During pregnancy there are a series of hormonal changes that affect the skin of women. One of the consequences may be the appearance of acne during pregnancy, or the intensification of this skin imbalance during those months.
The granites appear mainly on the face, but it is also possible that they make a presence in the chest, shoulders, back ... Anyone can suffer from it, but women who have suffered from acne during their menstrual periods are the most likely to experience this acne outbreak during pregnancy.
Among the most frequent changes of the skin during pregnancy is the appearance or accentuation of acne in the first trimester of pregnancy, although in certain cases the appearance of the skin may also improve. Fortunately, this skin disorder usually disappears shortly after birth.
Why acne occurs
Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that is caused by a bacterial infection. It is due to changes in the pilosebaceous units, the skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and the associated sebaceous gland.
What happens is that the sebaceous glands produce excessive secretions that, combined with dead skin cells, block the hair follicle. Under the clogged pore occur fat secretions that provide a perfect environment for epidermal bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which produces an infection in the pore that will excrete pus, causing acne to multiply.
In response, the skin becomes inflamed causing the visible lesion. These skin pimples affect a large number of human beings at some point in their life, such as during pregnancy.
Caution with acne treatments
Although there are certain medicines and cosmetics to fight acneYou should not use any treatment before consulting with the doctor, as they could be harmful to the health of the fetus and even favor other skin disorders in the future mother, such as chloasma.
There are medications that should definitely be avoided, such as Tetracyclines (an oral antibiotic that has been associated with poor bone growth and tooth discoloration), Salicylic Acid (an extremely common ingredient in almost all over-the-counter acne medications ), Tretinon (which is sold under the Retin-A brand), Isotrentinoina (which is sold under the Accutane brand)…
The use of some of these components or medications during pregnancy has been associated with birth defects, spontaneous abortions and infant death, so do not take it lightly: we always consult the doctor before any treatment. And, as they say, better safe than sorry. We see it below.
Tips to prevent acne during pregnancy
However, there are certain recommendations that we can follow to help keep your face free of pimples, or improve its appearance and prevent the appearance of other skin problems.
Wash your face and skin areas that may be most affected. The accumulation of dead skin cells is one of the causes of acne, so we must keep the skin clean. Two good washes are essential, in the morning and before bedtime, with an oil-free cleansing soap to avoid raising the fatty level of the skin.
In relation to the previous point, you have to remove make-up before going to sleep. Embedded impurities and clogged pores for many hours, at night when the skin is able to oxygenate better, is harmful.
However, as far as possible it is necessary to dispense with makeup that clogs the pores of the complexion during the day. In any case it is convenient to use moisturizer and makeup suitable for oily skin.
The sunscreen we use during pregnancy should be specific for sensitive skin and that does not contain PABA (paraaminobenzoic acid, a substance that should be avoided in photoprotective products for pregnant women and infants).
Drink a lot of water It is essential to maintain proper hydration during pregnancy, essential for the health of the mother and the fetus, and minimize skin problems.
Do not touch the pimples because it worsens their appearance, we could spread the bacteria that causes them and can become infected. Some people resort to that "vice" due to nerves, stress, anxiety ... which can be frequent in pregnancy, but they are states that we should avoid, using relaxation techniques for example, or exercising ... Also, let's think that stress is One of the possible causes of acne, and that is also not beneficial for the baby.
In short, proper hydration and special facial skin care will help control acne during pregnancy. In addition, let's think that in a few months it is likely that the state of the skin returns to its usual state, except for some other dark circles that will already have a different motive ...
Photos | geishaboy500 and Drongowski on Flickr-CC In Jared Beauty | Skin spots, Skin disorders: acne In Babies and more | Pregnant beauty
