Skin Care Advice

This will not help the pimple, but after I squeeze mine and they're done bleeding, I squirt some Visine on a cotton ball and press gently for a couple minutes. It helps "get the red out" --just like the ad says.

I had the same problem when is was prego,I was told that its just because of all the extra hormones. My DR. recommened proactive. I used the renewal clenser and it worked great, you can get a whole system but I had great results with just the cleanser. Hope this helps.

Hi R.,
You've had a lot of great advice already. I'll just add a few important things. BTW, CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy!!
First, as Rachael (the esthetician) mentioned, your body/ hormones are going through lots of crazy things because of your pregnancy. And whatever you do, you need to be careful to use ingredients that are safe during your pregnancy. Be sure to look at ingredients - some of the products suggested may have ingredients you don't want. Also, try not to touch your skin too much, which can add bacteria from your hands.
You mentioned your skin was dry, so it's important not to Over-Wash, which can cause even more drying of your skin. Instead, use skin care products made for your skin-type, in your case dry skin. Begin a daily routine of washing 2x per day, no matter what (this literally takes 1-2 minutes). A routine, combined with the proper skin-type products can make a Huge difference. Then, you can add products specifically for the blemishes. Again, be watchful of the ingredients. A toner can be helpful here, or for more stubborn blemishes, an acne treatment. Avoid breaking the blemishes, as that may may cause scars.
I've worked with Mary Kay producrs for some time and found excellent results with my clients (sensitive skin, pregnancy, sudden skin changes, hormonal changes, dry, oily, etc.). I'd recommend the Classic line for you to start with. Many people who cannot use other products can use MK and swear by their results (including teens who had no success with Proactive). Best of all it's guaranteed, it you don't like it you can return. Please feel free to call me if you want any additional information/ suggestions/ ideas. my web site is: www.marykay.com/terigentry ph:###-###-####. Best wishes!

My skin vastly improved when I started taking a Zinc supplement. Zinc is often recommended by doctors when women are TTC, so I believe it is safe during pregnancy but check with your doctor first.

Good Luck!

When I was pregnant with my daughter I had really bad break outs as well. It was pretty bad. I got permission from my doc to use ProActiv solution. I used it only 2-3x's a week instead of daily but it helped tremendously! Once I was in the middle of my second trimester I didnt need to use it anymore. Just be sure to talk to you doc and ask before using anything. Best of luck and Congrats!

I tried to drop all my acne products when I got pregnant but I couldn't - I was breaking out too. They say salicylic acid is ok when you are preggers. Stay away from glycolic acid products. I ended up washing my face 2 a day with Neutrogena Acne Wash, exfoliated with Aveda's Tourmaline Charged Exfoliator, moisturizing w/ Clean and Clear lotion for acne, used Aveda's spray toner (LOVE this product!!!) Everyone is different. If it persists see a dermatologist.

This happened to me too when I got pregnant! I use Cetaphil (the oldest product out there, I think). I buy just the facial cleanser because I have a bit more oil in my skin, and it isn't drying me out. However, they have a line of products. I highly recommend it. Haven't had a pimple in MONTHS! :-) (I'm 35 weeks pregnant!)

Unfortunately, when pregnant, there's not much you can use for acne treatment that I'm aware of. Keep your face clean and moisturized. (My skin got really dry. I used Eucerin to moisturize. It was the only thing that was strong enough.) As your hormones fluctuate your skin will change. My skin broke out when I was first pregnant, but cleared up on its own after a few weeks. I wouldn't go out and buy any acne treatments unless you check with your midwife or Dr to make sure that they are safe to use while pregnant. Actually, that would be a good place to start. Ask your midwife if she knows of any safe products.

Hi R.,
I'm an esthetician and I always remind my pregnant clients to be more careful with their skin while pregnant. All of the changing hormones can really do a number on it, and usually make it more sensitive. I recommend washing just twice a day with a really mild, non-foaming cleanser to help with the dryness. If you don't exfoliate already, I'd start that as well, with a really gentle product. Dermalogica makes a great exfoliant for sensitive skin that you can use once a day after cleansing called Daily Microfoliant. Its a rice powder that turns into a foam when you add water, so there are no abrasive bits that can do more damage to sensitized skin. If you choose to go with a scrub, get a really gentle one(stay away from St. Ives scrubs-they are horrible for your skin) and just use it 2x per week max.
Good luck, and remember to drink plenty of water. Its not only good for your baby, but helps keep your skin hydrated and clear!

Hi R. - Sorry you're having such a problem. However, Arbonne has a great line called Clear Advantage. You can be in touch with Arbone or me. I. Jaeger ID#17222859. Or be in touch ###-###-#### and we can talk further.

I dealt with this problem all throughout my teenage years and again during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I tried so many harsh prescription products when I was young that really messed up my skin and left it really sensitive.

When I was pregnant, I had to find new ways of dealing with it that were gentle and safe for the baby. Since you are pregnant you should NOT use anything with Benzoyl Peroxide, including Proactive, Clearasil, Oxy 10, etc.

One thing that is safe is tea tree oil. I really like the Dessert Essence Blemish Touch Stick.
http://www.desertessence.com/skin-care/face/tea-tree-oil-...
It's basically a roll-on tube and I put it on pimples before bed and the next morning they are much better. It's a nice cool feeling and you can feel it working. It usually gets rid of the pimple in 2 days at most.
Desert Essence has a whole line of skin care products that you can find in natural stores like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, and sometimes even in your regular drug store or grocery store, depending on where you live. I haven't tried any of the other products but I'm sure they would be good too.
You also have to have a skin care routine. This is what I suggest every morning when you wake up and right before bed:
Wash your face with something mild like cetaphil and then once or twice a week use a gentle scrub, like the clean and clear daily pore cleanser. Then use a gentle toner- get some witch hazel from the drug store and sweep over your face with a cotton ball. Then use a light moisturizer (like Olay complete for sensitive skin) or else your skin will dry out, and your body will respond by making even more oil and your pimples will get worse. Don't pick at or squeeze whiteheads- it only pushes the bacteria further down into the pores and causes scarring.

Hello as a marykay beauty consultant I would advice that you use a product for acnes do not squeeze because that would scar your face so if your interested visit my website:www.marykay.com/shernandez1208 or go to your local drugstore and get a product for acne, but not drying ok
HopeI have helped, good luck on you pregnancy.

Pregnancy was horrible on my skin! (And my skin wasn't great to begin with...) I actually found that I had to wash LESS when I was pregnant, because my skin was more irritated and would get very dry and red.

I ended up using unscented, hypoallergenic baby wipes to "wash" my face at night. And nothing at all the rest of the day. And a soothing, hypoallergenic lotion whenever my skin felt dry or tight.

Cetaphil lotion is great, btw! (The cleanser works well for some sensitive skin types, too!)

As you may have already heard, the best thing for skin is tea tree oil. I shop direct from a manufacturer for the purest form of tea tree oil - they have products that are designed for all skin tones, they are amazing and you will see results or a complete 100% refund, can't beat that! I do not SELL the products, but can help you shop for your products by explaining it to you- please email me or call me ____@____.com- ###-###-####. Good luck and i will look forward to hearing from you R.! :)

On blemishes I have used a cotton swab dipped in peroxide to sanitize. I also have used bacitracin as a moisturizer as it is antibacterial with excellent results

I wrote to try proactive but not sure it's safe for pregnancy... ooops.