty, salty, spicy foods;
3. do facial cleansing, peelings, laser hair removal and phototherapy;
4. squeeze out pimples yourself (the immune system is weakened and wounds will take longer to heal);
5. touching your face with dirty hands;
6. be nervous.

A woman should remain a woman at any time, especially when pregnant. You need to take care of yourself and take preventive measures to improve the condition of your skin. But doing this is not detrimental to the health of your unborn baby.

Useful video

Pregnancy always transforms the expectant mother. Over the course of nine months, a woman experiences changes that only beautify her. Those who have at least once carried a baby in their tummy will confirm that in this state, compliments from people around them are not uncommon. However, among pleasant metamorphoses, such as a rounded tummy, enlarged mammary glands and an attractive sparkle in the eyes, a woman is faced with an unexpected trouble, which, it would seem, should remain in adolescence. We're talking about acne.

Acne during pregnancy is such a common occurrence that today they are beginning to be regarded as its characteristic attribute. It would seem like such a small thing, but it ruins the mood completely. Who would want to walk around with a sprinkle of red on a happy face during the best period of their life. In addition, the rashes also affect the chest, back, shoulders and stomach. Acne heals in such a way that it leaves behind unsightly spots and scars.

Important Information

Today, there are 2 trends in the deterioration of skin condition during pregnancy:

1. If before the “interesting” situation the expectant mother had skin problems, acne and rashes, then during pregnancy we should expect significant problems with acne. You need to be prepared for this;
2. With normal skin type, the likelihood of acne is less, however, it is not completely excluded. The only advantage in this case is fewer unpleasant consequences.

Causes of acne during pregnancy

The reason for the appearance of a generous scattering of acne are physiological reasons. In order to get rid of it, you must eliminate the source of the problem.

1. One of the most obvious reasons is unstable hormonal levels, which are in constant change and provoke increased function of the sebaceous glands. The hormone progesterone, which is actively produced during pregnancy, is responsible for this. The sebaceous glands begin to become clogged, which leads to inflammation of the hair follicles.
2. Another cause of acne in the early stages may be not drinking enough. Experts are confident that dehydration of the expectant mother leads to an increase in the concentration of progesterone in the blood. And this, in turn, leads to the same clogging of the glands. This is why it is so important to monitor the amount of fluid consumed.
3. The cause of skin rashes can be stressful situations, for which the expectant mother has plenty of reasons. Moreover, a kind of cyclical process is activated - the woman worries about the appearance of acne, which leads to even more extensive rashes. You just have to be patient, because after the baby is born, the skin should return to normal.
4. Heredity appears to be an extremely important factor. If a woman is predisposed to the appearance of acne on the skin of the face and other parts of the body, then most likely during pregnancy it will appear in all its “beauty.”

According to folk wisdom, by the time of appearance and the nature of the rash it was possible to determine what gender the baby would be born. An almost complete absence of acne indicated a boy, and a generous scattering made it possible to expect a girl. This has little to do with reality. Experts are confident that it is impossible to trace any connection between the gender of the unborn child and acne. In addition, if during the first pregnancy a woman did not experience the appearance of acne and pimples, then this does not provide any guarantees for the next time.

Many representatives of the fair sex experience the appearance of skin rashes even before they begin to bear a fetus. A lot of acne appears especially during the premenstrual period. The culprit for this turns out to be, as we indicated above, hormonal levels.

Practice shows that the largest number of rashes that worry the expectant mother appear in the early stages of pregnancy. After the first trimester, acne should begin to gradually clear up. However, there are exceptions to every rule.

How to prevent acne

We have already said that many women face the problem of skin rashes even before pregnancy - before or during menstruation. If, before your period, pimples systematically appear on your face, stomach, chest, back and shoulders, it means that during pregnancy they will definitely make themselves felt.

In such a situation, a woman can prepare for unwanted guests as follows:

1. avoid fried and fatty foods;
2. remove flour and sweets from the diet;
3. exclude spicy and smoked dishes from the menu;
4. eat cereals, fruits, vegetables, lean fish and meat;
5. eat dairy products;
6. establish regular bowel movements.

This last point is especially important because sometimes acne is a direct result of problems with bowel movements. A woman should do everything she can to prevent constipation. The result is achieved by consuming foods high in fiber. If you create the right menu for yourself in time and stick to it for a long time before pregnancy, then defeating acne is quite possible.

