{ 5 } Safe Acne Treatments During Pregnancy-Yes Please!

When we are pregnant and during our postpartum months there are usually a few changes with our bodies that surprise us.

With postpartum hair loss, hormone fluctuation and maybe a little sprinkle when we sneeze, not every change is a welcomed one!

Pregnancy acne is a common complaint that isn't something we are typically feeling sentimental about as a rite of passage into parenthood. This is understandable as breakouts can bring discomfort or be painful because of the nature of a pimple. The pores clogged with more of that oily, waxy substance, sebum, is our breakouts culprit.

So, why does this happen during pregnancy and postpartum?

Typically if you are prone to breakouts during your menstrual cycle, you may be more likely to experience some acne during your pregnancy. During this time, there is an increase in androgen hormones that causes our sweat glands to grow which in turn, allows them to produce more sebum. This is most common during the first and second trimester.

Not every situation is one we can avoid. But there are ways to try and reduce breakouts and we want to share them with you! We are especially excited about these 5 remedies because they are safe during pregnancy and you can find them in your kitchen!

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Make a little mixture of 1 part ACV and 3 parts water, soak a cotton ball in your mix and apply to your face. ACV enhances enzymes and absorbs excess oil. It's important that you dilute the ACV as it can be a skin irritant otherwise. *If your skin gets excessively dry, discontinue use.*

2. Coconut Oil: If you typically have skin that is more on the dry side, try applying coconut oil as a moisturizer before bed. This oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The reason moisturizing can be helpful with breakouts is because when our skin is too dry our sweat glands feel the need to produce, produce, produce causing more oil build up in our pores. Some coconut oil may level things out.

3. Honey: Rinse your face with warm (not hot!) water and apply a thin layer of honey. Let its antibacterial properties cleanse your pores while the antiseptic works its soothing magic.

4. Lemon & Lime: Rinse your face and cut you a couple slices of some citrus fruits. Apply to your skin for 20/30 minutes then rinse again. The properties in the citrus fruit help to unclog pores as it works as a gentle exfoliant, while also adding in some antibacterial assistance.

5. Baking Soda: While this household ingredient is not recommended for an all-over-your-face paste because it can irritate and remove some important protective oils, it is helpful for spot treatments. You can make a paste, apply, let dry and then rinse off!

We hope some of these are helpful! If anything, we also want to normalize the reason behind some of these postpartum and pregnancy woes that can have us stressed about our skin! As Postpartum and Infant Care Doulas we use our knowledge to help clients navigate what is normal during this very special time.

BONUS TIPS!

-Change your pillowcase regularly

-Avoid touching your face

-Use oil free makeup

-Wash and treat your face before bed