Acne during pregnancy is often caused by changing hormones in the woman’s body. Specifically, it happens because the adrenal glands produce and release androgen hormone. An expecting mom can educate herself on things she can do to help which will not bring harm to her unborn child. The pregnant woman’s diet, hormone balance, and stress response can be addressed.

Personal Story

I was fortunate enough to not have very much acne when I was a teenager. I was surprised to have more break outs when I was pregnant than when I was a teen.

Acne

Many people who promote natural medicine believe that the skin’s health reflects the internal organs of a person. One of the skin’s functions is that of elimination of toxins in the body. However, in the case of pregnancy acne, the “toxins” can be the changing hormones of the pregnant woman.

Pregnancy acne usually occurs during the second and third trimester.

Diet

An anti-inflammatory, whole food diet is the best diet for acne. Please see my blog 71, “Tips for a Woman with Acne”, for ideas on foods to add and which to avoid. Minimize eating red meat due to its inflammatory tendencies. Each woman should avoid their own triggering foods. For example, chocolate is a triggering food for many women.

The other consideration is to choose foods that promote healthy skin,

Supplements

Blog 71 suggests a variety of supplements. Pregnant women need to pay attention supplements mentioned in the blog. Expecting women should not take too much vitamin A, vitamin C, or zinc. When pregnant, do not exceed 5000 IU daily of Vitamin A, 2,000 mg of vitamin C, or 25 mg of zinc picolinate twice daily for two weeks and then once daily for 2 months.

Hormones

The good news that pregnancy and post birth acne resolves itself in a relatively short time after the birth of your child.

Stress Response

Stress can exacerbate acne. A pregnant woman can consider using stress reduction techniques like deep breathing to lower the stress response. Accept help to manage day-to-day chores and child care from family and friends when possible. If those measures do not seem to help, please see a counselor.

Hygiene

Daily rinse the skin with warm water and a mild natural soap and then rinse with cool water. Avoid wearing makeup that clogs the pores and don’t pick.

It takes time to heal acne. Change takes place over several weeks or months, especially when the cause is related to hormones as is the case with pregnancy acne.

Action Step

Decide to work on one suggestion from this blog. Just do it for yourself!

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. With who can you share these two blogs about acne?