In addition to gastronomic restrictions, it is important to take care of proper skin care, which involves choosing effective domestic and foreign cosmetics. The cosmetics used by the expectant mother must be hypoallergenic. Before purchasing, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

Features of choosing cosmetics

The cosmetic market offers a truly huge number of different products to combat skin rashes, but expectant mothers should be extremely careful. In this condition, almost everything a woman does or takes affects the development of the fetus.

Any medications that contain these substances are not suitable for treating acne during pregnancy. The safest products for the expectant mother are those containing glycolic acid and other alpha acids.

Do not remove acne from the chin, chest and back using a laser or popular chemical peels. Phototherapy is also inappropriate during pregnancy. A woman will have to give up all kinds of scrubs and mechanical facial cleansing.

How to deal with acne

It should be understood that it will not be possible to completely get rid of the rashes, since this would require changing the hormonal levels. It's practically impossible. For some period of time you will just have to put up with this annoying nuisance.

The mother’s main goal is to bear a healthy baby, and neither rashes, acne, nor age spots pose any threat to the baby. However, a woman would not be a woman if she did not care about her appearance.

Hygienic cleansing will help reduce the number of acne and give your skin a healthier appearance. Some women mistakenly believe that oily skin does not need moisturizing. In reality, this skin type simply requires a special approach:

1. no alcohol;
2. no fragrance;
3. without salicylic acid.

Very oily skin needs not only daily, but almost hourly cleansing. During the day, it is necessary to remove excess oil so that it does not clog the pores. As mentioned above, a scrub is not the best solution for acne, as it causes the rash to spread throughout the face.

Of the ointments, expectant mothers can only use Skinoren. However, you should definitely consult your doctor before using it.

It has been experimentally proven that vitamin-mineral complexes help, if not prevent acne, then significantly weaken it.

Some women find it very difficult to cope with the psychological discomfort that accompanies the appearance of acne. In such a situation, you can afford to use foundation, but before that you need to make sure that the cream you use meets all the requirements.

Acne treatments

To get rid of rashes, there are several proven remedies that do not pose a risk to the health of the mother and the unborn baby:

1. lotions with a decoction of chamomile or calendula;
2. masks made from colorless henna;
3. creams with lactic, tartaric, lactobionic, mandelic and other acids;
4. “Zinerit” lotion containing erythromycin and zinc;
5. anti-inflammatory ointments and other remedies.

Possible complications

Acne in itself does not pose a threat to the development of pregnancy and cannot cause any serious complications that require the active intervention of doctors. The only trouble that an expectant mother may encounter is boils and carbuncles. They most often require increased attention and are often opened in the laboratory.

When the rashes disappear

It is impossible to say exactly when a skin disease may manifest itself and when it will go away. However, if you follow all the recommendations described above, acne will cease to be a problem in no time. Traditionally, the rash begins to subside at the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy.

Video - Acne during early pregnancy and means to combat it

Video - Skin care for face and body during pregnancy

In the article we discuss acne during pregnancy. We talk about the reasons for their appearance on the face, chin, forehead, back, chest, buttocks and abdomen. You will learn how to treat acne in early pregnancy, what traditional and folk remedies can be used, and necessary prevention.

Why do acne appear?

If before pregnancy you had clean and well-groomed facial skin, then after conception the condition of the dermis can change greatly. White and red pimples may appear on it, which cause a lot of discomfort, both physical and mental.

Rashes cause a lot of moral and physical discomfort

The main reasons for the appearance of pimples during pregnancy include:

1. Genetic predisposition - if your mother, grandmother or sister experienced the formation of pimples while carrying a child, then the same fate will most likely overtake you.
2. Impaired water balance in the body - most often, problems with the dermis are observed in expectant mothers who do not drink enough fluid. A person must drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day for the proper functioning of all metabolic processes in the body. Dehydration inhibits the removal of waste and toxins from the bloodstream, resulting in an increase in progesterone levels.
3. Stress - any nervous tension changes the production of hormones in the body. For this reason, most women who are constantly under stress experience skin problems.
4. Hormonal changes - progesterone, actively produced in the body of a pregnant woman, helps maintain pregnancy and increase the functioning of the sebaceous glands. As a result, their ducts become clogged and inflamed, attracting the hair follicle into the process. Often in such cases, acne goes away immediately after childbirth, when the hormonal levels stabilize.

Most often, acne occurs in the early stages due to the fact that it is at this time that the pregnant woman’s body undergoes the maximum number of hormonal changes. In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, this problem is less of a concern, and after delivery it disappears almost immediately completely.

