Hormonal Acne During Pregnancy

written by: Kristen - Beauty Editorpublished on 18 Apr, 2024

Let's talk about Hormonal Acne

Pregnancy safe skincare can be difficult and confusing at a time when you should be focused on the arrival of your new bundle of joy. As you prepare for many new and exciting experiences, other unexpected changes such as hormonal breakouts and hyperpigmentation can arise that you have never experienced before, until now.

Whether you are "glowing" or not, there are a few ups and downs your skin may go through during this time.

1. Oily Skin and Hormonal Breakouts

With all those hormonal changes, it's no wonder that you can suddenly develop oilier skin with continual, hormonal breakouts occurring throughout your pregnancy. Treat this type of hormonal breakout with a regimen of skin care products for acne that contain targeted acne-fighting ingredients.

Start gently by using products that help with breakouts created by excess oil. By using products that include Salicylic Acid & BHA, not only will it reduce 99% of surface bacteria in less than 1 minute, but it will also continue to fight acne hours after rinsing. BHAs work deeper into the skin to help decongest pores and break down thick, oily blockages.

To really purify and unclog pores, try using the clay-based Murad Rapid Relief Sulfur Mask 1-2 times a week. The sulfur will help reduce your active breakouts and fight future ones whilst Zinc works wonders to support skin healing, hence preventing scarring from those blemishes. Apply an even layer and get ready to relax for 10 minutes while the mask draws out all those impurities.

Finally, we recommend using moisturisers that are oil free, lightweight or with an SPF that will provide extra protection for more sensitive skin.

Recommended products to use for hormonal breakouts:

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2. Discolouration and Hyperpigmentation

One thing that becomes even more important when you are pregnant, is protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. As you progress through each trimester, your skin may become more at risk for hyperpigmentation, especially post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if you are experiencing hormonal breakouts, so it’s time to reach for preventative skin pigmentation skin care.

Putting on a sunscreen packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals can help protect your skin against discoloration. Be sure to use products that have Vitamin C as an active ingredient and with an SPF. Sunscreens that state they are "broad spectrum" provide the best defence you can have against UVA (the ageing rays) and UVB (burning rays).

Try Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum as your treatment for any pigmentation spots that start to appear. It helps to boost radiance and brighten the skin because it's loaded with Peptides and skin brightening ingredients to support a more even skin tone. Follow with the popular Murad City-Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF15PA ++. It contains superior protection against blue light from devices, infrared radiation, UVA and UVB.

Recommended products to use for Discolouration/Pigmentation:

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3. Dry Skin

For some, dehydration can also show up while your body is busy nurturing a new life. You might start seeing dry patches and flaky skin. If this is your pregnancy-skin challenge, then you have to up the moisture ante with hydrating skin care!

Look for products with ingredients that are paired with humectants, conditioners and botanical oils like Avocado and Sunflower Oils, Shea Butter, Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid. One of our favourites is Murad Intense Recovery Cream. This super-rich moisturiser immediately quenches your skin's thirst, soothing inflamed conditions, and leaves it feeling silky smooth. Pair it with the Murad Vita-C Eye Dark Circle Corrector for eyes to infuse the delicate eye area with hydration and help alleviate under eye darkening.

Recommended products to use for Dry Skin:

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**Please be advised that while Murad undergoes all possible safety testing for the quality and efficacy of their products, Dr. Murad recommends that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding consult their physician before using any skincare products regardless of the brand.