I Had Pregnancy Acne– These 5 Products Got Rid of My Hyperpigmentation

Everyone talks about that pregnancy glow that you get when you’re expecting. Yes, ya girl was glowing, BUT by third trimester I was plagued with acne! Not just a few small pimples here and there, but cystic acne. I did not see it coming. My first pregnancy I was blessed with clear skin. During my last trimester I did not visit a dermatologist, instead I saw an esthetician twice. I also did my own research to figure out a regimen that would work for me. I got the acne under control, and after pregnancy it completely stopped. What I was left with was post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

I am happy to say that since January I’ve only experienced 3 pimples that did not get big, and have since faded away. I have a solid skin regimen that prevents acne from popping up in the first place. Today, I’m going to share with you products that have helped to clear my skin after my experience with pregnancy acne. The aftermath that is hyperpigmentation is not fun, but I got you!

Skincare

Through my own experience with acne, experimentation with different products, and research, I’ve learned that clear skin starts with a consistent skincare regimen, and a good diet. I am all about simplicity. Once I find a product that works, I stick with it, and don’t look for new products ‘just because.’ I have combination, acne prone skin and loosely use the 10-step Korean Beauty Skincare Regimen. Below, I listed the skincare steps that I do twice daily. It slightly differs for day and night.

• Oil cleanser
• Water based cleanser
• *exfoliate
• Toner
• *serum
• Eye cream
• Moisturize
• SPF

*exfoliators, and serums are used as needed and specific to my skin needs at that time.

5 Products That Helped My Hyperpigmentation

Since I was treating a problem being my blemishes/hyperpigmentation, I then added in exfoliating and treatment steps to my regimen. What I wanted my products to do for me were prevent the acne (a consistent regimen), treat the hyperpigmentation (exfoliators, serums), and protect/ maintain my results (a SPF). When treating hyperpigmentation look for products with these ingredients: AHA’s, BHA’s, retinoids, kojic acid, licorice acid, and niacinamide to name a few. Listed below is what worked for me.

1. Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner After you cleanse your face, using a toner will help to restore your skins pH balance, and minimize pores. This product has an AHA- glycolic acid, which is an exfoliator, but its light. I use this product twice a day, and within the first weeks of using it I saw my pores shrink, my skin was overall more smooth, and I saw my discoloration fading. Talk about a glow! Yes.
2. EradiKate Acne Treatment It’s always good to have a zit zapper. This product is perfect for when you feel a pimple coming, but it hasn’t come to the surface. At night after I cleanse, tone, and moisturize, I then apply this product to my problem areas. After I use it, I definitely notice the pimple is smaller/gone and no scaring is left after it goes away.
3. Pixi by Petra Glow Peel Advanced Exfoliating Pads This is like an at-home chemical peel due to its high percentage of glycolic, 20%. I use this exfoliator 2x a week after I cleanse my face and follow it with a toner, and moisturizer. If I have time, I like to use a moisturizing mask on nights that I use this, but it’s not a must. It really helps with texture, clear scaring, and prevent breakouts. You will see benefits after just using this product twice! A GLOW for real.
4. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum I think a vitamin C serum is a must in every skincare regimen. It brightens skin, has anti-aging properties, and it also protects skin from UV rays. I use this daily in the morning after I tone, but before I moisturize my face. This product is potent, and you WILL see your discoloration brighten. This is a staple for me. Oh, keep it in the refrigerator too!
5. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 If you don’t use any products for your hyperpigmentation, at least use an SPF! This is a must. You have to protect your skin and maintain all of your hard work. This product is the last step of my regimen every morning. I love this because it is matte, light, there is no white film, and works great before you apply your makeup.

*A bonus product that I’ve been using for 3 weeks now to take care of the last few darks spots is Peter Thomas Potent-C . I use it in my serum step. I put the Drunk Elephant on pause and used this because a Sephora sales rep raved about it. After 3 weeks I have noticed improvement!

What is a holy grail skincare product for you? Please do share! xo

*may contain affiliate links, all thoughts and opinions are my own.