First of, I searched to see if there was a thread devoted to skin care but didn’t see anything so if there is can someone just post it here.
I usually have really low maintaince skin but pregnancy does a number on me. My face is super dry and breaking out in these super slow forming zits.
Meanwhile, my chest is super greasy and I have a serious case of boob acne.
Has anyone found products that help with problem pregnancy skin?
Re: Crazy Skin
I was also dealing with some crazy and painful breakouts on my face. I visited sephora and met with a consultant that specialized in skin care. I told him I preferred products that were as close to natural as possible and not heavily fragrant. He recommended the following:
Cleanser: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser $38 at sephora. https://www.sephora.com/product/soy-face-cleanser-P7880 It's on the pricier side, but I've been using it for a week and it's unlike any other cleanser I have used so far. Smells great and leaves my skin feeling clean without over drying.
Moisturizer (for day and night use): Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face cream $17- $45 depending on size. I also bought the eye cream version, which is pretty much the same thing but I was like "GIVE ME EVERYTHING". https://www.sephora.com/product/lotus-youth-preserve-face-cream-with-super-7-complex-mini-P425895?skuId=1635283&icid2=products grid:p425895
Exfoliator: First Aid Facial Radiance Pads: $30 The consultant recommended I use these twice a week. It is a gentle exfoliator that doesn't make my skin feel rough or like I'm peeling my skin off. It did tingle a bit, which the consultant said was normal and the reason he recommended using only twice a week. https://www.sephora.com/product/facial-radiance-pads-P278317?skuId=1309608&icid2=first_aid_beauty_lp_bestsellers_carousel_us:p278317
I've only followed this routine for a week but my blemishes and zits are vanishing and my skin tone is getting more even. My skin is also starting to feel baby soft. I honestly wish I had taken before pictures because just a week ago my skin was pure shit. I hope this helps and am eager to see what others are using.
If you have a Sephora, Ulta, or other makeup store I would ask for samples of these products if you don't want to pay full price.
...but as a disclaimer I haven’t actually checked with my midwife to make sure they are safe to use in pregnancy.
I just came from a derm appointment. My face has been SO bad for the last few months and I’ve been fighting for an appointment with a derm because my doctors response was “keep your face clean, don’t eat chocolate and sleep”... cool. Thanks.
Heres what I discussed with my derm and what I’m using:
she prescribed Azelac acid cream which helps the redness and inflammation. Benzoyl perioxide as a spot treatment. Both of these morning and night and if drynss comes up from the BP skip a day. I have actually started using BP since last Wednesday and have seen a dramatic change! I have also been using clyndamyicin solution on and off since my period returned (6 months ago) It’s a topical antibiotic but she doesn’t think that will necessarily help what I’m dealing with now- but could be good for some of you dealing with this.
As far as over the counter cleansers/products, stick with no fragrance, paraben free and the least ingredients possible. Stuff with pregnancy safe exfoliants are great at removing the excess oils and helping new skin come through.
Hoping “the glow” comes in and i stop looking like a 15 year old boy that has his head stuck in a sweaty helmet.
Anyone using a product a different product to address the boob acne? I don’t think I will be asking the nice people at Sephora about that.
I would go ahead and ask about the boob acne because they do have lines and products for the body.
Also, I received an online coupon for Sephora valid until Dec 13 2017Reward. It'll give you up to $20 off a purchase of $50 or more. I don't know if you have to be a Sephora VIB, but I shared it with my friend and she was able to use it.
I mainly just use Beautycounter products. The are free from harmful chemicals, gentle and very effective.
I've been using them for over a year now and a few of my favourites are the Nourishing cleanser, the charcoal bar and charcoal mask (great for detox and acne), and the face oils. Sounds weird to put oil on your face but through have actually been amazing. My skin is clearer, I don't use any other lotion and it feels so nice.
Anyway it's a great company and it's safe for pregnant ladies. In full disclosure, I'm technically a consultant with them but I'm not looking for business or sales. I only do it to get discounts for myself and the help others to learn about switching to safer products. I was appalled the learn about how bad some products are. (Check out www.ewg.org/skindeep to see how your products rate for safety and if there are any hormone, endocrine, cancer or fertility risks/concerns. Type in bio oil and you'll be shocked). I'd be happy to share more information on ingredients or provide recommendations to any one interested.
@suchaglencoco have you tried keeping face wipes in your gym bag and wiping down mid workout or at least right afterward?