Skin changes during pregnancy are common. It all comes down to our hormones.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences a spike in the hormone progesterone which can lead to an increase in the sebum production in your hair and skin.
Increased sebum production can then lead to oily skin during early pregnancy.
Curiously enough, some women who normally have oily skin experience drier and clearer skin during their pregnancy. Which one are you?
Over productive sebaceous glands are responsible for our oily skin. We often have large pores, a frequent greasy appearance and our skin can experience more frequent breakouts and be home to unsightly blackheads.
The positives, yes there are positives to having oily skin, is that it is known to slow the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin discolouration. A reduction of the visible signs of aging are all good and well, but living in the now means there has to be a solution. And there is.
Despite this ‘up’ side, here are 5 basic skincare tips which you can start to introduce today, to help with your oily skin.
This is beauty on a budget and it works.
Hydration
Tip Number 1: Hydration
Your skin is the largest organ in your body so it needs looking after and needs daily nourishment. This includes water.
Drink water regularly during the day, when you are feeling thirsty, to hydrate your skin from the inside out. Carry a refillable, BPA free bottle with you to ensure you have a refreshing drink on hand when even ever you need it.
For external hydration, try a facial water sprayer. They are super refreshing on a hot day. You can buy them in handy small sizes which means you can carry them with you and use them discretely if needed.
Cleanse
Tip Number 2: Cleanse
One of the best, and cheapest skin cleansers is water. Even though it sounds simple enough, there is some method to this madness.
The trick is to wash your face clean with warm water first. It will open the pores and allow dirt and residue to be removed. Once clean, splash with cold water to close the clean pores.
If you still feel like you are not achieving a clean enough feel to your skin, you need to choose a face wash very carefully. One common mistake oily skin sufferers make when choosing a face wash is to pick one that’s too drying. Look out for a gentle, soap-free cleanser. Harsh soaps can strip your skin of essential oils, making your body retaliate by increasing sebum production to make up for the loss. So using a gentle cleanser is your best bet when it comes to fighting greasy skin.
Avoid Spreading
Tip Number 3: Only Use What You Can Wash
Sounds weird? Well it is very logical.
Avoid using any form of makeup that utilises a sponge or applicator. These spread oil and potential germs from your skin directly to your makeup and then back to your skin, potentially to undamaged areas. All you are doing is contaminating your makeup and spreading oil to other parts of your face and neck.
Use clean fingers to apply makeup or a brush that can be rinsed.
This also refers to the need to avoid touching your face as much as possible. We all do it, rub your cheek, rest your face on your hand. Have you ever noticed your cell phone screen tainted with oily makeup residue after you have finished speaking? Each one of these instances is spreading your oily deposits around your face.
So wash your hands regularly and wipe down any surfaces that come into contact with your face.
Blotting Paper
Tip Number 4: Blot
If you have never heard of blotting paper for the skin, this is a clever idea. Blotting paper sheets are little pieces of absorbtion paper which you can discretely use throughout the day to blot the excess oil as it appears on your skin.
Continuous re-application of makeup over oily skin can result in a thick appearance which is not appealing. Just blot and discard the paper and you are fresh and ready to continue. These clever little sheets absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup.
Mud
Tip Number 5: Treat yourself to a Mud Mask
Mud masks work by drawing impurities from your skin, leaving it feeling fresh and alive. In particular dead sea mud is incredibly beneficial.
Dead Sea mud contains incredibly nutritional minerals which are not only purifying, but also absorb excess oils. They act deeply, removing purities and clean the skin ever so much.
Make sure you select an oil free mud mask. Ahava oil free mud masks are also non-comedogenic, meaning that they are specially formulated to not clog pores.
In just 2 minutes you will feel brand new.
Treat yourself once a week to a skin treatment of this nature and you will see results. With the main ingredients being water and dead sea mud you cannot go wrong.
When will my oily skin go back to normal?
It depends. For some women, their skin starts clearing up and getting back to its natural pre-pregnancy state after the first trimester. For some others, this happens post-pregnancy and for a small percentage, their skin goes back to being normal a few months after they stop lactating.
Do you suffer with oily skin? What’s your best remedy?
Disclaimer: Always check with your doctor about using any new skincare product. Ensuring that the products you use are safe for you and the baby is of paramount importance.
