During pregnancy some women find themselves suffering with acne even if they never had it before. The most common place for acne breakout during pregnancy is the face which can make some women self-conscious. It can also appear on the neck, bottom and/or breasts. Every pregnancy is different so if you find yourself suffering with acne in one pregnancy journey it doesn’t mean that you will suffer in future pregnancies.
So what causes it?
Some expectant mothers suffer with acne around week six within the pregnancy in the first trimester. This is because the hormone progesterone is being produced in the placenta can make the sebaceous glands in the skin secrete more sebum than usual. This may cause the pores to become blocked resulting in a acne breakout.
So to prevent acne during pregnancy, try and prevent your pores from getting blocked by taking extra care washing your face with a soap free cleanser. Don’t be tempted to scrub your face or squeeze pimples as it will cause the skin to become irritated and make the condition worse. When it comes to buying moisturisers, makeup or other products for your skin, opt for oil free organic products if possible.
Care for your hair
During Pregnancy, you might want to wash your hair more often and replace pillowcases and towels more regularly. Mum’s to be often find their hair changes during pregnancy as it becomes thicker and shiner. This is due to the body producing more oestrogen than normal. Try to tie your hair up at night this way your pores won’t get blocked or you could opt for silk pillowcases. Silk is resistant to dust and bacteria and won’t absorb moisture, oil build up and dry out your skin. It’s gentle, hypoallergenic and breathable, so it’s great for sensitive skin as well as acne prone skin.
Eat and Drink Well
Your Midwife will recommend you to take multivitamins during your pregnancy journey but as we know a good healthy balanced diet loaded with fresh fruit and veggies (organic if possible) and snacks high in protein and good healthy carbs to prevent cravings is vital. Keep hydrated and avoid regular tea and coffee and swap for healthy alternatives.
I also recommend you up your intake of essential fatty acids as seeing you are eating for two bodies . Reason being, if you aren’t getting enough essential fatty acids through your diet, it can lead to dry, dull, spotty skin, brittle, lack luster hair, low energy and poor concentration. So this is important to add to your diet.
EFA is great for heart health, brain function and suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding. If will give you your glow back and heal problem skin from the inside.
Always check with your Midwife/ Doctor before considering taking this oil to make sure it’s suitable for you.
Maskne Breakouts
Since Lockdown, people have been suffering with Maskne which is acne caused by wearing a face mask. Symptoms may include chaffing, irritation, pimples that look like you are suffering with rosacea or dermatitis in the areas where the mask touches the face. Maskne occurs when sweat, oil and bacteria are trapped on the skin whilst wearing a mask creating a perfect breeding ground for spots.
To prevent this from happening, continue to wash your face twice a day but swap your normal cleanser with a gentle oil free cleanser, apply oil free moisturiser, to prevent dryness and repair the skin’s natural protective barrier, skip makeup, wash your mask after every use if using a cloth mask and never wear it if it’s wet (a good tip is to dry it with a hairdryer if in a hurry) if using disposable mask replace as often as possible.
If you are already experiencing acne due to the mask, use a spot treat to clear existing spots and up your intake of EFA like the one that I suggested in yesterday’s post or you could opt for Hemp Seed Oil. Hempseeds outshine flaxseeds when it comes to protein and contains all essential amino acids which is excellent for clearing spots. Irish Sea Moss is another option it is the most nutrient dense food in the world
If you are taking any medication, please consult your Doctor before considering taking these products.
