Post-baby Acne!!! HELP!

I hear you!!! I was in the same situation kind of. I have done Mary Kay, Proactiv, aand Clinique. My best friend works for UTSouthwestern and got me started on Skinceuticals. It is about the same prices at getting a whole line of anything else. You can go to their website and do some research on their products to see if you might like it. The only thing is that you will have to find a dealer and most of them are Dermatologists or some spas carry the line.

www.skinceuticals.com

Hi M.-

I do know a great acne, oil control product.
It is the Arbonne Clear Advantage line. It includes
a wash, toner, lotion and eye cream and best of all
an oil control supplement (vitamin) that controls oil
from within. It is all botanically based and safe.
Let me know if you would like more information.
My e-mail is ____@____.com

Thanks!
J.

I've always had problems with acne, but now at almost 39, it's almost all clear! I use Clearasil and Oil of Olay. Sounds too easy, but it works. I use the Clearasil cleanser in the shower every day and always use moisturizer with sunscreen when I get out of the shower. I used the Arbonne Re9 line and it really messed up my skin, so I went back to the Clearasil and haven't had a problem.
I do agree about the mineral makeups, they do work. I use the L'Oreal and Neutrogena ones, but I've been very happy with their coverage and they way they don't make problems worse.
Good luck!

ok....Murad skin care for acne, of course cleared mine up after 7 years of trying everything else. I can't use lotion on my skin, but the face wash is a Godsend. Also, bare minerals (from t.v.) helped to hide during the process of repair, and it does not harm or hinder in any way, shape, or form. It actually DOES what it says by way of cover up, while you are healing. The face wash on Murad's website is 25.00, and the bare minerals kit (the only way you can buy it) is 60.00....pricey, but worth it. Let me know how you do. I really do sympathize with you.

Hi M.! You should go to Nordstrom and get some samples of Dr Brandt Skincare. Try the poreless gel (morning and night), mix it with poreless moisture during the day and for evening, use pore effect. They also have poreless cleanser, poreless toner, too. It's amazing! I've seen changes in so many people. I also work for the line (until next week). Remember, it takes about 1 month for cells to cycle over, but you'll see some results after about 1 - 2 weeks. Do not exfoliate as it could transfer bacteria from one pore to another. Also, be sure to wash your face 2 x at night, once to remove makeup, and once to actually cleanse. Hope this helps! Try to use products with salycilic acid because that is the only acid that is lipid soluble and will purge the bacteria. Poreless gel also has an ingredient we call PDS, pro dimethyl silanediol salycilate. It adjusts the balance of the skin to a more acidic level and you won't be prone to bacteria. When your skin is alkaline, it is a breeding ground for bacteria.

My friend had this problem and this is wbat she did. She used proactive to treat her skin and the makeup she changed to was the bare minerals.

Man was this a relief to read this post. I had TERRIBLE acne with my latest pregnancy. During the pregnancy I just kept thinking that I just needed to make it through to the end and things would start to clear up on their own but NOOOO they didn't! It's comforting to see that I'm not the only one who reverted back to teenage years (actually, this was WORSE than my teenage years, if I'm remembering correctly).
Before I got pregnant I had been using Arbonne's anti-aging line. I stopped using it during pregnancy because 1) the facial serum and body serum contain salicylic acid, and 2) my crazy hormones seemed to make my skin too sensitive for the rest of the system. So I just suffered through the pregnancy using products that would at least keep my skin clean and moisturized, but that's about it.
I am in fact an Arbonne consultant, so I mention these products because these are the ones I'm most familiar with. After my daughter was born and I realized that the acne wasn't just going to magically disappear, I did try Arbonne's Clear Advantage line for about 6 weeks. In my specific case, it actually did nothing for me. I do know people who it's worked amazingly well for, but I'm not one of them. I guess it's just a body chemistry thing, kind of like how Proactiv doesn't work for everyone either. So, I went back to using the full Arbonne Anti-Aging line, and my skin started clearing up almost IMMEDIATELY, and it's been pretty great ever since. I've also noticed that a lot of people have mentioned Bare Minerals, and that's a great idea too. I have never tried Bare Minerals specifically, so I can't offer a comparison, but I do use Arbonne's version, which is their Mineral Powder Foundation. I believe it is pretty similar, and Arbonne's is $34 and should last SEVERAL months.

Anyway, that's my two cents. I guess the bottom line is that different products work for different people! Soooo helpful, I know...

:)

Good luck and I hope things are getting better. I'd love to hear an update on what you've tried and what you've found that works for you.

M.,

I FEEL your pain. I had three years of pre/post baby acne. I think the hormonal changes associated with getting off the pill, having a baby, breastfeeding etc took its toll on my face and back.

Okay - here goes. I tried Proactiv and it worked only temporarily for me as well. I found that I need constant cell renewal to keep my skin clear. So , I use products with alpha acids- like Olay skin renewal cleaner, Neutrogena deep clean or daily scrub cleaner,and/or Dr. Brandt's outpatient treatment (Sephora). I rotate between several. I use an acne cream at night. My doctor prescribed Erythromycin that works great if you can stand the alcohol smell. It is a topical antibiotic. So it works similarly to the Germ X previously recommended. However it is gentler since it's designed for the face. I rotate this one, Dr Brandt's overnight treatment and a cell renewal moisturizer like Clinique's turnaround cream or Origin's Night a Mins.

I do not think you need to use these exact products. Just try ones that encourage cell renewal and rotate through a few products so your skin does not become "immune" to the treatment(s). Use a daily cleaner with a scrub like Neutrogena's gentle scrub. It has alpha hydroxy acids and particles to scrub your skin.

Remember to try to reduce stress, drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet.

I hope this helps some. I was very frustrated with my situation. I just now have the complexion I did before my children. That has taken three years of trial and error for me.