Localization of acne during pregnancy

In order for the treatment of rashes to bring results, it is necessary to correctly determine the cause of their appearance. Depending on the location of the rash during pregnancy, the factors for its development are identified:

1. Acne on the face - most often a cosmetic problem is associated with this area of ​​the body. It is these rashes that cause the expectant mother the most discomfort, as they are difficult to hide, and even cosmetics sometimes fail to cope with this task. The causes of this condition can be specific, related to pregnancy, or general.
2. Pimples on the forehead - appear due to the use of inappropriate cosmetics, increased activity of the sebaceous glands and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The problem is aggravated if the pregnant woman wears long bangs or hats that irritate the dermis. Also, using stale towels or sleeping on dirty pillowcases can cause this cosmetic defect.
3. Acne on the chin - occurs due to the active work of the sebaceous glands, the use of inappropriate cosmetics, gynecological and gastrointestinal ailments. Often the cause of rashes is the habit of frequently touching the chin or propping it up with your hand.
4. Chest acne is usually caused by hormonal changes. Occasionally, their development is affected by the activity of the sebaceous glands, irritation due to clothing, poor nutrition, and neglect of personal hygiene. In the summer, when the décolleté area is almost always open, acne appears due to street dust entering the dermis, followed by clogging of the pores.
5. Acne on the back - the main causes of such rashes include liver disease, wearing synthetic clothing, excessive sweating in combination with the active work of the sebaceous glands.
6. Acne on the stomach and butt is extremely rare. Typically, the causes of rashes in this area include all of the above factors, as well as hypothermia, allergic reactions and wearing tight clothing, due to which only a small air flow is possible.

Acne during pregnancy: who to expect, a boy or a girl?

There is a belief that acne is the surest sign of impending conception. They even predicted the gender of the unborn child by their location.

Acne on the face - boy or girl?

If the rashes were localized in large numbers on the chest and face, then the woman should have given birth to a girl. If a pregnant woman had a slight acne, then she was supposed to become the mother of a beautiful boy.

Is it really? There is no scientific confirmation of this belief. So decide for yourself whether to believe it or not.

When to see a doctor

Acne during pregnancy is a cosmetic problem, the treatment of which should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. This is due to the fact that an incorrectly selected drug or remedy can negatively affect the course of pregnancy.

If rashes appear during pregnancy and go away after some time, then you can do without a visit to the doctor. But in certain cases, going to him cannot be postponed, namely:

1. inflammatory processes have formed;
2. the rash has spread throughout the body;
3. acne appeared on the stomach;
4. acne appeared on the genitals;
5. a rash has formed on the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose and eyelids;
6. The rashes do not go away for a long time, but only increase.

It is not advisable to self-medicate in these cases, as this can provoke even greater complications and longer therapy.

Treatment

How to deal with acne during pregnancy, especially if it occurs in the first trimester? After all, taking and using medications in the early stages often leads to various complications during pregnancy and the condition of the fetus.

To solve the problem, you can use traditional and folk medicine, but only after the doctor’s permission. Which ones exactly? We will talk about this further.

Anti-acne cosmetics

Pharmacies and cosmetic stores offer a wide range of products that help get rid of acne. Before purchasing them, be sure to read the instructions, it should indicate the possibility of use during pregnancy.

Pregnant women are prohibited from using products (ointments, creams, gels, etc.) that contain:

1. peroxides;
2. isotretinoin;
3. retinoids;
4. alpha acids;
5. salicylic acid;
6. antibiotics;
7. benzene.

Cosmetics containing Accutane and Roaccutane are also prohibited. The use of products with such substances can cause the development of fetal organ defects. While carrying a child, chemical and laser peelings and phototherapy should not be performed. Mechanical cleansing and the use of scrubs can lead to very unexpected consequences, and bergamot and soybean oil will only emphasize pigmentation.

You can treat acne with medications during pregnancy after your doctor’s permission.

