There is nothing more precious than pregnancy and giving birth. When you find out you’re expecting, you’ll be aware that your body is going to go through many changes. Your skin in particular goes through a lot during this time. While we’re aware of the alleged ‘pregnancy glow’, unfortunately, acne can arise and be a real nuisance.
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Acne can flare up primarily because of changing hormones. Once your little one is in the world and safe and sound, you may still have spots and oily skin that you’re self-conscious about. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to treat postpartum acne which can restore your confidence.
Consider Topical Treatments
If you are not breastfeeding, consider using topical acne treatments. One of the best we recommend is salicylic acid. This works by breaking apart and loosening desmosomes (the attachments between cells in your skin’s outer layers). This action promotes exfoliation of the skin and unclogs pores. You can use salicylic acid to reduce sebum secretion too. This is another method for helping decrease postpartum acne.
Regulate Your Diet
Your diet plays a huge part in your postpartum acne. Now is the time to take notice of what you’re eating. If you find your acne gets worse after eating certain foods, it’s best to avoid them. Many new mums find they have an increase in breakouts after eating dairy, fatty foods, or acidic foods. You should monitor your food intake for a week and see if there are any changes to your skin. It’s always best to stick to a balanced diet and ensure you’re eating lots of fruit and veg.
Try a Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is a solution that’s applied to your face. This removes dead skin cells, as well as stimulates the growth of new ones. The primary aim of a chemical peel is to improve the appearance of your skin. However, this treatment can help to reduce acne too. City Skin Clinic offers chemical peels. They also have a guide on acne which explains the skin condition further, as well as other bespoke treatments which can clear it.
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Keep Your Skin Hydrated
If you’re already drinking eight glasses of water each day, you can skip this step. However, for those who aren’t getting the recommended amount, it’s time to up your intake. Water is fantastic for naturally treating postpartum acne breakouts. When you drink plenty of water, this will keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin can cause excess oil production. This is known to contribute to acne breakouts.
Use Coconut Oil
You’re likely aware of some of the benefits of coconut oil. From reducing hunger to protecting your hair, coconut oil may help boost your skin’s health and reduce acne. This is because coconut oil is high in lauric acid. This helps kill bacteria that causes acne.
Postpartum acne can stop you in your tracks and dampen your confidence. While your focus will be on tending to your newborn, if you’re not happy with the skin you’re in, this can negatively impact you in many different ways. Postpartum acne is extremely common and for most mums, will clear up naturally over time. But, if you want to speed up the process and get back to your old self, trying any of the above can help.
