Acne during pregnancy

[lemoncupcake]

Hoping that you all can help an F16er out here.

My skin has been a mess for the last 7-8 years - cystic acne, mostly controlled by BCP, spironolactone and topicals.

I can't use any of the good stuff anymore, and I'm really struggling. Right now, I'm using a sulfur mask a few times a week, witch hazel as an astringent and tea tree oil dabbed on the really nasty ones.

Any miracle products out there that have worked for you? I have two prescriptions from my derm - Clindagel and Finacea - but I've been hesitating to fill them before exhausting my other options.

[mosy]

Using apple cider vinegar as an astringent cleared up my skin enough that I could stop using topical antibiotics from the dermatologist. I also really like AFA mild exfoliating gel, but it gets expensive to use all the time.

[ugotstarbucked]

A lot of acne products are not pregnancy safe.

Have you tried using a sonic face brush at all? I have a Clarisonic Mia2 and I love it. It really helps keep my skin clear. Also, too much product and cleaning may be the issue - your skin is hyper producing oils because all the cleansers are drying it out

[peaseblossom55]

Jun 23, 2015 16:52:04 GMT -5 mosy said:

Using apple cider vinegar as an astringent cleared up my skin enough that I could stop using topical antibiotics from the dermatologist. I also really like AFA mild exfoliating gel, but it gets expensive to use all the time.

Lurking....Stealing this idea tonight. Thank you!

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 23, 2015 16:58:39 GMT -5 ugotstarbucked said:

A lot of acne products are not pregnancy safe.

Have you tried using a sonic face brush at all? I have a Clarisonic Mia2 and I love it. It really helps keep my skin clear. Also, too much product and cleaning may be the issue - your skin is hyper producing oils because all the cleansers are drying it out

Yes, forgot to include that. I have a Clarisonic and use it regularly.

[mosy]

peaseblossom55, I hope it works for you!

[lemoncupcake]

Jun 23, 2015 16:52:04 GMT -5 mosy said:

Using apple cider vinegar as an astringent cleared up my skin enough that I could stop using topical antibiotics from the dermatologist. I also really like AFA mild exfoliating gel, but it gets expensive to use all the time.

interesting - I'll give this a shot!

[mosy]

peaseblossom55, lemoncupcake, I dilute it with water (1/2 and 1/2 for my skin type) for all over my face, and straight up for spot treatments.

[Deleted]

I get cystic breakouts & have seen a great improvement when I started using Proactiv combined with an Erythomycin (sp?) antibiotic gel. My OB has ok'd the antibiotic gel, but I still drop down to only applying it to my most prone areas while pregnant. I think my switch to using Bare Minerals makeup has also made a difference in the intensity. I still get them from time to time, but this new routine has helped reduce them & lessen the healing time for when pops up. Mine is really bad during high hormonal periods. Not looking forward to post partum breakouts for sure, but I have found nothing that can tame them during times like that.

I hope you find something! Besides making me feel self conscious, it can be painful!

[Deleted]

You've gotten great advice so far but I cannot stress enough the Bare Minerals. My mom had SEVERE rosacea and I have had problems with acne off and on my whole life and my mom no longer has any rosacea symptoms and I rarely break out. It's only when I get lazy washing my face at night that I start to have issues.

[Sparkly]

I used this face wash last pregnancy and it helped my breakouts and oiliness immensely.

Philosophy Total Matteness

Also, regularly exfoliation is always a huge help. And +1 for using a Clarisonic (I also have the Mia2), even though I'm super lazy lately and hardly ever use mine. I have to start up again, because my skin is starting to freak out all of a sudden.