Why it happens

Women with previous acne problems are more likely to have acne when they become pregnant. Your pores begin to produce more oil as your hormone levels increase. For some lucky women, the sudden surge in oil production creates a radiant pregnancy glow. But for others, oily skin results in facial and body acne, especially during the first trimester (acne often clears up as the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimester). So not only might you feel awkward and uncomfortable with your morphing body shape, you also have to deal with the battle of the blemishes.

Go for the glow

Fortunately, you don’t have to endure long months with acne. Follow these seven blemish banishing tips for healthy, glowing skin during your pregnancy:

• Wash your face twice a day to keep it fresh and oil-free. An oil-absorbing microfiber cloth for gentle deep cleaning will calm those irritating inflammations and help remove debris. But don’t wash your face excessively, as this deprives your skin of necessary oil.
• Use plenty of lukewarm water when you cleanse to ensure that all bacteria-collecting residue is completely eliminated. Within five minutes of washing your face, apply a layer of oil-free moisturizer to your skin.
• Despite how hard you rub, your skin won’t improve. In fact, you can make your skin matters worse, so gently pat your face dry.
• Whatever you do, refrain from touching or picking those zits! This bad habit can lead to the spread of bacteria and more unwelcome pimples. Instead, dab on a gentle spot treatment like SkinCeuticals Blemish Control Gel to treat blemishes without causing irritation or dryness. SkinCeuticals offers a whole line of acne-fighting products that can be found here SkinCeuticals Acne.
• It’s called beauty sleep for a reason. Make sure to get adequate sleep every night to look and feel refreshed in the morning. Besides, you'e going to need that precious rest once the baby is born!
• Exercise and diet play a significant role in the battle against pregnancy acne. A daily workout increases circulation and blood flow, reduces stress and tones the skin. Though you'll probably have pregnancy cravings for ice cream or junk food, don—t forget to eat fresh fruits and veggies. Rinse all your produce thoroughly to remove herbicides and pesticides that could possibly harm your complexion's health and the baby.
• Guzzle down plenty of water. Your skin will drink it up and acquire that enviable pregnancy glow.

Post-baby blemishes

For many women, breakouts diminish within a few months after pregnancy or after they stop nursing. Unfortunately, those blemishes may leave telltale scars—the last thing you want as a new mom. Look into over-the-counter or prescription lightening creams to fade acne scars, repair hyperpigmentation and infuse your skin with radiance. Remember to consult your physician about using any acne medications—whether topical or oral—before, during and after your pregnancy to make sure they’re safe.

For more on safe skin care during your special time - including tips on skin care solutions and safe products - make sure to check out our article, Pregnancy and Your Skin: Tips for Beauty and Safety!

Learn everything you need to know about acne-fighting skincare in our Complete Acne Handbook.