During pregnancy, we already have to deal with several changes in our body such as weight gain, swelling, hair that changes, and sometimes pimples that insist on appearing, even if we’ve never had acne problems before.
Why Do These Changes Occur?
These changes happen due to the increase in progesterone in a woman’s body, and in the case of pimples during pregnancy, they tend to appear more on the face, chest, and back because these areas are oilier and have more sebaceous glands1.
Some Care Tips
Ideally, some care should be taken to avoid even more oily skin, such as:
- Keep your skin always clean and, if possible, use a neutral soap
- Use oil-free moisturizers
- Remove makeup before going to bed
During pregnancy, creams, soaps, and medications for pimples should not be used without a doctor’s prescription, as many contain substances that may be harmful to the baby. Prefer to use natural methods and skin cleansing routines—this will help keep pimples under control since it will make it easier to keep skin pores from getting clogged2.
Another recommendation for pregnant women is to use sunscreen during pregnancy, since during this period the chances of skin spots increase considerably due to the increase in melanin in the body3. Today, there are some makeup options with sunscreen that can be safely used by pregnant women.
Home Remedies for Pimples During Pregnancy
Since pregnant women do not have many options for medications and soaps to relieve the discomfort from pimples during pregnancy, we have gathered some natural tips that can help:
Carrot Juice
Carrot juice is recommended because it is rich in vitamin A, which helps control skin oiliness. It is suggested that a pregnant woman drink one glass a day.
An essential nutrient to control oiliness is zinc. Ask your nutritionist to adjust your supplementation with this mineral and include sources of it in your diet, such as nuts and legumes.
Rice Water Mask
An old recipe that can be used at any stage of life, especially during pregnancy, as it is a natural tip. Ideally, wash your face twice a day with rice water; this will help keep your skin less oily.
How to make: Soak 1 cup of rice in 1 liter of water for at least 24 hours.
Rice and Honey Mask
This mask is best made before bedtime, and removed after 20 minutes with plenty of water. It is ideal for controlling pimples and spots, especially during pregnancy.
How to make: Cook 2 tablespoons of rice with water only, until it turns into a paste. Once cooled, mix in 1 tablespoon of honey and stir until it becomes a creamy paste. It can be used on the face, neck, and back.
If the increase in pimples becomes very uncomfortable, it is advised to seek a dermatologist who will recommend the ideal treatment. Remember, this is just a phase that will last a few months, ending with the baby’s birth and the hormones after childbirth.
See also: Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy – How They Appear and How to Alleviate Symptoms
Photo: Josa Júnior
