- During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormones tend to yo-yo. This can cause pores to produce larger amounts of oil than normal, increasing the chances for acne. Keeping your skin clean by washing your face and neck with a mild cleanser at least twice daily can help reduce the amount of oil on the surface. As your hormones become more regulated, you may find the acne is clearing up on its own gradually. However, it is very important to continue your daily cleansing regimen to help prevent future breakouts.
- Many times, the food you eat can have a negative effect on your skin. If your diet includes eating fried, greasy foods, you may have more frequent breakouts, especially around your mouth and chin area. Choosing foods that are high in antioxidants--such as strawberries, salmon, cantaloupe and dark green vegetables--can help keep skin clear and pimple-free. Be sure to also drink water frequently throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and help decrease the production of oil.
- Just as your body needs rest to function properly, so does your skin. Pregnancy can be a time when you may not get adequate rest due to various changes that are taking place in your body. If sleeping during the night has become difficult, try taking frequent naps during the day. This can be relaxing to both your body and skin and may help reduce acne breakouts.
- If proper cleansing, diet and additional rest do not help relieve the symptoms of acne, there are a wide variety of over-the-counter acne medications available. However, many of these may contain harsh ingredients that could be harmful to your baby. It is always best to consult a dermatologist before using any over-the-counter acne medications during pregnancy. The dermatologist may recommend one, or give you a prescription medication that will be a safer alternative.
