You’ve probably always heard that pregnant women have a “glow” that is said to include wonderfully clear skin. So who expects when pregnant to suddenly have an outbreak of acne? It can be very surprising if you’re not expecting it, but it’s actually quite normal.

During pregnancy acne often appears; this is mainly because of the incredible hormonal changes that the body is going through. It is not a sign that anything is going wrong with the pregnancy; quite the opposite in fact, as it just means you hormones are doing what they’re supposed to do, if a little overenthusiastically.

What to Do About Pregnancy Acne

What’s great about pregnancy acne is that it will nearly always just go away on its own. Most of the time it only lasts for the second trimester, and by the third it disappears by itself, leaving you with the healthy glow you were expecting. However, there are a few things you can do to help, and some things you should know to avoid in order to keep you and your baby safe.

The best plan to deal with acne is to simply eat a proper diet, including all the vitamins and mineral you need. It’s more important than ever when you’re pregnant, as you’re responsible for supplying not only your own nutrients but that of your child. Drinking enough water will also help your body naturally deal with the acne on its own. Wash your face twice a day with warm water and a gentle face wash, and rinse with cool water. Always pat dry; don’t be rough or you make the acne worse.

During pregnancy acne medications are NOT recommended, as many of them can be harmful or even deadly to the fetus, as well as damaging to a pregnant woman. It’s probably all right to use regular over-the-counter acne creams, gels, and washes, but if you have any allergies, read the ingredients carefully.

Even in pregnancy acne can sometimes actually be a symptom of an illness, or simply a reaction or sensitivity to something like a new brand of laundry detergent. If your pregnancy acne seems very severe, ask your doctor to test you for allergies, which can sometimes manifest themselves during pregnancy. Most obstetricians and gynecologists will see many cases of pregnancy acne and will be able to recognize the symptoms and instruct you as to the best course of action in your individual case.

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