Tips for healthy skin during pregnancy in spite of acne problem
*Pregnant women should get enough sleep to look refreshed and to keep the skin healthy and fewer wrinkles prone.
*Pregnant women should clean face using a gentle cleanser and light moisturizer. An oil-absorbing micro-fiber cloth can be used while washing the face.
*Facials can help improve acne and can help stimulate circulation in the skin.
*Pregnant women should moisturize lightly with a light, water-based lubricant to prevent pores from clogging.
*Pregnant women should take extra care not to rub near the outbreak as it can smear the bacteria and result in more zits.
*Daily exercise increases the blood circulation flow thus helps the skin to tone and become healthy.
Herbal Remedies for Acne Treatment During Pregnancy
There are some herbal remedies for acne treatment during pregnancy, but it is advised to consult a doctor before using these. These remedies for acne treatment during pregnancy include application of following products on the affected areas:
- Ripe tomato pulp
- Strawberry leaves
- Lemon juice with rose water in an equal proportion
- Mint juice with turmeric powder
- Grated potato
- Aloe Vera juice
- Cucumber paste
- Mixture of 3 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- Lemon juice with finely grounded cinnamon powder.
Special Diet for Acne Treatment During Pregnancy
A pregnancy plan for acne treatment during pregnancy should include eating more fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods. Alcohol must be avoided entirely. Reducing the intake of sugar, salt, and greasy foods also helps in acne cure. Although the use of vitamin A is restricted in pregnant women due to birth defect risks, a multi-tablet of vitamin B is used as a standard supplement for acne treatment during pregnancy. This vitamin is very good for the skin and is included in programs for acne treatment during pregnancy. For safe acne treatment during pregnancy, doctors recommend limiting vitamin A supplements to 10,000 I.U. per day or less. Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
Chromium helps to reduce skin infection rates by breaking down sugars that induce acne. Studies indicate that zinc may be an effective treatment for inflammatory acne, heals damaged skin, and is necessary in pregnant women.
Medications Safe for Acne Treatment During Pregnancy
When choosing over-the-counter medicated acne cleansers and treatments, it is advised to consult with the health care provider. There are products that contain benzoyl peroxide, which have been recommended safe for pregnant women to use. However, there are over-the-counter medications that should be avoided for acne treatment during pregnancy such as products containing salicylic acids.
Topical acne medication made with azelaic acid, clindamycin, and sodium sulfacetamide have been deemed safe for use by pregnant women. Erythromycin is another valuable medication for acne treatment during pregnancy and is available in both gel and liquid solution forms. Oral medication must not be taken for acne treatment during pregnancy, and only creams must be used. Other acne medications considered safe for pregnant mothers include oral contraceptive pills.
Medications Unsafe for Acne Treatment During Pregnancy
Acne medications to avoid during pregnancy include topical and oral retinoids, various antibiotics, and other prescription medicines.
Topical retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene are derived from Vitamin A and should be avoided in pregnant women due to the risk of causing birth defects. Oral retinoinds like isotretinoin (accutane, roaccutane) are extremely dangerous and should be avoided like the plague for acne treatment during pregnancy. Isotretinoin is commonly used to treat cystic acne. It is banned during pregnancy because it causes malformations to the fetus. Besides a slew of fetal defects, this drug increases the chance of miscarriage and infant death.
Oral antibiotics are generally not safe medication during pregnancy, with the exception of oral erythromycin. Tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline are oral antibiotics that are frequently prescribed for acne treatment. However, they should be avoided for acne treatment during pregnancy because of the risk of interfering with bone growth in fetuses and discoloration of permanent teeth.
Sodium sulfacetamide is a topical anti-infective medication for acne treatment during pregnancy. If taken orally it can affect the fetus. Anti-androgens are also considered unsafe for acne treatment during pregnancy as they may cause birth defects.
