Acne in Pregnancy...HELP!

I can't help with the acne cleansing stuff, but I can tell you I have been using Bare Minerals makeup and love it. It really covers everything without looking caked on. You can go to the Bare Minerals store or to Ulta in Deerfield Twp. and have them do a makeover on you (for free!) to see if you like it.

I use clearasil daily blackhead control. It works on blackheads of course but also works to help treat regular acne as well. It works great for me. I break out about a week before I am to start my period and it has helped keep my skin clear. It is pretty inexpensive. I think it runs around $5.00 for a bottle of it. Congrats on baby #2!!
D.

I am 31 and have been married for almost 12 yrs. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7, and 4.

I would talk to your doctor. When I had a bad problem with acne on my forehead, the dermatologist started with a round of antibiotics to clear up the infection. Once that was done, it was easier to keep under control. Now I have no problems.

Unfortunately I'm one of those people who has ongoing fights with my skin regarding acne. In my case, my skin actually got better during pregnancy (at least for the majority of it -- at the beginning and end it was worse). What I have found most helpful in decreasing outbreaks (and typically in getting rid of acne all together for long periods of time) is the Dr. Hauschka line of skin care products. It's a natural skin care based product and you can get it on line at multiple sources as well as at Wild Oats in Hyde Park. It's kind of pricey, but for me it is the only thing that works on-going. There are two or three different product lines depending on your skin type and what problems you are dealing with. You'd get the ones specifically for acne and oily problem skin. The one item out of all the products that does the best for me is the Normalizing day oil that you use as your moisturizer. There is a cleanser as well, which I used at first as well. I really found all the products helpful. Over time, I've switched to Cetaphil as the cleanser and that has worked for me as long as I still use Dr. Hauschka Normalizing Day Oil. It's worth the price for me to have something that works consistently. Don't know if it will work magic given the pregnancy hormones but it definitely works for me.

Good luck!

Went through the same thing. I used that apricto scrub which has some acne medication in it, but being over the counter it's a pretty low amount in comparison to prescription stuff. I used it just a couple times a week, no problems, and my dr. was okay with it.

I don't know if they still make it since it has been 22 years since my pregnancy but it was sold down south and it was a kind of mudd mask that was green, the weather is super humid down there and I broke out like crazy while I was pregnant and I have the most sensitive skin on the planet. You leave the stuff on and it dries and then wash off. It was made by queen helene and they do still make it I just found it at cvs.com for under four dollars. Good luck.

OH I guess I wasn't the only one. I went through an extreme acne phase during pregnancy with both of my boys. The first one was probably a little worse than with the second. I also felt like I was going through puberty. But maybe puberty for a boy. Not only did I breakout all over my chin, but also all over my back, which I never had when I was a teen.
I rode it out the best I could but am not left with some slight scarring on both chin and back.
I was told by my dr. to use a product called Cetaphil. It is a facial wash with two different strengths you can buy. One is a gentle. I actually continue to use this product today. I also used it some with a small gentle facial scrubber. (like a baby loofa)It is not the cheapest product but can be found at any drug, grocery or super store. Usually in the women's makeup and face care area.
Chin up..Mine wasn't a permanent problem. I suppose it is the price you pay for a beautiful baby in the end..Although it sure doesn't do much for your self esteem during pregnancy. Best of Luck.

You should check into Teatree oil. It is natural, and you can use a whole line or just the oil to spot treat. I use it and usually clears my acne up within a few days.
You can find teatree products on my website or probably anywhere else.
www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/aoaks

I know you have to be careful what you use when you are PG. I feel Mary Kay has some safe, wonderful products that will help.The key is to keep that oil off your face, using a good. oil-free cleanser, moisturizer, & makeup.
I am a former nurse, who has used & sold Mary Kay for nearly 15 years, contact me if you have more questions.I hope this helps & good luck with your delivery!

I used tea tree oil pads, found at Trader Joe's. They worked great, although they're a bit stinky.

Proactive!!!!!!!!!!!

I am pregnant with our second one too, and intially, my face was looking horrible!! I have been using burts bees cleanser, and it has been working GREAT!!
good luck

I had hormonal acne when I was pregnant and I used Mary Kay products (cleanser, moisturizer, make-up). They seemed to clear it up.

Good luck!

J. :-)

Well during my pregnancy I used proactiv & it helped. My sister is now having the same problem now that she's pregnant. I sent her the rest I had & she said that it is working well. You can try & see.

Hi S., I totally feel your pain!!! I have 3 little ones, and my acne got worse with each pregnancy. We have enough to deal with when we're pregnant, I don't know why some of us have to be cursed with acne too. Anyway, I feel like I never really got a clear answer from anyone on what was and wasn't safe to use when I was pregnant. I did use Proactiv for one of my pregnancies, but then someone told me their doctor informed them it was not safe to use while pregnant. I think your best bet is to just ask your doctor. I will say a facial soap that I love (that I'm almost positive would be safe to use) is Neutrogena for acne. It comes in a clear bottle with a pump, and is orange. It really makes my face feel clean. Anyway, best of luck to you, and remember that no one else notices your acne but yourself. Have a great pregnancy!

