Since you became pregnant, your skin has been marred by nasty breakouts and blackheads. Unfortunately, you have pregnancy acne. You are not the only one, 4 out of 10 women are also prone to acne during pregnancy. Although acne is harmless for the baby, it can quickly undermine your morale!
We explain everything about pimples during pregnancy and solutions to reduce them.
Summary
- What is acne?
- Causes of acne
- Our advice for reducing your pregnancy pimples
What is acne?
Acne is a skin disease characterized by the eruption of red pimples , blackheads and cysts. According to dermato-info there are several forms of acne:
- Retentional acne characterized by shiny skin, enlarged pores and the presence of blackheads (comedones) and whiteheads (microcysts).
- Inflammatory acne which corresponds to a microbial proliferation inside these blackheads and whiteheads. At this stage, papules and pustules appear, even nodules.
- Cystic acne caused by untreated or poorly treated inflammatory lesions which have led to a change in the structure of the skin itself and often scarring.
Causes of acne
This dermatological imbalance is actually a hormonal upheaval . During pregnancy, women experience strong surges of hormones, progesterone and more particularly estrogen. These hormones disrupt the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands, glands that produce sebum. During pregnancy, these glands may produce more oil. Consequence: sebum blocks the pores of your skin and pimples appear.
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Oily skin and spots
This hormonal disruption can also cause an overproduction of sebum in the skin, resulting in the appearance of shiny, oily skin in some pregnant women. This surplus, mixing with dead skin cells, clogs the pores. Favored by an oily environment, bacteria develop in large numbers which causes inflammation of the skin, blackheads and pimples.
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Dry skin and acne
Unlike oily skin, during pregnancy in some women, hormones cause an imbalance in the skin by drying it out. The female hormone (estrogen) no longer sends enough signals to produce a minimum level of sebum to protect the skin. This dryness can then appear or be accentuated if you already had this type of problem. A normal quantity of sebum has the role of hydrating the epidermis, providing it with suppleness and softness as well as participating in the balance of the bacterial flora. If this quantity decreases, the skin becomes fragile. Signs of drying out and spots appear because the skin is no longer protected from external and internal aggressions.
Pregnancy acne closely resembles that of adolescence, a period of great hormonal upheaval as well. Your acne may last several weeks or even months. or even be discontinuous.
You might like these anti-stretch mark products for pregnancy
Our advice to reduce your imperfections
Whether in the case of dry and/or oily skin:
A few little rules
We know, it's easier said than done, but rule #1: avoid touching your pimples . In addition to increasing the proliferation of bacteria and increasing inflammation, you risk leaving acne scars on your face.
During periods of sun, it is advisable to apply total sunscreen to your skin . Even if at the moment, the sun diminishes the pimples, they appear even more numerous afterwards! In addition, you will prevent pregnancy mask as well as acne scars.
If you can, reduce the application of makeup and especially foundations which can “suffocate” your skin. Also clean your makeup brushes regularly to remove excess oil or bacteria.
Remove your makeup every evening, cleanse your face with a solution suited to your skin and apply an anti-blemish treatment compatible with pregnancy .
Choosing the right cosmetics
Be careful about the products and treatments you apply to your skin to treat and reduce spots during pregnancy . Several products are not recommended during pregnancy. For example, compositions based on certain essential oils may be prohibited due to their “neurotoxic” nature. We also advise you to avoid irritating substances such as alcohol. Choose certified organic treatments, compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Prefer treatments adapted to your skin (dry skin, combination to oily skin, skin with imperfections, etc.) and preferably non-comedogenic . To check the ingredients in your cosmetics, you can use the “The Truth About Cosmetics” website.
Lifestyle
An unbalanced, fatty diet low in vitamins should be avoided. In fact, the foods you eat are more or less aggravating factors in the condition of your skin. Drink water several times a day, alternating with herbal teas for example. Eat several fruits and vegetables per day.
Stress
Stress has a real impact on sebum production. More than once we have heard that “ our skin is the reflection of our emotions, that is to say that through it, all our discomfort shines through ”. You can practice an activity, in agreement with your midwife or a doctor, such as swimming or yoga. You can practice meditation, read a good book or even have a good massage with the certified ORGANIC Generous Soothing Oil from Laboratoires Téane. In addition to providing you with a moment of well-being, this oil will prevent the appearance of stretch marks: a perfect 2-in-1!
Better to use natural solutions to treat imperfections. If your acne persists, you can also consult a dermatologist to find a routine tailored to your skin's needs.
