Seeking Advice on My Problem with Acne

Updated on April 13, 2007
B.P. asks from O Fallon, MO
32 answers

I was wondering if anyone has ever had a problem with acne after having kids? When I had my first baby I started having HUGE issues with acne. I went on Acutane and it was clear for about a year and then I switiched birthcontrol and I started getting it again. So I did another dose of Acutane and it was clear for a few years. Now after having my second baby I have been faced with the problem again. I have been fighting with it for almost 2 years now. I DO NOT want to go on Acutane again because it is so bad for your internal organs. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do. My diet is great and I workout 6 days a week. I am very healthy otherwise. But being healthy and not feeling like you look pretty b/c of acne is a whole other ball game. I just added Flax oil to my diet about a week ago and started to do a detox tea. But I am guessing that this is all probably hormonal just based on when I started breaking out with this issue but any advise with be greatly appreciated.

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A.

answers from Tulsa on

You've probably seen the adds about Proactiv Solution - it really works great. It is not expensive (about $23.00 a month for the 3 step treatment). I had also tried many different approaches to the same issue and have only had results with Proactiv. All of my friends use it too with great results.

1 mom found this helpful
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V.D.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi - my name is V.. I had a small problem with acne after my 4th child and it also looked like I had put crisco all over my face - I ordered Proactive and it took the crisco look and the redness and the blemishes away - Good Luck

1 mom found this helpful
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K.T.

answers from Kansas City on

I had a huge problem with acne since I had my first child (15 years ago)and I went on accutane, proactive, and every over the counter thing I could get my hands on. I had it fairly under control but never how I wanted it. I got pregnant with my second child 3 years ago and it just blew up. I had horrible acne through my pregnancy and thought it would go away after I had her...but it didn't. It got a little better...but near what I was wanting. I finally went to a dermotologist named Michael Haag. He's in Overland Park, KS. He put me on an antibiotic (that I really take only when I need, now.) and a facial cream called Tazorac (that fights acne) and metrogel (that clears up the redness). I had no luck until I went to him. My face is so much better now. I still have flair ups (especially that time of month), but it is so manageable with the creams and antibiotics.

I had tried the diet thing, drinking crazy amounts of water, the exercise...but this is all that worked for me. I hope this helps you.

K.

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P.D.

answers from Tulsa on

Hello, Im a RN and a Certified Lymph Therapist, Try LIMU, it is a seaweed in mango and papya drink, u can look it up on www.lymphmassage911.originallimu.com Or u check out the research on this product on www.pubmed.org under the word Fucoidan or u can call me at ###-###-#### , and schedule a facial/ lymph massage . Have a Blessed day. P. DeMoss

1 mom found this helpful
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T.S.

answers from Kansas City on

B., I am so sorry you are having to go through this stress... I have used Acutane several times in my life... uff... I totally understand how you feel. (unable to even look others in the eyes...)
I discovered that the less I do, the better my skin. The more harsh chemicals and treatments only aggitated the situation. So now, I just use a gentle cleanser, Cetaphil. I use it even for my moisturizer too.
Good luck... just remember that your babies love you regardless of your looks...and so does your hubby.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Tulsa on

I have experienced acne after the birth of my second child. (had it slightly after 1st-but worse this time) I have NEVER had acne issues before and I'm 30yrs old!

I TRULY believe it is because of stress and fatigue. You might not be fatigued with your great diet and exercise. But having kids is very stressful, let alone any life issues that come up. I really don't think it's ironic that acne came on after kids.....I think it's the added stress and worry (ran down body in my case)!

Good Luck

1 mom found this helpful
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M.Y.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hey there,
I read your post and immediately thought of the acne treatment from Arbonne International. My brother uses it and it is very safe. I also took Acutane several years ago and I know it can be rough. Arbonne's acne treatment includes a dietary suppliment with topical treatments and works from the inside out. Since it's pushing everything out, it can get worse before it gets better, but after 6-8 weeks, you should expect to see a miracle. It is better than ProActive as well (which my friend with cystic acne tried with NO results. She is now trying Arbonne). The good thing, too, is that even after 5 weeks, you can return it if you don't like it because they have a 45 day $ back policy. You should be able to tell if it is working for you by then. (And it is very affordable)

You can check it out at: https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showCatalog.asp?categ.... If you want to try it, let me know. I started representing Arbonne a little while ago because of what some of their products have done for me and my family. If you have any questions, feel free to call or email me. (Don't worry, I never put pressure on anyone to order, but am always here to answer questions and share my own experiences)
cell. ###-###-####
email. ____@____.com

M.

