How to Avoid Pregnancy Acne

During pregnancy, women are more prone to acne. Pregnancy acne is the worst of all forms of acne, as androgen secretion in women is at its peak during this time. Excessive secretion of androgen enlarges the sebaceous glands in the women, triggering formation of sebum. The sebum, in turn, combines with the first layer of the skin cells, that lies just beneath the skin (lining hair follicles), and blocks all the pores. Such an environment is a breeding ground for bacteria, enabling their rapid multiplication. All this eventually causes inflammation, leading to acne. Inflammation of the skin is marked by redness around the whiteheads or blackheads, which when rubbed with dirty hands, can spread to the neighboring areas.

Some Dos and Don'ts

Pregnancy acne is inevitable, because the androgen levels are at their worst in this stage. Its severity could however differ, depending on the skin type of the prospective mother. There is no way the women can avoid the problem, but following the tips, given below, could limit blemishes to a great extent:

• Wash the affected area with a mild cleanser or soap at least twice a day. If you use a moisturizer, ensure that it is oil-free and of a good brand.
• Do not scrub your skin with a washcloth, as that can worsen the problems. Wash gently using hands only.
• After you have washed your skin, pat it dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing it harshly, as that may turn your skin raw.
• Don't rub, squeeze, or pop pimples. Pricking them could actually lead to scarring, leaving permanent marks on your face.
• As far as possible avoid make-up if your skin has too many blemishes. However, if you have to use cosmetics, use water-based products, instead of oil-based ones. Check out for cosmetics labeled 'noncomedogenic', as they are unlikely to clog pores of your skin. Always, remove your make-up using a good cleanser and face wash, before going to bed.
• If pregnancy acne persists, it is better if you see a dermatologist. It is better to use over-the-counter (OTC) medication, because some of their ingredients could react negatively at the time of pregnancy.
• The dermatologist may perform comedo extraction on you, which involves anesthetizing the affected area with a suitable cream, and then opening up of the pimple to pluck out its inner plug.
• Under all circumstances avoid taking an oral prescription of drug Isotretinoin (Accutane), as it could cause birth defects. Also avoid taking topical Tretinoin such as Retin-A. Antibiotic creams with Erythromycin are totally safe, but not those with Tetracycline.