How to Get Rid of Pregnancy Acne: 4 Essential Tips

There's a fine line between a healthy pregnancy glow and pregnancy acne -- and that line is usually an icky oily one. Whether you're battling a couple blemishes or at war with a full-blown oil slick, we've got the details on how to treat acne in pregnancy.

Pregnancy acne: What's the deal?

As usual, blame it on your out-of-whack hormones. Extra hormones in your body cause oil glands to go into overdrive, which can cause breakouts. The good news, however, is breakouts tend to be milder than those from your adolescent nightmares and the duration is much shorter! The extra oil production can be controlled simply by tweaking your skincare regimen. 

1) Pick a gentle cleanser

Dermatologists agree those suffering from oily skin should keep a strict cleansing routine. Choose a gentle cleanser to wash your face morning and night. If your nose is sensitive, choose a mildly scented or fragrance-free formula. Stay away from harsh soaps that may aggravate skin, and avoid washing your face more than twice a day to prevent dryness. Many with oily skin have paradoxically turned to the Oil Cleansing Method, which uses oil to break down dirt, makeup, and grime on your face.

For OCM, we recommend:

Pregnancy Acne Tips: Try OCM (like The Spoiled Mama's oil for pregnancy stretch marks) 

The Spoiled Mama's Bump Gloss Stretch Mark Oil: This pregnancy stretch mark oil is formulated with more than 10 natural cold-pressed oils that will cleanse and nourish your skin. Toxin-free, organic and safe for pregnant Moms and babes. The perfect pregnancy stretch marks treatment that can be used for perineal massages as well!

2) Tone it up!

When choosing a toner for oily skin, choose an alcohol-free toner that will help heal skin, prime it for other products and clear excess residue your cleanser didn't pick up. Use twice a day after cleansing to keep skin clear and blemish-free.

For oily skin during pregnancy, we recommend:

Pregnancy Acne Tips: Tone twice a day with a pregnancy safe acne toner. Featured: The Spoiled Mama's BalanC toner.

The Spoiled Mama's BalanC Acne Toner: A pregnancy-safe acne toner that clarifies with witch hazel and protects skin from bacteria with geranium essential oil. The astringent gently tones without stripping or irritating sensitive skin. This pregnancy safe skin care is perfect for all skin types. 

 3) Wash smarter

Pregnancy and body acne becomes a thing for many Mamas in the first or second trimester. One way to deal is to wash smarter. Over-washing can cause your skin to overproduce oil, which leads to clogged pores and even more blemishes. The Mayo Clinic recommends choosing a mild body cleanser with lukewarm water at least once a day, and after heavy sweating or workouts.

For a body cleanser, we recommend:

Pregnancy Acne Tips: Use gentle, sulfate-free pregnancy body washes that protect skin's natural barriers. Featured: The Spoiled Mama's Luxe-Mama Body Wash for Pregnancy.

The Spoiled Mama's Luxe-Mama Body Wash: This pregnancy safe body wash is sulfate-free, which means it doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, it using plant-derived actives to gently cleanse your body while protecting skin's natural barriers.

4) Trade in your traditional acne treatments

Troubled, acne-prone skin needs extra lovin'; however, pregnant or breastfeeding moms must be extra cautious about traditional acne treatments. Avoid typical medications and ingredients like salicylic acid, which can be dangerous to moms at high doses. Instead, spot treat with natural or toxin-free alternatives. Our favorite ingredients include tea tree, green tea or apple cider vinegar.

For a blemish treatment, we recommend:

Pregnancy Safe Acne Treatments: The Spoiled Mama's Rehab Serum.

The Spoiled Mama's Rehab Serum: With a low-dose retinol complex, this pregnancy acne treatment can be great for blemishes. Rehab cleanses with witch hazel and green tea, while pumps in moisture with hyaluronic acid.

How has your skin changed during pregnancy? How have you dealt with the changes? Share below!