I have started wearing mineral foundation. The coverage is not quite as good.....so, when you first start wearing it, it is a bit "uncomfortable". BUT, after a couple of weeks of only wearing mineral foundation, my face really started clearing up. A lot of manufacturer's make the mineral foundation now. I, myself, use Mary Kay......but, I am quite certain they all would be very good. Also, I started (and have my pre-teen son) taking Nature's Cure, which I buy at the drug store or grocery store. I am not sure if that is something that you can take or not, but it really seems to help us. I would speak with my OB/GYN about it to see if Nature's Cure (it is "all natural") is okay to take....or, if he/she has any other ideas. Best of luck with number 2! :-)

Once again...not trying to sell something, but Arbonne has some fantastic foundation that is oil free, along with many other great attributes. You can buy this online as well. I found that with my pregnancy skin condition, it was hormonal, which made nothing topical work. And since you don't want to take any kind of hormone altering supplements while you are pregnant, it's best just to take as good of care as you can of your face and cover up the mess!! Good luck!

I had breakout problems with pregnancy too, but they did seem to quiet down after the first trimester. I use the oil inside of a vitamin E capsule on the pimples. It looks like it's going to make things worse, but it really helps heal them quickly.

my first pregnancy, i had acne & my midwife told me i should use an over the counter product w/ salysilic (sp) acid. so i did & i still have acne scars from that pregnancy (didn't work!). then this pregnancy (almost over!) i read somewhere that salysilic acid is much worse for the baby than what a dermatologist can prescribe...so i went to see a dermatologist b/c i was again getting bad acne (those darn pregnancy hormones! yes i feel like a teenager again) & i am prescribed Clenia, a topical wash. it is WONDERFUL & has helped me greatly. it is sulphur based & is perfectly safe while pregnant. i wash with it twice a day & have hardly had any more pimples (unless my mother in law is visiting, then i get some 'stress related pimples'... lol).
i don't think it's necessary anymore to have bad skin when pregnant! yea!

I have the same problem and posted the question a few weeks ago (I have a 2 year old and due with number 2 in February as well). This was the one response I received and I have not tried this product as this reply was more like a sale. But after reading some of your responses, I might have some options now, finally!

If you find one that works, I'd love to know which. Congrats and good luck!

(response to my question posted)
From:Melissa VDate:Thu. Jul. 17, 2008
Hi Monique,
Not sure if this will help, but I invite you to check out the following website...melaleuca.com. They offer health and beauty products as well as Nicole Miller's line of cosmetics. The company is known for their eco-friendly products. Please check them out and I hope you will find something helpful.

Many Blessings to You and Yours,
Melissa V.
Melaleuca-The Wellness Company

I went through a period where I broke out really bad with stress and other things. I was not pregnant at the time, but I did find a great solution at Roberts Hair Salon off of Frye Road. They have a great makeup person in there that could help you. They carry all their own line of makeup, and you would just need the acne preventative stuff. Forgive me I can not remember that name of the product, but they are very helpful and only want to make the customer happy. Hope this helps.

S.,

I had the same trouble with both of my pregnancies. I used Mary Kay velocity cleanser and moisturizer. I also would use a clarifying mask once a week to just get a deeper cleansing. The important thing is to use an oil-free moisturizer after you cleanse your face. This will moisturize your skin and keep the oil from reappearing and causing acne to pop out. I hope this will help you!!

M.

The best thing I found was called "Clear Skin acne treatment pads" Avon sells them and they work wonderfully.You get like 42 pads in a jar for about $4.99.

i used the aveeno oatmeal bath & made it into a paste & put it on my face for about 15-20 min., then rinsed with warm then cool water & patted dry. it helped ALOT. good luck & congradulations!

I know you don't want to be sold something...but I just recently had a return of acne, too. I had quit using my Mary Kay Velocity and I was surprised that I broke out so badly again. This stuff does work and it will be very safe since you are pregnant. I am a consultant, so if you want to try it, I can help you out. I tried several cheaper brands from Walmart and they just didn't do the job. I have found that in skin care, you pretty much get what you pay for!!

