12 Best Tips to Fight Acne in Pregnancy

Fight acne in pregnancy: Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but hormonal changes can often trigger unexpected skin issues, including acne. Learning how to fight acne in pregnancy requires a tailored approach, as your skin may be more sensitive, and not all treatments are safe during this special period. Here are 12 effective and safe tips to help you maintain clear skin and keep acne at bay while expecting.

1. Understand the Cause of Acne in Pregnancy

The first step to fight acne in pregnancy is understanding why it happens. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, increase the production of sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores and cause breakouts.

The increased levels of androgens stimulate your skin’s oil glands, making them more active than usual. This excess oil combines with dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and even inflamed cystic acne. Recognizing that pregnancy acne is hormonal in nature can help you manage your expectations and choose suitable skincare products.

Understanding the cause also helps you stay patient. Acne caused by pregnancy hormones will likely subside after childbirth or once hormone levels stabilize, so your goal is to control it safely rather than eliminate it entirely.

2. Choose Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products

One of the most crucial steps to fight acne in pregnancy is to use pregnancy-safe skincare products. Many over-the-counter acne treatments contain ingredients that are not recommended during pregnancy, such as retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.

Instead, look for products that contain natural ingredients like azelaic acid or sulfur, which are considered safe and effective for pregnant women. These ingredients help reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and fight bacteria without harming your baby.

Additionally, avoid harsh cleansers and toners that strip your skin of natural oils. Instead, opt for gentle, hydrating products that support your skin barrier. Always consult your healthcare provider before introducing new skincare products into your routine.

3. Maintain a Consistent Cleansing Routine

A consistent cleansing routine is essential to fight acne in pregnancy. Washing your face twice a day helps remove excess oil, sweat, and impurities that can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Choose a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser that is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. Using a mild cleanser will prevent irritation, which can make acne worse. Over-cleansing or using abrasive scrubs can damage your skin barrier, so stick to a simple routine.

If your skin feels dry after cleansing, follow up with a pregnancy-safe moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and balanced. Consistency is key to keeping your skin clear throughout pregnancy.

4. Avoid Touching Your Face

Touching your face throughout the day can transfer bacteria and oil from your hands to your skin, increasing the risk of breakouts. One of the easiest ways to fight acne in pregnancy is to break the habit of face-touching.

Your hands come into contact with various surfaces, picking up dirt, bacteria, and oils that can cause irritation when transferred to your face. Even resting your chin on your hands can clog pores and cause pimples.

Be mindful of how often you touch your face and practice keeping your hands away from your skin. This simple change can have a significant impact on preventing pregnancy-related acne.

5. Keep Your Hair and Pillowcases Clean

Keeping your hair and pillowcases clean is an underrated but essential tip to fight acne in pregnancy. Hair products, sweat, and oils from your scalp can transfer onto your face, clogging pores and causing breakouts.

Make sure to wash your hair regularly and avoid heavy, greasy hair products that can worsen acne. Additionally, change your pillowcases frequently to minimize the transfer of bacteria and oil to your skin while you sleep.

This small step ensures that your face remains in a clean environment overnight, reducing the likelihood of waking up with new blemishes. It’s a simple yet effective habit for preventing pregnancy acne.

6. Stay Hydrated to Support Skin Health

Drinking plenty of water is a vital tip to fight acne in pregnancy. Staying hydrated helps your body flush out toxins and keeps your skin moisturized from within.

When your skin is hydrated, it’s less likely to produce excess oil to compensate for dryness. Proper hydration also supports your skin’s natural healing process, helping to reduce inflammation and promote a clearer complexion.

Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. You can also boost hydration by eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens, which contribute to overall skin health.

7. Avoid Harsh Exfoliation

While exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, it’s important to avoid harsh scrubs during pregnancy. Gentle exfoliation is a safer way to fight acne in pregnancy without irritating sensitive skin.

Look for chemical exfoliants that are pregnancy-safe, like lactic acid or glycolic acid at low concentrations. These exfoliants help brighten your skin and reduce acne without causing irritation.

Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliating, which can damage your skin barrier and worsen acne. A gentle approach will keep your skin smooth and clear throughout your pregnancy.

8. Use Sunscreen Daily

Sun protection is crucial to fight acne in pregnancy and prevent post-acne marks from darkening. Exposure to the sun can worsen hyperpigmentation, especially if you’re dealing with pregnancy-related melasma or acne scars.

Choose a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are safer options for pregnant women, as they sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays.

Wearing sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, helps protect your skin from UV damage, reduce inflammation, and prevent acne marks from becoming permanent scars.

9. Manage Stress Levels

Stress can trigger breakouts, so managing your stress is an important step to fight acne in pregnancy. Hormonal changes are already affecting your skin, and added stress can make things worse by increasing cortisol levels.