* All Arbonne's products are pure, safe and beneficial. They are botanically based, vegan certified, hypoallergenic, PH Correct and include NO mineral oil (which is horribly clogging for your skin and is in 90% of other skin products).

1 mom found this helpful
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K.

answers from Kansas City on

I started having a problem with acne at the age of 22. I had never had even one pimple before that. I struggled with it for 5 years trying everything the Dermatologist would give me. Nothing worked. I finally ordered Proactiv because I figured I had nothing to loose by trying it. Amazingly in 2 weeks my acne was gone and has been since. I don't know why it worked when nothing else would, but it did. If you haven't tried it yet it may be worth a try.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Wichita on

I also started having a problem with acne on my face and chest after my son was born, but had never had a problem before, even during my teen years.

A friend tried to sell me on the Arbonne line of products and although they seemed to give "great results" for her, I just found the regimen way too expensive for me personally.

I also did some research and found a lot of reports that said Arbonne is a Multi Level Marketing System, some call this type of marketing a pyramid scheme, I don't know if that is true but it made me hesitant.

www.arbonneanonymous.typepad.com

www.quatloos.com/Tax-Forums/viewtopic.php?t=1004047&p...

www.corporatenarc.com/arbonnescam.php

I started using Neutrogena Oil free Acne wash twice daily on my face and chest, it's grainy and exfoliates and fights acne at the same time. I use it once in the morning in the shower, and once at night.

The Neutrogena lasts about ten days and is $5.00 a bottle.

Just wanted to give you some different options.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.F.

answers from Chicago on

B.,

I know exactly what you are going throught. I never had a problem with ance until I had my boys. I am also healthy, sp I thought I would just struggle through it and hope with diet and exercise it would clear up. My oldest is 2 1/2 and I finally ordered Proactiv a few weeks ago. It has already started working and I am very pleased with the results. I spent 39.95 plus shipping. In a few months I will try an over the counter treatment, sold at Target, called Acne Free. It is supposed to do the same thing, only for less. You can research it online.

Best of luck to you. I feel so much better now that I have done someething to help myself and I know you will too.

D.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.

answers from Kansas City on

I had luck with the Proactiv skincare line. I ordered it through the mail, but I saw it available at Independence Center the other day at one of those little stand alone things in the aisle by the elevator.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I have never had acne problems to the point of having to use Acutane, but I have oily skin and I get breakouts all the time. Especially while I'm pregnant and right after. If you have never tried the Proactive you may give that a shot. I used it many many years ago while in Highschool and I just decided to try it again. It works for me... Everyone is difference, but this is what I notice. Although you have to order the whole system, I don't feel the scrub does much. I usually wash with an exfoliating wash to remove the makeup then I use their scrub. The scrub provided in the Proactive doesn't seem to be strong enough to remove makeup. I use the toner and repairing lotion religiously at night. I use the toner and oil free moisturized in the morning. I have tried their daily oil control and I don't see much of a difference. This system has cleared up my face. When I first started using this system again I noticed my face got really dry and a little uncomfortable. I almost stopped using the product, but it did clear up quite quickly and now I can use it everyday without irritation.

Hope this helps a little.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Springfield on

I have also been struggling with that off and on, and I just started using Arbonne products for acne. You have to go on line to order or find someone who sells it, but they are all natural products, but I have noticed the difference in just the few days since I have started. It can be a little pricey...I think for the wash, toner and lotion i spent around $50, but like I said, it really does seem to work. I, too, am pretty healthy, drink lots of water, get my omega-3's, etc. I tried everything, and a friend recommended this to me, and I'm really happy.