I saw someone mention the hand sanitizing gel - that kind of stuff really does work. I used neosporin though. While I was breastfeeding my daughter, I used to get those cystic acne bumps - the kind that hurt really bad. For like 7 months I tried everything under the moon to treat my skin, but nothing worked. Then one day I tried the neosporin and they were gone in 3 days since it kills the bacteria that causes acne. If you have cystic acne, dab a little on them before they actually break the surface and they'll never come up. Turned out that my acne was hormonal. As soon as I stopped breastfeeding the problem was gone!

The Arbonne Clear Advantage works wonders. My friend had horrible acne after her second baby, and it wiped it out. Let me know if you'd like to order some, and I can get it to you asap.

____@____.com

Hi! I have had the same problem since my two girls were born, now 9 and 7 years. I had tried every product imaginable. Last Summer I visited a new TERRIFIC dermatologist. He prescribed Spironolactone. I has done wonders!!!!!!!!!!!! It is safe for long term use and I've had no side effects. However, I don't know if nursing or future pregnancies would be an issue. You can ask your doctor or try Dr. Rick Wilson ###-###-####). Basically, mine was a major hormone imbalance and this works to inhibit hormone effects on the skin. Babies in my late 30's and the natural hormonal shift in the early 40's were my culprits. Hope this helps! My heart aches with you on this because I know very well how it is!

I had the same thing happen to me and I thought it was because of hormones too until my childless sisters also developed adult acne. Its very common and proactive didn't help me either. I went to a dermatologist and went on Accutane for 6 months. Its drastic, but 8 years into it, I was willing to do anything. Go see your dermatologist for help. OTC stuff is a waste of money.

I use Arbonne's Clear Advantage line, I absolutely love it. For me I noticed really quick results. It also helped my t-zone that I used to have really bad too.
www.kha.myarbonne.com

Hi M.,
Let me recomend to you the best fasials in town, she is located in Keller her name is Estella and will be more than happy to help you
her phone: ###-###-####
she is on vacations and will be back until agust!

You really should consider seeing a dermatologist. Over the counter products are over the counter for a reason no matter what they claim. Normally a good low dose long term antibiotic works provided you are not breast-feeding. If you are, a dermatologist can give you perscription strength topical meds. Good luck :-)

I had the same problem, especially after my third baby. I got a facial from a esthetician in Rockwall and she has really helped it a lot. I don't know how much it was because it was a birthday present from my husband, but whatever it was it was worth the money because I saw results in 2-3 days and by one week it was almost completely gone. I plan to go back to her and try to keep them at bay. I don't know where you live, but if you want her info then e-mail me.

Hi M.,

I feel your pain. Mary Kay has a line of products for Acne that WORKS!

But the best part of it is that it is 100% guaranteed. So if it doesn't work for you, you can get your money back.

I am a sales director with Mary Kay and have the products available if you would like to try them. Send me a reply if you would like more info on it or go to my website at www.marykay.com/S. to check it out.

Good Luck!

I had some post-baby acne issues too. I think it took me nearly a year to get back to normal. Hormones are such a crazy thing. I have been using Arbonne facial care products and really love them. For an occasional break out I really like Origin's "Spot remover". Dries it up pretty quick. Not sure what I can tell you about preventative measures. You might check-in with a dermatologist. I know certain types of birth control pills can help regulate your hormones (and help with acne) so you might even check in with your OBGYN on that front.

I have tried everything, and I also am immune to Pro-Active.
I am now getting some dermabbrasion done at a place in Dallas called Summit Laser; the aesthetician there is great. Her name is Shirley, and she also does laser which has helped my acne as well as pores. ###-###-####

I can tell you that I am 41, and the only other thing that has worked for myself & my daughters is Melelueca products which are much less than pro-active. It is definitely worth the try. The woman that sells Meleluca to myself is Tracy, and she lives in Allen. Her email is ____@____.com Luck, I know what your going through!

D.

Hi M.,

I agree with the ARBONNE Clear Advantage recommendations. One of my friends was having pretty bad breakouts and then tried Clear Advantage. Within 2 weeks, her skin was all clear! If you're interested in trying it, let me know. I'd be happy to share it with you to try for a couple of weeks, no obligation. What's great about the products is that they are botanically-based, pH balanced, and Dermatologist tested. It's worth a shot!

Please let me know if you're interested. Good luck in finding what's best for you!

Sincerely,
Jacqueline

OK..I know this is going to sound REALLY strange, but I promise you it works!!!! Especially for hormone type temporary breakouts like you are having. I used to model and this is one of those secret "modeling tips" you pick up working with other models and makeup artists....

Wash your face with a gentle face wash and dry well. Get that hand sanitation gel (like germ-x) and apply a thin coat over the entire face. Let it completely dry and follow with a light moisturizer...make sure it is one that is made for face, won't clog pores, etc--I use aveeno lotion.

It works, I promise!! If you really think about it, pimples are from pores being full of germs and the germ-x kills it!!

I hope this helps!!!
hugs and blessings
H.

You have gotten a ton of responces already and I haven't read through them all but! I was in the very same boat you were!!! I tried everything at the grocery store because I couldn't afford much with this new baby and all! That's when I turned to my girlfriend that was a Mary Kay consultant and she helped me find the right products for my skin type as well as my specific needs.

It worked like magic! Within a week it was 10 times better. Within three weeks it was GONE! And now that I use it all the time, I don't even get those once a month "issues" as I like to call it.

Since I fell so much in love and was a new mommy it fit that I became a MK consultant myself! So let me know if you'd like to try our product! It is backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee so its never a risk to give it a try!

Best of luck, and let me know what you think! My website is www.marykay.com/tchavira and my email is ____@____.com