Hi S.!
I don't have anything to suggest just wanted to thank you for posting this question. I'm also pregnant with my 2nd, due in Feb & my whole chin/neck area broke out recently. I didn't have any problems with my first pregnancy so I was kinda surprised. Anyway, just wanted to let you know you're not alone & that your question/responses helped me as well. :-) Good luck!

unfortunately, it is a hormonal problem, so you may have to try different things, and you might not find one that clears it up completely, but it will probably go away after you hormones settle down and you're done breastfeeding(if you are going to do that). however, please don't try to scrub anything that would be an active breakout. you will spread the bacteria and can make it worse. I have a friend who has battled this since her pregnancy, and she has found that she must stick with ancti-bacterial shampoo and cleanser, even if you just use it in the affected areas. you could try Arbonne's Tea Tree Shampoo, and their Intelligence Cleansing Gel. if that helps, then you can add a toner, or other products to help condition the skin, heal, and help w/ any scarring or discoloration. I'd stay away from heavy makeup as this will only accentuate the problem, but a light oil free makeup to even out the skin tone will help you feel better about it. Just make sure that you remove it every night!!! I hope I've helped, and if I can help further don't hesitate to contact me! good luck! and Congrats!

I DO NOT sell it so this is NOT a sales reply. I have major adult acne and the product that works great for me is Mary Kay's Velocity product. they say it has oil-absorbing ingredients, so it's suitable for blemish-prone skin. I really like it. I use the cleanser, moisturizer, and even for those bad spots Acne Treatment Gel.

Like I said I don't sell it but i believe you can just buy direct off the mary kay website.

using an oil free product is not always the best answer as sometimes that just kicks your oil producing glands into overtime--I have actually found them to make my adult acne worse. But do check ingredients for mineral oil--that clogs up your pores more than anything and most commercial lotions that is their base as it is cheaper thatn botanicals. Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil that can be found at any store now --not just health food stores. it is expensive at first glance--but it lasts a LONG time. you can add a few drops to whatever cleanser and lotion that you like or ust it directly on the pimples. Just check for sensitivy first--maybe a drop on your inner arm to make sure you don't have a bad reaction--which is a good idea with any new product anyway. Just make sure you do not get any in your eyes--it will burn like heck! My 2nd daughter has always had hormonal acne and it helps a lot--but one night she got a little in her eye and it was not a fun night!

My girlfriend's skin always looked so clear. One day she told me she was broke out super bad. I'm like, where? She said all over the place but she had good makeup on. She bought Revlon. It's some kind of 2-color foundation. I found it at Wal-Mart. It was like $8.00. It worked really well on her though so it may be worth it to try. Good luck S.! And if it means anything to you, I'm broke out constantly. I'm not even pregnant... LOL! Misery loves company

My skin was worse with my second too, although it sounds like you are having a much worse time of it:( Hormones suck! lol
I have always had the best luck just making sure I wash my face at least once a day before bed - I use dove or Oil of Olay dry cloths - and then Clean and Clear moisturizer with salysilic (sp?) acid. Hopefully your skin will get better as the prenatal vitamins kick in and you get out of your first trimester.

When acne shows up, this is most likely an indication that your acidic/alkaline balances are OFF. I've recommended alfalfa REPEATEDLY over the years for this problem. IT WORKS!!! You can even buy it at Wal-Mart.

If you have a sweet tooth, make SURE you're getting enough protein. This stops or at least minimizes your cravings AND will make a difference in your skin problems. The body has its ways of telling us our chemisty balance is off. Acne is just one of them.

If you WANT something sweet AND healthy........no sugar, no caffeine, no preservatives, no waxes, you might want to try XOCAI, a healthy high antioxidant chocolate. WWWWWONDERFUL stuff!!! In addition, I know people who are taking it for psoriasis, eczema and other skin problems. They are thrilled w/ the results. The healthy chocolate is cold compressed...no antioxidants or nutrients removed due to the way it's processed. The extrememly high nutrient content gives your body BACK the nutrients it was lacking to cause the problems in the first place. THAT'S why it works.

Almost ALL diseases, symptoms, etc are a result of either a nutritional deficiency OR a toxicity or imbalance of some sort. Lots of research out there to improve your understanding and knowledge.

Good luck. Let me know if you have any other ?s

Mary Kay products worked best for me in pregnancy. I switched during my first and never had a problem with acne having continued to use their skin care line. Go to Mary Kay online and you can find a consultant. It is very comparable to the cost of other products and you can save yourself a trip to the store. I hate shopping with my kids. I am not a consultant or trying to sell you anything, just letting you know what worked for me. A friend of mine told me to try it.

I have had good luck with ProActive. You can purchase it online. I tried to get in the habit of everytime I use the restroom I wet a towel and wipe my face off. That seemed to help a lot too. Just a suggestion....hope they work.

I have had terrible acne with only 2 out of my 4 pregnancies and it was with both my girls! Thats one of the reasons I had a hunch this time around that I was having a boy because I dont have the acne!! So maybe you are having a girl! Anyhow, I really never found anything that made it go away completely, but I was able to control it better when I used a product that I got at Whole Foods. It was in a white bottle and it smelled really good. I know not having the name doesnt help much, but there wasnt to much to choose from there so If you look you will probably find it. It did pretty well and I felt comfortable using it while pregnant! Good luck on baby! Would love to know what you are having if you find out to see if this seems to be a pattern with being pregnant with girls!