Good Luck!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.

answers from Tulsa on

Hi B.~ I have some product thatI have had very good response with. It is Clear Advantage by Arbonne International. My cousion had beautyful skin until she had her second child. I gave her the Clear Advantage it cleared up in a week! She had been going to the dermatoligest (sp?) nothing worked except the Clear Advantage. I also battle acne and use this also it helps so much! Please e-mail me and I can get more info for you ____@____.com IF you live close to me I can even let yoiu try mine for a couple of days. So let me know! Good luck S.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.

answers from St. Louis on

I haven't had severe acne, but I would say to keep taking flax seed oil a couple times a day. I've been taking it a few years and I think it's reduced my minor break outs and should help more severe acne too, esp. since it's an anti-inflamatory and acne is inflamation. And it's great for your developing baby! If it's hormonally caused, the flax oil should still help, b/c it's beneficial in regulating hormones. (Read "The Omega Diet" if you want to learn more about Omega 3 fatty acids such as flax oil, if you're interested). If I was you, I'd also try fragrance free cleanser and lotions, as that's been helpful for me. And avoid gritty exfoliating products, as they can make it worse. Finally, make sure you eat enough healthy fats in general, because they're important for your skin too. Maybe you could also look into introducing soy into your diet to help with possible hormonal issues. I hope some of this helps!
-A.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.

answers from St. Louis on

My sister in-law has had the same problem. She had clear skin until the birth of her daughter 14 years ago and battled acne throughout the years. I discovered an anti-aging product called Arbonne that I loved about a year ago. I found out that they also had an acne line and gave it to her and her husband to try. It has really helped them both. One other note, my sister-in-law had also tried Proactiv with good results, but was wanting to have more children recently and didn't want to add any chemicals to her body. The Arbonne products contain natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals. The Arbonne products have to be purchased through a rep and are not sold in stores. They are sold by reps in some doctors offices, health boutiques etc. However, they can all be purchased over the internet. I ended up purchasing a wholesale buyers package ($35 a year)so I could buy the products at a discount for myself and my family. If you want to check out the Abonne products you can go to www.kimhoover.myarbonne.com. Also, as far as Proactiv goes, I have a neighbor who has had great success with Proactiv. Good luck to you.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.N.

answers from Kansas City on

Make sure you drink plenty of water. Also take a good look at the products you use on your face. I have very sensitive skin and an acne problem. Most of the products for oily skin or acne treatment cause the problem to flair out of control. During my pregnancy I also had my acne flare up, I was 35 and my face looked worse than when puberty hit. My solution was to drink lots of water and used only Estee Lauders Verite line of skin products. The skin care line can be hard to find at department stores. I buy most of my Verite products online from Nordstrom's.

If you are on a buget look for products that are for sensitve skin only. A good toner with out alcohol, a gentle face cleanser, and a mild moisturiser with spf 15 will balance out the skin with out over drying. Neutrogena products might work for you as well. Try to use skin care products from the same line they are designed to work together.

Also don't dump heavy concealer and foundation on your face to hide the blemishes it just adds to the problem. Lighter foundations and light diffussing powder will help make the skin look better. It takes about two weeks for a skin care product change to take effect.

Hang in there having acne as you get older is a pain. Besides having great skin products, make up, or a facial are all ways of making yourself feel pretty during your pergnancy.

Good Luck,

J.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.J.

answers from Kansas City on

I did not personally experience this problem. I have two clients that had adult acne and used the Arbonne Clear Skin Advantage line. They have no switched to an anti-aging line and don't have to worry about acne anymore. These products do not damage your skin or dry it out. A common complaint of many acne treatments including Proactive. If you are concerned about what you put on your skin, then you to are like me. The skin is the largest organ of our body. It allows things into our skin as well as to release toxins. Arbonne skin care is botanically based!

Checkout this web link for a few testimonials and before and after pictures.
http://www.arbonne.com/company/people/before-after2.asp

You can also look at my website @
http://DesireIt.myArbonne.com

Arbonne offers a 45-day guarantee and an opportunity to purchase the products at 35-80% off.

Good luck and let me know if you want more information about what is in the products. You'll be amazed!

--C.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.

answers from Tulsa on

What birth control are you on? Depo did that to me. I had to get on Ortho Evera. But, if you do not want to switch birth controls, try ProActive. You can buy it from infomercials or you can actually purchase it at the mall. I've seen the results of some people that have actually tried it. Very pretty skin. www.proactive.com

1 mom found this helpful
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N.D.

answers from Kansas City on

B.,

You might want to try a product called Klear Action. You can only buy it at Walgreen Pharmacy's in the cosmetic department. It works wonders. It's pretty close to Proactive, but alot cheaper. I started using it when I was pregnant with my son & had extremely bad acne & I still use it. It works great, doesn't dry out your skin & keeps your skin clear. My daughter has even used it on her arms for her Eczema. It's usually $19.99 but this week it is on sale for $14.99. Hope this works for you. Good luck!!

