Horrible, gross acne problem

gandcsmith · August 2013

Hi everyone. This entire pregnancy (I am 19 weeks today), I have had terrible acne on my chest and back. It was one of the main old wive's tales that convinced me I was having a girl, and I am! The acne is obviously unattractive, but it is also somewhat uncomfortable and hard for me to ignore (i.e. not touch). Since I can't use acne medication, I am wondering if anyone has any tips about how to handle this? Is anyone else experiencing this? Much as I would like to feel beautiful and goddess-like in this pregnancy, I actually just feel bloated and pimply. Any advice is appreciated...

katags · August 2013

Have you tried any of the pregnancy skin care lines? I know Belli is one of them, but there are others. They make acne washes you can use on your chest and back. It's not perfect, but it's something. If that doesn't help, I'd suggest asking your OB. She might be ok with you using a mild over the counter acne wash like clearasil, now that you're in first tri.

slmille4 · August 2013

I'm with you, and if its any consolation I'm having a girl. Lol. Anyway I have been exfoliating three days a week and it also seems to be going down now, I'm 19 wks. Also if I'm leaning up against stuff (ur hung out on a couch or drove a lot that day) it seems to get worse so I make sure that I change my lounge shirt before going to bed if it was a lazy day

tahloulah10 · August 2013

I'm having a girl, too, and have dealt with acne on my face, arms, back and chest most of my life. About 5 years ago I began using Proactiv and that really cleared things up for me. My midwife and OB okayed me to continue using it throughout pregnancy, so that has been helping a ton. I've also heard Belli products are great, too.

jinkybink · August 2013

I'm the same...face, chest, back, legs. I thought we were supposed to have "glowing" skin??!!

kilbs · August 2013

I had this problem with my first pregnancy (which was a girl). I'm not having issues this time, so maybe it's a boy? Can't wait to find out!

Anyway, my skin got very oily so I used the Body Shop's tea tree line. They have a great mask, but I'm not sure how that would work on your back. But maybe you could try to face wash and lotion and see if that helps. Just try to keep the area very clean, and if you sweat a lot, change into dry clothes. Other than that, good luck!

cpm1223 · August 2013

tahloulah10 said:

I'm having a girl, too, and have dealt with acne on my face, arms, back and chest most of my life. About 5 years ago I began using Proactiv and that really cleared things up for me. My midwife and OB okayed me to continue using it throughout pregnancy, so that has been helping a ton. I've also heard Belli products are great, too.

Another vote for proactiv, BUT I would definitely call (or wait til your next appointment) to as your doctor what you can/should use. Mine ok'd proactiv after the 1st tri. I haven't needed to use it yet but at least it's an option if I do. And proactiv has a body wash now that is supposed to be great!

Jmattis · August 2013

I'm with you on the acne issues and have suffered from acne issues since i was young. I know there are 2 topical creams that are considered safe while pregnant. If it really bothers you, you can always go to the Dermontologist. Also, my Dermontologist recommends the clarisonic Mia, which seemed to help me.

OSUWifey09 · August 2013

I've also had acne issues since I was young, but using any sort of acne meds makes me nervous during pregnancy. I've used the Belli face wash and witch hazel as astringent; that combo definitely worked for my face when nothing else would. My face was really, really oily during first tri, and witch hazel helped keep that in check.

I honestly gave up on my back and chest. It's getting better now that I'm in second tri; I've always had major acne during first tri, then it went away.

Jackapatamus · August 2013

I hear you sister! I don't usually have any acne issues. But I keep breaking out on my chest! It's got better for about a week, and now it's back! Ive been using bar soap to try and dry it out. Also witch hazel. This didn't happen last pregnancy!

SunflowersBride · August 2013

I've been having an acne problem for about a year now (even before getting pregnant) and, fingers crossed, I seem to be turning a corner. I also have very dry skin, and I think I made things worse when this problem first started by using acne products, which just ended up irritating my skin and breaking me out worse. I have now been using Cetaphil and switched back to using BareMinerals makeup, and the combination seems to be helping (I hope!)

gandcsmith · August 2013

Thanks for these tips, everyone. I'll try tea tree oil products and look into the belli line that folks mentioned, and then move on to more drastic measures if necessary...

Arrgcr · August 2013

I've always had acne on my face on and off and it got way better when I stopped using makeup, but this stuff on my back is driving me crazy!!! I have like four and two are really big, red, and hurt! (Sorry if that's tmi) I have my husband stick his arms in the shower and soap my back up real good for me. It's helping some.

I wonder if its getting worse because he's been giving me lots of back rubs and back scratchings a day. I think I'm going to make sure he washes his hands before from now on!

PandDEmmaus · August 2013

The same Dr's that created ProActiv Soluions have now created 4 other skin care regimens. Their new acne line is called Unblemish (Rodan + Fields Dermatologist). It's formulated for adult skin. My Dr okayed it for use during my pregnancy, but you always need to take the ingredient list to YOUR Dr to get their approval. Let me know if you'd like to know where to find it. Good luck!!

Armyratt · August 2013

I'm no help as I have been struggling myself. It sucks big time. I have been using Bella b wash and its helped with the bumps not being as painful.

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