Acne and Pregnancy

By: Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH

Pregnancy is a period of tremendous change for a woman -- physically, mentally, and emotionally. Hormones are coming on strong, the body is expanding, and a new person has taken up residence within. It can be both a very thrilling and very trying time. Pregnant women must adapt to a growing belly, sore feet, and swollen extremities. As if all that isn't enough, she might also have to deal with a case of acne.

There are two main factors that combine during pregnancy to make a woman more prone to developing acne: hormones and hydration. Production of the hormone progesterone is stimulated at the onset of pregnancy when the fertilized egg finds a home in the uterus. The ovary is initially responsible for progesterone production, but the job is usually passed on to the placenta after the first trimester. Progesterone plays an important role in firmly implanting the egg, sustaining the pregnancy and in relaxing the smooth muscle, which helps to avoid premature labor. Progesterone also has other affects on the body. Besides loosening a woman's joints and contributing to constipation in a very few cases, it also triggers an increase in the amount of skin oils produced. This is similar to the action of androgens (sex hormones) that are released during puberty. This additional skin oil can contribute to acne.

The other factor that can encourage the development of acne during pregnancy is dehydration. Although a lack of body fluids cannot directly cause acne, dehydration does affect the overall health of the skin, and it also impacts oil secretions within the skin. Water dilutes skin oils, reducing the chances of clogged oil glands that can lead to acne. Ample amounts of water also help to relax the uterus, and help prevent constipation to boot. The concern is, that for many pregnant women, it is a real challenge to take in enough fluid. The small size of the bladder and chronic nausea (morning sickness) make it difficult for many women to consistently drink enough water. But the extra effort is well worth it. Water helps to move waste and nutrients through the system more efficiently. Staying hydrated is essential to keep the skin and the entire body healthy.

Treating Acne During Pregnancy

Be sure to check with your health care provider before using any acne treatments or other medications, both prescription or over the counter. Many products contain potentially toxic substances that should be avoided especially while pregnant. While acne preparations containing benzyol peroxide are supposedly safe during pregnancy, it is much wiser to choose all natural, organic remedies that are free of any potentially hazardous chemicals.

About the Author

Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in Houston, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, Oasis Advanced Wellness is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe and clean hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Lanique Organics, an all-natural skin-care line which promotes natural health for the skin. All Lanique and OAW developed products are free of toxic ingredients, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All product batches are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. We invite you to visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, the PMS-Progesterone-Menopause Resource Center, the Acne Resource Center, the Skin Care Resource Center, the Glyconutrient Resource Center, the Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com