Postpartum acne: What it is and how to treat
A pregnant woman's body undergoes umpteen physiological and hormonal changes. Acne affects most of the pregnant women, but they usually disappear after the baby is born, when the hormone levels get back to normal. However, in some cases, acne doesn't go away after delivery and pimples continue to come. It is called Postpartum acne. Here's how it can be treated.
Is it normal?
Acne is quite common among new mothers. Although it is supposed to reduce after childbirth, it's completely normal if you still have a lot of pimples after delivery. This is owing to the hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body during and after pregnancy. The pimples might clear or they might stay- it all depends on how your body reacts to these changes.
Treatment: When you are breastfeeding
You have to be very careful about the medication you consume even after delivery, since there's a risk of transferring harmful chemicals to the baby via breast milk. When a woman is breastfeeding, it is mostly safe to take over-the-counter medication. Medicines that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide are usually recommended. If you have any doubts, talk to your doctor.
Treatment: When you are not breastfeeding
When you are out of the breastfeeding stage, there are other medications that could be used to treat postpartum acne. Your doctor might prescribe Topical retinoids and oral acne medications. Notably, intake of oral contraceptive pills can also help reduce acne breakouts in women as they regulate hormonal levels.
How to prevent Postpartum acne
Here are some general skincare tips to help prevent Postpartum acne: 1) Cleanse and moisturize your skin daily, to keep it healthy. 2) Use natural, healthy skin care products during and post pregnancy. 3) Reduce your exposure to sun as much as possible. 4) Stress is a major risk factor. So, curb your stress levels. 5) Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
