It is a common sight to see pregnant women with acne. If you are going through this, you do not have to worry since it is a temporary condition that will most probably clear once you have your baby. Acne in pregnancy mostly appears in the first and second trimester which comes about when hormones known as androgens are increasingly released which causes the skin to be oily. With the right skincare, pregnant women can keep their acne condition under control. Read on to find some of the common general skin care tips you can apply.

Avoid over-washing

When pregnant, it is normal for a woman to sweat heavily and your face becomes very oily in the process. You may be tempted to keep washing your face to clear off the sweat but this is not recommended. Over washing removes natural moisture from your skin and in turn your body produces more oil to make up for the lost oil. This then leads to skin break outs. Use a mild soap and warm water to clean your face two to three times a day.

Do not scrub

When cleaning your face, ensure that you do not over scrub. Use a soft piece of cloth or your hand to gently scrub your face in a circular motion. After washing your face, dry it by patting the towel on your face rather than rubbing it. Use an oil free moisturizer after drying your face.

Practices to adopt to keep your skin glowing

• Don’t pop: If you are already experiencing acne, it is very tempting to squeeze acne sores. Try as much as possible not to pop, scratch or pick acne since they will cause scarring and irritation.
• Hydrate: Drink a lot of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid using caffeine and carbonated water as much as possible.
• Seek professional skin care: Find a qualified beautician who has undergone esthetics training to take care of your skin once in a while. During these visits, your skin will be exfoliated and you will receive facials that will help minimize acne.
• Rest: Try to rest as much as possible. Sometimes acne outbreaks can come about due to fatigue and stress.
• Eat balanced diet: Have meals that contain a lot of vegetables and fruits. Avoid using too much protein and only eat lean meat. If possible, stay away from processed foods and refined sugars. A healthy meal amounts to healthy skin.

Natural remedies you can try

• Baking soda: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of water and then apply on individual pimples. The baking soda helps to dry the oil on your skin. After drying, wash your face with warm water.
• Citrus fruit: Citrus fruits like limes and lemons contain alpha hydroxyl acid which helps to shed dead skin and unclog pores. Squeeze the lemon or lime juice and then apply on affected areas. Leave the juice on for a few minutes until dry and then rinse your face with cool water.
• Honey: Pure honey contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties which have a soothing effect on the skin. Apply a teaspoon of honey on your face and leave on for twenty to thirty minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
• Vinegar: Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with three teaspoons of water and use a cotton ball to apply the mixture on your face. Leave it on for a few minutes to absorb the oil on your face. After drying, wash off the mixture with warm water. Vinegar contains alpha hydroxyl acids and enzymes which makes it a natural toner.