Pregnancy acne can be one of the most debilitating things that can ruin what’s supposed to be your time to glow. But don’t fret, with the right advice, skin routine, and acne-safe makeup products, you can keep acne at bay. Find out how you can beat skin blemishes and come out looking like a winner.
What Causes Pregnancy Acne
Think factors that cause acne in typical cases, then imagine them on steroids. These are what makes pregnancy acne one tricky situation:
– stress
– sleep deprivation
– processed food
– dairy and other allergy-inducing food/ingredients
– the wrong skincare routine
– even worse skincare products
– acne-inducing makeup
For most pregnant women, half of these things can’t be avoided.
Add an overload of hormones and your face understandably explodes. (Apparently, pregnant women produce excess sebum (oil) that acts like nitrogen mixed with other explosive ingredients: inflammation, clogged pores, and bacteria.)
A Good Skin Care Routine Is Everything
Before we get into makeup, the first step to treating acne is redoing your skin routine. The key here is, of course, to be gentle. Acne isn’t just a superficial problem – you need to treat the underlying conditions. We can’t do anything about that boatload of hormones, but you can take the following steps to help your skin help itself:
- Use a gentle cleanser or a mild soap in the morning and evening. Avoid scrubs, masks, or toners. If you feel your face is too dry, you can also opt for just splashing water on your face in the morning.
- Keep your hair up, or at least off your face. Aside from wayward tendrils, anything that touches your face could be a potential acne magnet. This includes hats, scarves, or glasses. Now that some of us are suffering from “maskne”, avoid reusing masks as a precaution.
- If you’re prone to acne on your hairline, wash your hair more regularly.
Be sure to use pregnancy-safe acne products. Dermatologists recommend salicylic acid in small amounts. Don’t use standard acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide because they’re not safe for pregnant women.
Look into cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen that are water-based or non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). Depending on your skin type, avoid overdrying your skin by using harsh acne treatment products. Dermatologists also swear by oil-soluble components that break up oil on your face.
Remember that baby-soft skin is ideal, but you can come close with daily commitment. You’ll need to have the right skin care products in your arsenal. To improve skin texture, invest in :
– good skin habits (better sleep, fresh food, and staying hydrated)
– more natural food and personal products (avoid environmental toxins and processed ingredients)
– treating blemishes as soon as they start
Acne-Safe Makeup: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Look for all the good ingredients from your skincare products in the makeup that you use. Your pores are too precious to be trifled with. Go for oil-free makeup if you’re acne-prone. Hydrating makeup products work best if your skin is on the dry side. Here’s a makeup technique that can replicate your “before acne” face without damaging your skin after you remove your makeup:
- Start with a two-in-one primer that includes sunscreen.
- Use a little bit more concealer and a lot less foundation. Pick foundation with a lightweight formula.
- Blot out with a little powder on your oily areas. Use a setting spray to lock it all in.
Do not, under any circumstance, “bake” your makeup. Putting on a thick layer of setting powder over your concealer and foundation can make you breakout.
Makeup removal before going to bed is non-negotiable if you want clearer skin.
Note that makeup tools should be cleaned more often. You also don’t want to share them with anybody. Keeping your tools clean can make a difference in your battle with acne.
Your skincare and makeup products should always be baby-safe. Experts say that anything you eat or applied to the skin can get in your blood, which can affect your unborn baby.
The Most Important Tip for Glowing
They say beauty is skin deep – and even if you do everything perfectly to a T but still have skin issues, it may mean that your stress levels need to be checked. Pregnancy glow is all about being content and excited about your motherhood journey. You’re growing a new life inside you, so expect (and accept) that something’s got to give. Think happy thoughts for yourself and your baby, and that glow will radiate naturally from your face.
