I am 12 weeks pregnant with my second kid and like with my first, I'm having terrible back and chest acne. I'd just suck it up and deal except at 20 weeks I need to be in a big, fancy wedding in a strapless dress. Should I go see a dermatologist? Any pregnancy safe OTC remedies? |
No advice here but lots of sympathy. My skin is the worst it's been in years and I'm in the first tri too. My OB said topicals won't help and will only burn the surface level skin as the cause is hormonal. Might still be worth consulting a dermatologist, esp with the wedding coming up. |
Definitely go see a dermatologist, and make the appointment soon since they tend to have a wait. Obviously your options are limited by what's safe for you to use while pregnant, but you should be able to get a topical that can help somewhat. Beyond that, I'd say start looking for a lightweight shoulder wrap to wear at the reception. |
Just wanted to add, don't listen to your OBs advice regarding topicals "burning" the surface of your skin - he/she is NOT a dermatologist. Tons of people treat hormonal acne with topicals just fine. |
It is hormonal, and there probably isn't much you can do. FWIW, I had a similar problem earlier in pregnancy. I'm 14 weeks now, and it's MUCH better.
I'm having a boy though, don't know if for a girl it would be different. Do you have long hair? Maybe check Sephora for body makeup that can cover tattoos? |
Are you a dermatologist? Otherwise, by your own statement, why should OP listen to you over her doctor? |
I'm saying she should listen to her dermatologist over her OB. Jesus. |
After the first tri, you could at least go to a spa and get a back/chest "facial". I had this done before a trip to Vegas during my heavy PT schedule - it definitely helped. I had one, then during a regular facial she rechecked my back and did a little touch up. It definitely helped.
I'm not sure it'll help THAT much but it might calm what's there / stop stuff before it starts so it's not as visible and easier to cover up if you choose to do that. |
I use Glytone products...they are safe and work amazingly well. I have just used the facial wash during pregnancy but cross reference any others with the cosmetics database to be sure.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ http://www.glytone-usa.com/products/learn-more-about-glytone-products/beauty.html |
I had terrible acne during pregnancy that didn't clear up until several months postpartum. It started on my face and spread to my chest and back. The face and chest eventually went back to normal but my upper back is now covered in acne scars. I did not see a dermatologist, but my OB gave me a prescription for clindamicin. It maybe kinda helped. And I got a back facial, which helped a little.
A dermatologist is probably worth a try. But I would definitely think about covering up with a shawl or something as a back up plan. Sorry to be a downer! |
I am 18 weeks and also having really terrible acne. My skin has always been problematic, but before pregnancy I could control it with benzoyl peroxide and salycilic acid, neither of which my OB advises (she said occasional use of benzoyl peroxide is okay).
According to my OB and my dermatologist, some topical antibiotics are okay during pregnancy. I went to a dermatologist 6 weeks ago and they prescribed clindamycin lotion. I have been using it twice a day ever since and seeing absolutely no improvement! I am now currently battling with them and the insurance company to try a second option called finacea. |
I've been using the cream version of Finacea, called Azelex, before and during my pregnancy, and it's been a lifesaver! |
I used a Clarisonic Mia to deal with acne during pregnancy, and was religious about cleaning and exfoliating. I second the "facial" idea, too. |
PP (9:05) here. I should have added that I have also tried an over the counter glycolic acid face wash, and that seems to be useless too. I have basically stopped using my (oil-free) facial moisturizer entirely because my skin is so oily! |
I started getting acne on my buttocks! It is terrible. Do you use a similar treatment to the face or back acne for that too? |