Practice stress-reducing activities like prenatal yoga, meditation, or light walks to keep your mind and body calm. Deep breathing exercises can also help you relax and lower stress levels, promoting healthier skin.

A calm mind contributes to a clear complexion. By managing stress, you reduce the risk of hormonal imbalances that can lead to acne flare-ups during pregnancy.

10. Avoid Picking or Squeezing Pimples

It’s tempting to pick at blemishes, but one of the best ways to fight acne in pregnancy is to avoid touching or squeezing your pimples. Picking at acne can cause inflammation, scarring, and spread bacteria, making breakouts worse.

Instead, use spot treatments with pregnancy-safe ingredients, like tea tree oil or aloe vera, to reduce the size and redness of pimples without damaging your skin. These natural treatments help heal breakouts gently and effectively.

Remember, patience is key. Allow your skin to heal naturally to avoid long-term damage, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring.

11. Consult a Dermatologist for Safe Treatments

If your pregnancy acne is severe, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice on how to fight acne in pregnancy safely. A skincare professional can recommend treatments that are both effective and safe for you and your baby.

Some dermatologists may suggest azelaic acid or topical antibiotics, which are considered safe for pregnant women. They can also provide guidance on lifestyle changes and skincare routines tailored to your specific needs.

Consulting a professional ensures you’re using the right products and techniques to manage pregnancy acne effectively without compromising your health or your baby’s well-being.

Conclusion

Managing acne during pregnancy requires a mindful approach to ensure safety for both you and your baby. By following these tips to fight acne in pregnancy, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin without resorting to harsh treatments. Embrace gentle, pregnancy-safe solutions, stay consistent with your skincare routine, and remember that this phase is temporary. With the right care, you can achieve beautiful, radiant skin throughout your pregnancy journey.

Expert recommendation

Organic Series Fight Acne in Pregnancy Serum

Benefits

Intensive antibacterial properties.
Regulates sebum production.
Reduces pores visibility.
Soothes inflammatory lumps.
Leaves skin looking radiant, smooth, regenerated and perfectly moisturised.
Alleviates redness, irritation and inflammation.
Acne treatment for teens.

How to use

Acne treatment for teens: After cleansing and toning the skin, apply one dose of the organic acne serum to the face and neck. Massage gently in circular motions until completely absorbed. Use regularly with Organic Series Acne Control Cream. Acne treatment for teens!

Active ingredients

Glycerine – moisturises
MG – 60 Corn Syrup – moisturises strongly, improves firmness and flexibility, soothes irritation.
Trehalose – strongly moisturises, protects the skin from harmful external factors.
Canadian Willowherb – normalises the sebaceous glands by inhibiting 5-α-reductase enzyme and Propionibacterium acnes activity. Has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothing and alleviating effects.
Green Tea Extract – shows antiradical, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, anti-aging effects, reduces the formation of erythema.
Sodium PCA – the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid – moisturises, reduces transepidermal water loss TEWL. Occurs in the skin as a component of natural moisturiser.
Tazman Pepper – has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces swelling, soothes, relieves itching and burning. Regenerates, has anti-allergic, antibacterial effects, neutralizes free radicals, strengthens blood vessels.
Oliglycan – prevents the formation of acne, regulates the sebaceous glands and the amount of sebum secreted. Remineralises the skin, shows antibacterial and disinfectant effects. Anti-inflammatory, neutralises free radicals, regenerates, moisturises, firms.
Copper PCA – copper pyroglutamate – stimulates collagen synthesis, regenerates. Prevents scars, has slightly exfoliating properties, moisturises, smoothens, firms.
Zinc PCA – has anti-aging, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Regulates the amount of sebum, soothes acne conditions.

Ingredients

Aqua, Lavendula Angustifolia Flower Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Maltooligosyl Glucoside / Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Trehalose, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower / Leaf / Stem Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium PCA, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Copper PCA, Zinc PCA, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate.

Hazards and Cautions

Store in a dry, dark and cool place. Keep out of reach of children

More inspiration

For more tips on acne treatment for teens, follow Organic Series UK on instagram and facebook

Frequently asked questions

Is face serum good for acne? Is serum good for acne? Do serums help with acne? – A serum can be very helpful i fighting acne – it’s best to choose a professional organic acne serum at Organic Series which has scientifically proven results and very valuable ingredients! Acne treatment for teens!

What serum for acne? What serum to use for acne scars? What serums are good for acne? What serum should I use for acne? What serum to use for acne? – When looking for a serum for acne always look for high content of active ingredients and products with scientifically proven results. This is why it’s always the best idea to use Organic Series professional dermocosmetics – organic, vegan and high performance. Our Organic Acne Serum will help you fight acne and restore a smooth and glowing look. Acne treatment for teens!