Pregnancy Breakouts & What You Can Do
During pregnancy, the body experiences a variety of physiological changes — darkening of areas of skin or nails, acne, and many others. In this article we focus on understanding pregnancy breakouts: their cause, and how to manage them safely.
What causes pregnancy breakouts?
Pregnancy breakouts are one of the most prevalent skin changes that occur during the first and second trimester due to hormonal changes in the body (Vora, 2014). The hormones responsible for breakouts are testosterone and androstenedione — both belong to a group called androgens. High levels of androgens cause the glands in your skin to produce an oily substance (sebum) which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Pregnancy breakouts are one of the most prevalent skin changes during the first and second trimester — a result of the hormonal shift your body is doing to support the baby.
Pregnancy breakouts are manageable medically or through home remedies (Eske, 2019). However, a word of caution: do not use medical treatment before consulting with your doctor. We further proceed to understand the management of pregnancy breakouts using home remedies.
How to manage them with home remedies
Eat healthily & drink water
A lot of sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined foods can do an injustice to your skin. Cut back on these or switch to whole grains and healthy fats. Skin-friendly foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables work greatly in managing pregnancy breakouts — and water keeps your skin moist and clearer.
Foods rich in vitamin A
Foods rich in vitamin A keep your skin healthy, and increased intake will help deal with breakouts. However, excessive intake of vitamin A might cause birth defects — consult your doctor before increasing your intake.
Foods rich in zinc
During pregnancy or the lactation period, most women are diagnosed with zinc deficiency. Zinc helps prevent skin breakouts, as highlighted by this 2014 study. Treat pregnancy breakouts by taking foods rich in zinc.
Try using honey
Honey has compounds with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat breakouts. Apply directly to affected parts of your face or body, or make a face mask by mixing honey with lemon juice or lavender oil — both help clear pregnancy breakouts.
Improve facial hygiene
Clean your face gently with a soap-free cleanser at least twice daily — preferably during your morning shower and just before bed. Pay attention around your hairline and the jaw area where pores tend to clog. Wash your hair regularly (especially if oily) and use clean towels, hats, and pillowcases.
Have a go with a pregnancy facial
Expecting mummies shouldn't lose out on a soothing facial. Bespoke pregnancy-safe options like our Hydration Replenish Facial or Signature Marine Detox Facial are designed for sensitive expecting skin — ingredients screened on the day for maternal safety.
Proper and healthy eating coupled with thoughtful skincare goes a long way to clearing pregnancy breakouts.
During pregnancy, your skin may be oily yet dehydrated. Our Hydration Replenish Facial nourishes the skin to relieve tightness underneath an oily complexion and reduce the appearance of fine lines — try it for just $59 (U.P. $149) for first-time customers only. T&Cs apply.
Using marine algae rich in antioxidants and amino acids, the Signature Marine Detox Facial supports cell regeneration, treating and rebalancing oily and congested skin while delivering a boost of nutrients to the skin — try it for just $59 (U.P. $119) for first-time customers only. T&Cs apply.