The Battle Against Postpartum Acne: A Skincare Regimen That Worked for Me

Shortly after having my first baby, my skin began to purge with rash-like pimples on my face, chest, back, and shoulders. It seemed like an allergic reaction, which may not be far from the truth, seeing that I was consuming certain foods to aid lactation, including nuts. While I am not new to treating acne, it seemed like the products my skin was familiar with were not working. Coupled with the fact that I had to be careful of what products I applied topically as I was also breastfeeding, I had to find a new skincare routine.

Here is a detailed skincare regimen alongside products that helped me tackle my postpartum acne.

Cleanse:

I opted for the Urban Skin Rx Clear Skin Cleansing Bar 3-in-1 Treatment. According to the formulators, the cleansing bar is ‘a pore-clarifying cleanser, mask, and exfoliator that helps you get a handle on oily skin and breakouts while boosting even-looking skin’. It features two blemish-fighting ingredients: salicylic acid and sulfur, which aid in exfoliating dead skin, improving the look of breakouts, and removing excess oil from the skin.

In using this, I felt that my skin was never stripped of its oil. However, I started to feel like I needed to work on my texture as I may have been activating the exfoliating power of the bar a little too much with the way I was applying it. Now, I allow the foam to soak well, and I do not need to apply too much pressure when rubbing it on my face.

To see what cleansers, I use for my body, watch the video HERE.

Tone:

With most of my skincare products containing some actives, I opted for a mild product to help with toning after cleansing: Avène Thermal Spring Water. The formulators of Avène Thermal Spring Water say that it soothes, softens, and calms sensitive skin. It also helps improve skin texture and restores the skin barrier.

Treat:

The only treatment that I use during the day is the Vitamin C serum by Skin by Zaron. At night, I use the Reti-Glow™ Gentle Resurfacing Night Oil.

The formulators of the Vitamin C serum say it soothes sunburns, fades hyperpigmentation, and promotes collagen production. They also say it visibly brightens and evens out skin tone. While I cannot attest to this for sure, I can confirm that it was very helpful in hydrating my skin.

Skincare enthusiasts speak so highly of retinol, but they also remind us of how very active it is and can lead to irritation. Hence why I opted for the Reti-Glow™ Gentle Resurfacing Night Oil, which is an alternative to retinol as it is powered by Bakuchiol.

Moisturize:

With or without the treatments, moisturizing is key. For this, I use the Avene Hydrance LIGHT Hydrating Emulsion. The main thing about this moisturizer is that it aids hydration, and it is gentle. Not every skincare product needs to have an active ingredient included. With the cleanser and the treatment, keeping my moisturizer mild is a good call.

Sunscreen:

Applying SPF is said to be the game changer. No one should go out without one and should try to reapply during the day. For this, I use the Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel by ISN Tree. It leaves no white cast and doesn’t cause me to break out.

Overall, this skincare regimen has helped me tackle postpartum acne. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one won’t work for the other.

While I was pregnant, I kept a simple skincare routine, Check it out HERE.