Acne

[Anonymous]

I'm 18 weeks and have been hoping that this pregnancy facial acne would go away but no luck! Any suggestions? This has never been a problem for me and I feel gross!

[Anonymous]

Not much you can do but wait it out, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

The hormones will do crazy things - that includes break outs. I found using the alcohol pads worked best to eliminate the dirt and grim from the day, but it also really dried my skin.
I also loaded up on water. Even after my pee was clear, I still chugged a lot. I don't know if there was a shift in hormones or what, but the acne cleared up

...my next wacky pregnancy side effect were charlie horses.

[Anonymous]

My OB cleared several acne medicines and, being a freaked out first mom, my own research calmed any concerns. You should definitely talk to your OB because everyone is different. I use the Avon clear pore cleanser and toner. Those seem to keep my skin clear without drying. Avon also has a 2% salicylic acid pad (I forget the exact name- I think clean and clear lightening pads). I use one in the morning and that cleans up overnight dirt and oil. My OB has also approved clearasil for application on spots and my back- my face isn't bad but for some reason my back has out of control acne, which I've never had before- right during expose your back months. Oh well. In conjunction with my dermatologist, my OB has approved the use of differin (a prescription topical) 3X a week lightly applied to my face only starting in my second trimester. Again, I know there are a lot of people out there with different opinions and beliefs and you definitely need to check with your doctor. This is the regime my doctor uses with his patients and with which I am comfortable. I've also tried to up my water and fruit intake. But there are things out there and I hope you find something that works for you.

[Anonymous]

Ooh, there is a lot you can do rather than wait it out! It is not my style to just deal with it, or be complacent - there are solutions, you just have to find them!

First of all, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer is the best on the market for spots.

I went to my derm and got a med specific for pregnancy - it's called Finacea. It really calmed things down. Also try AHA souffle from drugstore.com, Clinique 7-day scrub cream (you NEED to be exfoliating) and witch hazel as a toner. DDF (sold at Sephora) makes a great sulfur mask that absorbs oil and dries things up, too. All of these things are pg-approved.

None of these things took it away completely, mind you, but they helped immensely. And around 30 weeks it all started to subside.

[Anonymous]

11:09 again here, just want to point out that none of the things I recommended contain SA, BP, BHA, or retinols, which are the main ingredients they stay to stay away from during pregnancy. (I think some of these cautions are, like the pp said, things you need to decide for yourself.)

My other major advice for acne control is fish oil / omega 3s. even before i was pregnant i was taking fish oil to better my skin, hair and nails, and it really really works. Try the Nordic Natural women brand (it was approved by my OB).

HTH!

[Anonymous]

My OB recommended Tea Tree Oil. At first I started with Kiehl's and I've recently switched to the line at The Body Shop. Still not perfect, but my skin has really calmed down. I also had a facial with Nora at Skin Beauty Lounge in Eastern Market. That helped a lot as well.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thank you!! I will definitely try these recommendations.