Safe Ways to Overcome Acne During Pregnancy

In the first three months of pregnancy, pregnant women (pregnant women) will experience an increase in hormones in the body. This can trigger acne on the face. Pregnant women do not need to fret if they experience this, because there are safe ways that can be done to get rid of acne on the face.

Increased androgen hormones are responsible for acne on the face of pregnant women. This hormone can stimulate the skin to produce more oil called sebum. Acne can appear when sebum mixes with dead skin cells. This meeting can close the skin pores and trigger bacteria to grow quickly.

Acne Medication that is Safe for Pregnant Women

Some types of drugs can affect the womb and fetus, including acne medications. So, pregnant women are advised to use acne medication with caution to avoid the risk of having a baby with birth defects.

There are several types of substances in acne medications that are safe and still possible to be used by pregnant women, namely: azelaic acid, erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, glycolic acid. The absorption rate of these five substances is only about 5 percent, so it is believed that it will not affect the fetus. However, the dose and concentration of each drug must be in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.

Pregnant women also have to be careful because many acne medications have not been tested for safety for use by pregnant women. For this reason, pregnant women are recommended to consult a doctor first before deciding to use acne medication.

Acne Medications Pregnant Women Should Avoid

To prevent harmful side effects on the fetus, pregnant women must avoid the following types of drugs:

• Isotretinoin

  Avoid using isotretinoin-based acne medications during pregnancy. Because, drugs with this material are at risk of causing defects in the fetus.

• Salicylic acid

  Pregnant women need to be more vigilant when choosing acne medications, because these substances are found in many over-the-counter acne medications.

• Tetracyclin

  Tetracyclines can inhibit fetal bone growth and permanently change the color of their teeth. This class of drugs is an antibiotic, including tetracycline and doxycycline.

• Retinoids

  Retinoids, including tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. The absorption rate of this substance into the skin is relatively low. Even so, it is still feared that it could increase the risk of the baby being born with defects.

Back to Natural Ingredients

If pregnant women are worried that the use of chemical-based acne medications can affect the fetus, the following natural ingredients can be used as options:

• Baking soda

  To cure acne with baking soda, pregnant women can make it by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply it on the pimple and allow it to dry before washing it off.

• Lemon

  Lemon contains substances alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). When applied topically, this substance can remove dead skin cells and help open clogged pores. Pregnant women just dip a cotton swab in lemon juice, then apply it on the pimple, let it dry, then rinse with cold water.

• Honey

  Honey can soothe the skin. It also contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties. To feel the benefits, pregnant women must wash their face with warm water, then apply honey to the desired area. Let stand for 30 minutes then rinse with warm water.

• Pure coconut oil

  This oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help treat acne. In addition, coconut oil can also soothe the skin. Coconut oil is better than a moisturizer before bed.

In addition to the things above, pregnant women are also required to pay attention to several ways to take care of their face during pregnancy, such as cleaning their face properly so they don't break out. However, don't over-wash your face, just twice a day is enough. Pregnant women should use a mild soap or facial cleanser, and do not use a towel to rub the skin. Avoid the habit of touching or squeezing pimples to avoid irritation and make acne worse.