Acne

Pregnancy Acne: What Are the Causes & How To Treat It

Pregnancy isn't all guilt-free burgers and foot rubs from your SO. Many people experience acne during pregnancy, even if they enjoyed clear skin before their little bundle of joy was on its way. Fortunately, the sudden onslaught of blemishes is completely normal and can be treated simply at home!

Why Does Pregnancy Cause Acne?

Pregnancy and acne often go hand in swollen hand, and here's why: During pregnancy, your androgens increase. Androgens are hormones that tell your body to produce sebum, a natural oil found in your skin glands. The more androgens, the more sebum production! The more sebum production, the more oil to clog your pores and kickstart a pimple party on your unsuspecting chin.

Does Pregnancy Acne Last All 9 Months?

It shouldn't. Your androgens go into overdrive during your first trimester. After that, they cool down — and the breakouts likely will too. The good news is that if you don't face a surge of acne during your first trimester, you're unlikely to face one in your second or third trimesters. The bad news is if you usually experience a breakout before or during your period every month, you're more likely to develop pregnancy acne.

What's the Best Way To Get Rid of Pregnancy Acne?

Blemishes are a bummer, but they don't have to ruin your first trimester! (You can leave that to morning sickness.) Here's how to get rid of pregnancy acne:
  1. Wash your face. The best way to prevent acne is to keep your skin clean. That said, you don't want to overdo it. Overwashing your face — either by cleansing several times a day or by scrubbing extra-hard — can strip your skin of moisture, which actually fools your skin glands into thinking they need to produce even more sebum to make up for it.  Instead of breaking out the industrial-strength soap and bristle brush, opt for a gentle face wash with natural ingredients. Cleanse your skin twice a day as part of your morning and pre-bed routines.
  1. Don't skip your moisturizer. While adding more moisture to your already oily skin may seem counterintuitive, it's not! Using a light moisturizer designed specifically for the sensitive skin of your face and décolletage can help reduce irritation and keep your moisture levels in check.
  1. Eat right. Packing your plate with complexion-boosting foods such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can do wonders for your skin even if you're not pregnant. Avoid zit-fueling foods such as saturated fats and refined sugars, and make sure to stay well hydrated. Shoot for 2 liters of H2O per day to flush toxins and give your skin that healthy glow.
  1. Read the label. Slathering your skin in harsh or oil-filled products with ingredients you can't pronounce can aggravate your skin immensely. Instead, opt for an organic acne treatment that contains clean, recognizable, naturally occurring acne fighters such as rosehip, lavender, and black cumin seed.
The best acne treatment during pregnancy is one that not only minimizes your pores, soothes inflammation, and keeps oil in check, but also leaves you feeling confident that you're using products that are healthy for both you and your baby! Follow a clean, gentle skincare routine, and let your pores be the one thing that doesn't get bigger during pregnancy. <3