N.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Have you tried proactiv? I have always had clear skin until I was pregnant, and until I got my period back. I had horrible horrible acne. With everything I read I couldn't find anything wrong with using benzoyl peroxide while pregnant or nursing and it literally changed my skin. It's worth a try. If you want somethinga little more mild I found the Neutragena cleanser/mask with benzoyl peroxide (sp?) to be pretty good too. Hope that's helpful!

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K.Z.

answers from Peoria on

I swear by Apricot Scrub. I only have acne while pregnant. I also use it for my sons Eczema & it works great.

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M.W.

answers from Kansas City on

I struggled with acne during jr high and high school and finally went to a dermatologist 5 years ago. We tried several things and finally accutane worked. My skin has been much better since. I also have tried several topical products including Proactive. I didn't have the luck that some people have had with it, but the one thing that I tried that has worked is Mary Kay. They have a full 5 step program you can use (if you have the time and patience), but they came out with a great 3 in 1 cleanser-toner-mask that you can use twice daily. I use it with acne gel for the occasional breakout and have had great success with keeping a clean complexsion (minus the occasional monthly breakout). I believe in the products so much, I signed up to sell it (and get a discount on my products of course). Let me know if you would be interested in trying it out!

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N.S.

answers from Kansas City on

Did you still need help with your acne? I am a Sales Director with Mary Kay, and I give free facials, if you would like to have one, just let me know. I have several clients who have had what you are experiencing and we have some great products that will work. Mary Kay is #1 in the nation based on skin care sales for 13 years in a row. We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. I also give 15% off to Mammasource moms on their first order.

Good Luck,
N.

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R.C.

answers from Kansas City on

I know there are tons of things out there that are real expensive and might or might not work. I use AVON's clearskin line and it helps me out dearly, especially around that time of the month.

I offer it if you need it!

R.

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A.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I began having acne problems when I was pregnant with my son. I had been on birth control pills for about 10 years before that, which probably kept it at bay. After my son was born, I started using proactive, which works great for moderate acne problems. It's relatively inexpensive, and doesn't carry any risks.
If it doesn't work for you, I think they have a return policy as well.
A.

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C.D.

answers from Peoria on

my sister is currently using proactive for her skin but i used witch hazel twice a day and i have totally clear skin and i also refered it to a friend who had extremly bad skin and it cleared up her skin in 3 weeks using it 2 times a day and its only 1.99 a bottle or i use zapzt cream which is the only cream i can use with great results b/c i have tried everything out there

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W.M.

answers from Wichita on

Hi, I also had Acne problems and dark under eye circles. I used Definite Difference skin care products and I got amazing results. I love my skin now I never have any problems.
Hope this helps you.

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G.C.

answers from Kansas City on

I'm a Proactive Convert. Had TONS of acne problems as a teenager (DID take Accutane. Twice and HATED it! Don't do it!) and didn't grow out of it. Pregnancy only made it worse. Now that I use Proactive Solution, I have people that compliment my skin all the time! It's amazing. When I tell them that I use it, they don't believe me.

I highly recommend trying it. It's got a money back guarantee, too, so what do you have to lose? Good luck! Life is SO much better when you don't have to worry about covering up acne. I only wear a little cover up on my under eye circles from being a mom with not enough sleep and a little pressed powder on the rest of my face to knock down the any shininess. No more foundation for me.

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D.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi, I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen birth control pills and it worked great. Took about 6 months to work fully, but well worth it. Especially if you don't want the horrible side effects with what you've taken previously.

You might ask about it. Here is the website to look it up.

http://www.orthotri-cyclen.com/about/prodinfo.html

D.

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S.A.

answers from Peoria on

Do you use any kind of skincare on a daily basis? Like a face wash and toner and acne treatment?

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M.B.

answers from Springfield on

Hi Blodina,
I just moved to the Springfield, MO area from O'Fallon, MO. I have my own business, we have the #1 skin care and cosmetic business in the world. I would love to have you try a line of skin care for acne. It is gentle enough for adult acne, but really works. Ever since I had my daughter I have noticed that the acne is returning. I started using the acne line and it is clear. If you send me you email address I can get you more info. If you wanted to look at the product on the web you can visit my personalized web site mbaxter1.qbeautyzone.com. Theacne skin care line is clear.now and we also have a blemish control gel. If you have anymore questions let me know.

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