How To Manage Acne During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be a joyous time filled with much excitement and anticipation.
Unfortunately, it can also be a time of significant discomfort and pesky side effects.
Acne is one of the most common side effects associated with pregnancy – it shows up in about 50% of all pregnancies.
Have you’ve been planning to get pregnant but are worried about developing acne?
Or, are you already pregnant and noticed acne flare-ups?
I can help.
My name is Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, an Ottawa naturopathic doctor with a special interest in naturopathic pregnancy support as part of a naturopathic approach to health for women and other pregnant people, and today we’re going to take a look at how to manage acne during pregnancy.
What Causes Acne During Pregnancy?
There are plenty of naturopathic solutions for acne, but the causes of acne are a little different during pregnancy, so it’s worth looking at separately.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, your hormone levels will begin to rise, causing a subsequent increase in production of natural oils known as sebum.
This increase in oil production, in addition to build up of dead cells, provides an ideal breeding ground for acne causing bacteria.
While the presence of acne is typically a sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally, it can also cause negative effects to your self esteem.
If you already have acne, it’s more likely you’ll develop it more severely while you’re pregnant.
Why Medical Treatments For Acne Are Often Ineffective During Pregnancy
Traditional medical treatments for acne are often ineffective or unsafe during pregnancy.
Many common acne medications have been linked with greater risks of birth defects, such as cleft palate and congenital heart defects.
Other medications, such as those used to treat acne associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), have been associated with endocrine dysfunction in developing fetuses.
On the other hand, drug free acne treatments, such as laser treatments, are typically much safer for both you and your baby.
However, since pregnancy hormones often cause increased skin pigmentation, these treatments may not be as effective.
Therefore, the best option to treat pregnancy related acne is through natural methods, such as through nutrition and lifestyle.
Natural Solutions For Acne During Pregnancy
Consulting with a naturopathic doctor can help you reduce your risk of developing acne during pregnancy.
Ideally, you should begin treatment 2 to 4 months before trying to conceive.
A naturopathic doctor can help mitigate your risk of developing pregnancy related acne by:
- Regulating your hormone levels
- Cleansing your blood, liver, and lymph
- Heal your gut
- Identify your food and environmental sensitivities
These are generally good strategies for both overall health and for the health of your pregnancy, so even if you aren’t concerned about acne it’s still a good idea.
Often, acne during pregnancy is caused by a nutritional deficiency.
Next, we’ll take a look at some of the most important nutrients for helping reduce acne during pregnancy.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a multitude of roles in your body, from lining your blood vessels to regulating inflammatory responses.
All these roles help decrease the severity of acne.
Vitamin C can also be a useful natural supplement to relieve anxiety.
The safest way to consume vitamin C during pregnancy is naturally through fruits and vegetables, such as:
- Papaya
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Pumpkins
- Brussels sprouts
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Kiwi
- Cantaloupe
Vitamin C is also commonly found in topical creams.
However, since your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, it’s a good idea to do a spot test before applying any topical treatments to your whole face.
2. Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps you to shed your old skin cells as well as stimulate the growth of new ones.
Without vitamin A, your pores become clogged, and acne develops.
High doses of vitamin A should be avoided during pregnancy, however due to its association with congenital defects.
Most people get their daily vitamin A allowance from their diet as well as prenatal vitamins.
Vitamin A is found in yellow, orange, and leafy green fruits and vegetables.
3. Zinc
Zinc is helpful in regulating hormonal balances during pregnancy as well as carrying vitamin A to your skin.
Both of these processes help to reduce and treat acne.
Additionally, zinc can help with the renewal of skin cells.
Zinc rich foods that you should eat during pregnancy include:
- Beef
- Lamb
- Chicken
- Pork
- Spinach
- Sunflower seeds
4. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are very high in anti inflammatory properties that help reduce the production of substances that interfere with sebum production.
Omega 3 fatty acids deficiency don’t cause acne during pregnancy in and of itself – it’s the increase of inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids during pregnancy that leads to acne.
To reduce your chance of developing acne during pregnancy, you should avoid foods that are rich in omega 6 fatty acids, such as:
- Cottonseed oil
- Corn oil
- Soybean oil
- Safflower oil
- Deep fried and processed foods
Instead, you should aim to increase your intake of omega 3 fatty acids through foods such as:
- Wild caught salmon
- Walnuts
- Avocado
- Chia seeds
Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that taking omega 3 fatty acid supplements during pregnancy may help to reduce your risk of developing acne.
5. Other Lifestyle Factors
Several other lifestyle factors can play a role in developing acne during pregnancy.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, your nutrition plays one of the biggest roles.
To help avoid and treat acne during pregnancy, your diet should largely consist of clean protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, proper hydration is also essential in helping with acne during pregnancy.
Most of your hydration should be coming from water and herbal teas while avoiding sodas and sugar based juiced.
Stress and lack of sleep also both play a role in the management of acne during pregnancy.
Finally, touching your face and popping pimples should be avoided to help stop the spread of acne causing bacteria and reducing the chance of scarring.
Book Your Appointment With Dawdy Naturopathic Today
Are you interested in learning more about how naturopathic medicine can help relieve pregnancy side effects, such as acne?
At Dawdy Naturopathic, we want to help your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to learn more about the services we provide.
Book an appointment with Dawdy Naturopathic today to get started.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic
6899 Sunset Blvd,
Greely, ON K4P 1C5
-https://g.page/dawdynaturopathicclinic
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic offers a variety of naturopathic health solutions for individuals and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
