Acne in pregnancy

Most acne breakouts in pregnant women occur during the first three months of the pregnancy while hormone levels are increasing, causing increased oil production in you skin which causes acne flare-ups. By the second trimester the acne begins to clear up.

There are several acne treatments that are safe for pregnant women, some of them natural and or homemade. There are others that are manufactured which also have been deemed safe for use during pregnancy.

Of course there are some that are not to be used during pregnancy. Before we discuss any of these products remember that before you use any acne treatment consult with your obstetrician.

Benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient in some over the counter acne treatments, has been tested and deemed safe for use by pregnant women.

The first step to preventing acne is to keep the skin clean. Reduce your consumption of sugar and soda. Also, drink plenty of water. Water improves circulation, which will help flush toxins from the skin. Drinking water is important for you, the baby and the production of amniotic fluid. The benefits to your skin are a bonus.

Epsom salts can be used for face and body acne. Just pour a cup of epsom salt in the tub to exfoliate your skin. It can also relieve aches and pains. Some people get boils, bartholin's cysts and infected hair bumps on other parts of their body, and taking an epsom bath and using some of the products listed below on other parts of the body can be soothing.
When bathing, the magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is absorbed through the skin and is natural way to treat skin problems. Epsom salt is a great exfoliator, and is useful to remove dead skin cells so that the pores have less of a chance of being clogged. Epsom salts soften skin, leave no residue, and don't dry the skin. Exfoliation is great to decrease the depth of the fresh scar, and stimulation of collagen and elastin to promote a healthier structure and appearance in new skin growth. Daily exfoliation is an effective way to fade fresh acne scars cheaply at home. This is easy to do.

For those who require a prescription to control their acne, topical erythromycin or clindamycin can be discussed with your obstetrician.

I have listed below some products that might offer some additional benefit.