The following drugs can be used for cosmetics, but only after permission from a doctor:

1. Skinoren is effective in the treatment of acne and pimples. Can be used to treat the skin on the abdomen. The gel is applied in a thin layer to the area affected by the rash, avoiding the mouth and eye area. If pimples are loosely located, they can be spot-treated. If itching or burning occurs, the product should be washed off immediately. The cost of the drug is from 800 rubles.
2. Regetsin - produced in the form of a gel, contains zinc, which has healing properties and copes well with inflammation. For prevention, it is enough to use the product 2 times a week. During therapy, the drug is applied twice a day to the affected area of ​​the skin. Before application, you should thoroughly clean the dermis of dirt and cosmetics. The duration of use will be determined by the doctor, but it should not exceed 60 days. The effect of use is noticeable only after a few weeks. The average cost of the gel is from 250 rubles.
3. Zinc ointment is an effective and inexpensive remedy that has anti-inflammatory and adsorbent effects and accelerates the healing process. After application to the surface of the skin, the product does not penetrate into the general bloodstream, but has only a local effect. You can apply a thin layer of ointment up to 4 times a day to the affected areas of the skin. The best therapeutic effect is manifested when applying the product to the steamed dermis. Prolonged use of the product is prohibited, as it is addictive. Cost - from 20 rubles per tube.
4. Zinerit - a product that copes well with acne. It is applied to a clean area of ​​skin in a thin layer up to 2 times a day, waiting until it dries completely. The full therapeutic course is up to 12 weeks. The result is not noticeable immediately, but only after several weeks of use. Price - from 550 rub.

Folk remedies

Not only traditional medicine can effectively cope with rashes during pregnancy, but also folk medicine. She offers many accessible and inexpensive remedies for cosmetic problems.

For example, the simplest method is to use pumpkin. To do this, cut off a small piece of raw pumpkin, after which it is used to wipe the affected areas of the dermis. It is important that the cut is fresh and juice comes out of it. After some time, the rash goes away.

Below we will talk about the basic recipes for preparing medicinal products that will help cope with a cosmetic problem.

Honey-cinnamon mask

Ingredients:

1. honey - 20 g;
2. cinnamon powder - 20 g.

How to cook: Combine products, mix.

How to use: Apply the mask at night. Cleanse your face and body of cosmetics and impurities. Distribute the composition pointwise over the affected area. Rinse off with warm water in the morning.

Decoction with chamomile and calendula

Ingredients:

1. calendula - 1 tsp;
2. chamomile - 1 tsp;
3. water - 250 ml.

How to cook: Brew the herbs with boiling water.

How to use: After a quarter of an hour, treat the affected areas of the skin with the decoction. If you wish, you can wash your face with the decoction and apply the remaining herbs to the dermis as a mask.

Mask with honey and mumiyo

Ingredients:

1. mumiyo - 2 tsp;
2. liquid honey - 2 tsp;
3. water - 20 ml.

How to cook: The recipe uses boiled water. Combine the heated honey with the rest of the products and mix.

How to use: Once a day, apply the prepared mixture to clean skin. After 25-30 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Apple-horseradish mixture

Ingredients:

How to cook: Grate the food.

How to use: Apply the resulting composition to the affected dermis. After half an hour, remove.

Proper nutrition is the key to beautiful skin

Prevention

Preventing the development of rashes during pregnancy is easier than coping with the consequences of such a condition. For this:

1. Visit your doctor regularly.
2. Eat healthy and balanced. Focus on fresh vegetables and fruits, try to completely eliminate baked goods, flour and sweet products.
3. Maintain drinking regime. Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day without gases. Fruit drinks and freshly squeezed juices are also allowed.
4. Change bedding and bath items regularly.
5. Give preference to things made from natural fabrics: linen, cotton.
6. Swim daily; in summer, you can shower several times a day. Use a suitable shower gel that cleanses the skin well and does not cause irritation.
7. If you are suffering from constipation, then try to improve your bowel movements. To do this, include fresh fermented milk drinks and foods in your diet.

Following these simple rules will allow you to minimize the risk of acne on your body during pregnancy.

Reviews

We invite you to read reviews from pregnant women and women in labor about what products they used in the fight for clear skin.

Vasilisa, 36 years old

My mother developed acne while pregnant with me. Unfortunately, the same fate befell me when I was expecting a child. I used zinc ointment for treatment.

Miroslava, 31 years old

Acne is a problem that affected me during pregnancy. I tried everything: I played sports and used folk remedies, nothing helped. Only when I changed my diet did the acne go away.

Alexandra, 29 years old

My pregnancy was easy, it was only marred by acne, which appeared and disappeared. And this was the case for all 9 months. The problem went away on its own after giving birth. It turned out that the rashes were caused by hormonal changes.

Remember, rashes on the skin and genitals can only be treated under the supervision of a specialist; self-medication is unacceptable. Follow good personal hygiene, eat right, and you may not get acne.

Video: Skin care during pregnancy