What to do: acne when pregnant

More than one out of every two pregnant women can expect to develop acne. The primary cause is an overproduction of oil (sebum) because of increased hormone levels in the first trimester. In some cases, it can be severe, but can most often be treated with self-care and medication.

If you have acne during pregnancy, the first step is self-care:

• Wash the affected areas with a gentle cleanser. Use your hands to wash twice a day with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid excessive washing and scrubbing as this can irritate the skin.
• Don’t pick or squeeze blemishes. This can cause infection or scarring.
• Avoid irritants. Don’t use greasy or oily cosmetics, hair products or acne concealers. Look for products labelled water-based or noncomedogenic.
• Be vigilant. Sweat and oils can contribute to acne, so avoid resting your hands or objects on your face, and keep your hair clean by shampooing regularly.

If these treatments do not work, medication is available. However, you should always check with your GP that the treatment will not impact your pregnancy.

If you want to steer away from acne medications during pregnancy, there are a number of all-natural remedies that may help ease your acne:

• Apple cider vinegar. Mix one part raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to three parts distilled water. Soak a cotton ball with the mixture and apply to your skin to absorb the oil.
• Baking soda. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of water. Apply to individual pimples and allow the mixture to dry before washing it off.
• Citrus fruit. Squeeze the juice from a lemon or lime and apply directly to your spots with a cotton ball. Leave for ten minutes before rinsing with cool water.
• Honey. Rinse your face with warm water, then apply honey directly to the affected area. Leave for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing again.
• Coconut oil. Apply virgin coconut oil instead of moisturiser before going to sleep.
• Oatmeal and cucumber. This guide shows you the necessary steps to create a simple, homemade face mask.

Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to avoid acne when pregnant. However, regular self-care can reduce the risk.