While acne is a common problem during your teenage years, it can strike again while you are pregnant as well.
Acne during pregnancy is a very common, the outbreak can be mild, moderate, and even severe on rare occasions.
The main reason for its breakout during pregnancy is hormonal changes which trigger the excessive secretion of sebum by sebaceous glands in your skin.
When your skin starts to produce excessive levels of this oil substance, dead skin cells and specks of dirt get clogged in your skin pores which attract bacterial infection. The presence of bacteria naturally draws immune cells to the region which results in swelling or what we commonly call as acne.
While there are a number of over the counter solutions available to treat and get rid of acne, these are not safe to use while you are pregnant. Which means you need to rely on natural remedies to overcome the outbreak.
Fortunately, there are many simple and natural remedies easily available at your disposal which you can take advantage of. Let us look into some of the popular and effective natural ways to combat the acne problem during your pregnancy.
Right Skin Care
Right, and good skincare always keeps your risk of acne at bay.
Use a mild cleanser twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This will prevent the accumulation of the oily sebum in your skin pores and also dislodges the dead skin cells on your face.
Make sure to rinse your face thoroughly using warm water after every application. Warm water will open up your pores which will help to flush out the specks of dirt.
Other than taking good care of your face and skin, you need to take good care of your hair and scalp as well. Hairs can transfer oil to your face which can lead to acne breakout.
Additionally, if you have problems with dry scalp or dandruff, the dead skin particles can easily make its way into your facial skin.
If you have itchy scalp or dandruff issues use appropriate shampoos and wash your hair regularly.
Warm compress
Warm compress is one of the most effective ways to clean and clear your skin pores of dirt, bacterias, and hair follicles. Additionally, it greatly speeds up the healing process and reduces pain.
How to do it
Make a warm salt solution out of two cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Soak clean cotton or washcloth in it, wring it and apply the warm compress directly to the affected areas for around 10 minutes.
Once the cloth starts to cool down, repeat the process again.
Do this twice or thrice a day for best results
Turmeric
Turmeric has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and helps to inhibit the bacterial growth affected areas of your skin.
Additionally, it adds a natural glow to your skin by making it look fairer.
How to use it
Make a paste out of 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and a little water.
Apply this paste to the affected area and let it sit for about 60 minutes before rinsing it off using warm water.
Do this once or twice a day for best results.
White toothpaste
White toothpaste usually contains ingredients that are antibacterial in nature. This helps to curb off the acne-causing bacterias on your skin and speed up the healing process. Additionally, toothpaste has a drying effect on pimples.
How to use it
Dab a small amount of toothpaste over the acne before going to sleep and leave it overnight.
If you have sensitive skin then apply it for 5 to 10 minutes.
Next morning rinse off your face using cold water.
Repeat the process every night until the condition is healed.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a widely used ingredient in many of the skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
It also works great to fight off the bacterias responsible for acne.
How to use it
Spread a thin layer of freshly extracted or store-bought aloe vera gel over the affected areas of the skin.
Gently massage the area for one minute.
Leave it on for around 25 to 30 minutes before washing it off using warm water.
Repeat this process once or twice a day for best results.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil naturally hydrates the skin and makes it soft and supple. Additionally, it has an antibacterial property that helps to combat acne.
How to use it
Lather some coconut oil directly to the affected area and gently massage the area for about 2 minutes.
Let the skin absorb the coconut oil completely.
Repeat the process twice a day for best results.
Honey
Honey is not only sweet, but it also has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Honey is popularly used as a folk remedy to heal wounds due to its antiseptic properties. Its soothing action on the skin helps to heal acne quickly.
How to use it
Dab a little organic honey directly to the affected areas.
Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse it off using warm water.
Repeat the process twice or thrice a day till the acne is gone.
Lemon
Lemon is another common ingredient found in most kitchens. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help to dislodge acne-causing bacterias and also to soothe the pain.
How to use it
Soak a small cotton ball into freshly extracted lemon juice and dab it over the affected areas of your skin and let it sit for around 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes gently rinse your face using water.
Repeat this process once or twice a day for best results.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a gentle scrub that helps to slough off dead skin cells stuck in the pores. Additionally, it has a soothing and cooling action on acne that helps to heal acne quickly.
How to use it
Make a paste out of 1 tbsp oatmeal powder, plain yogurt, and 1 tsp turmeric.
Lather this paste over the affected areas of the skin and scrub it for 2 to 3 minutes in a circular motion.
Let it sit for 10 minutes before washing it off using warm water.
Do this once a week for best results.
