i feel like my skin is deterioating :(

[Dozeyland]

Simce having my daughter 9 months ago, my skin is lifeless, I have everyday breakouts on my face
And I keep coming out in bruises on my legs ( starting to look like a member of 101 dalmatians !)

I'm 22, still breast-feed, but what I must add is that my diet isn't the best, as in not
Eating enough fruit and veg at this moment.

I don't exercise that much other than running after little one I am always busy taking her to groups or
Something or another

But I just don't know why my skin is so terrible, and lifeless.

.Dull is a word to sum it up

[snoozingbeauty]

Breastfeeding really takes it out of you physically and my skin and hair are so ropey for those months! My tips - take a multi-vitamin (Pregnacare do a breastfeeding one but it's really expensive, their 'normal' one is for breastfeeding too so I just take that). And I also swear by Mama Mio body products, their oil (www.mamamio.com/uk/omega-body-oil.html) lasts for ever and has loads of Omega 3, 6 and 9 which I didn't know but that's exactly what your baby takes out of your system when you're pregnant. It really makes a difference to my skin no more scaly shins!). And their Clean Slate Cleanser has stopped my hormonal break-outs too. Feeling like a new woman compared to how I did at this stage with my first baby!
Good luck x

[Alibabaandthe80nappies]

Agree that you need a good supplement. I take a multivitamin and a fish oil capsule. Also when you are BFing you need more good fats and oils in your diet.

I'm using Liz Earle cleanse and polish, and moisturiser on my face and I use Aveeno on my body every day.

[Dozeyland]

Thanks for the replies :)

I will get some vitamins today, and am going to start eating healthier to.
I am having my morning porridge everyday, so its just the snacking I need to control.
Since having my dd I have dropped to 8.5stone, when my normal weight is 9st 7.. It must be the breastfeeding, I am naturally slim,
But its as if her feeding a lot is making me waste away!
I just can't stop snacking on junk. Maybe it is where I'm lacking the vitamins and just feel like I need a boost?

Thanks, I'll have to look into getting that mama mio. I've tried a few creams already, bio oil, no.7 on my face, cocoa butter
Which all normally work, but my skin is just so dull!

What kind of snacks would you guys recommend whilst breastfeeding?

[tulpe]

I understand the need to snack on crap when BFing. I think at times your reserves can feel so low that you just crave a quick sharp fix. I found that spending 5 mins chopping enough fruit for the day into chunks was a good way to get me eating more of it. If it was ready prepped in the fridge then I was more tempted to grab a few pieces instead of a biscuit. My favourite sweet treat for a quick fix is home made flapjacks. You only need a smallish piece to fill you up. Nigella's Soots Flapjack recipe is the best :)

I am a great believer in addressing skin issues by paying attention to diet rather than supplements. Adding things like avocado, red pepper, raw garlic, baby spinach etc to sandwiches or salad is an easy way to get nutrients into the system which also have good benefits to the skin. Red pepper is packed full of vitamin C and has skin healing benefits too. Raw garlic is a good purifier so initially you find that your skin may get worse but it's just helping the body cleanse. Drink fruit teas too rather than caffeine drinks which will aid hydration - I remember the incredible thirst associated with BFing!

another vote for Mama Mio Clean Slate facial wash. I had awful hormonal breakouts every month - having never had acne as a teen I was rather devastated to start having it at 40. I still get the occasional spot but this stuff really works well without drying out your skin.

[uninspired]

Agree upping vitamin intake either by food or supplements will help. Will add 2 litres of water to that suggestion too.

[uninspired]

Oh and sleep can make a big difference too but realise not so way with a baby but this will get better

[howabout]

My Mum made me Dundee cake (rich fruit cake) when I was BF and I pretty much snacked on it all the time. It is full of almonds and dried fruit which are all good sources of vitamins and minerals and good fats. I also used pregnacare multivitamins. I would second that I think you need to add some more good fats like avocado to your diet. Can't beat a good steak (lots of protein, vitamins and minerals) if you need a bit of a boost especially if you can get DP to cook it for you. I would be less concerned with filling up on fruit and oats if you are already below your normal weight and be looking at more calorie dense food.

My skin really suffers with lack of sleep and is really sensitive so I sort of became addicted to Clinique to sort it out, but not looking like death warmed up all the time made me feel so much better so I think it is worth it.

[FunnyLittleFrog]

You might be quite low on iron so second having a good steak and also taking vit supplements or an iron tonic like Spatone.

You could try the oil cleansing menthod for your skin - there are a few threads on it at the moment. I have been having amazing results cleasning using jojoba oil.

[Alibabaandthe80nappies]

Yes to steak, with some nice leafy greens and a glass of red wine!

[msbunbury]

For a healthy but filling snack I mix together pecan nuts, raisens, blueberries, almonds and chopped dates - its really yummy - especially with a glass of milk - the nuts will have good fats and calories too.
I got a bit addicted to carbs and junk with small children too - simply because I was so tired. It was a vicious circle though. I weaned myself off the addiction and felt much better - similarly I avoided caffeine too as that doesn't help by crashing your system.
Sleep, oil cleansing method, decent food and water.

[brighthair]

Smoothies would be good quick to make with loads of fruit in them
If you want one that's more filling do something like a banana, milk, handful porridge oats and cinnamon or honey

[TheMoreItSnows]

I'm not a doctor, but that weight loss & the bruises on your legs for no apparent reason suggest to me that you need to get yourself off to the doctor and get them to give you a clean bill of health, and then implement all the suggestions from the ladies above.

[Vizzini]

I could have written this! I've only just stopped BFing my 17 month old and I look dreadful! I'm thinner than I was and I am very bruised (but the bruises are common for me and so if this is new for you I'd definitely see a doctor).

My skin is definitely my biggest problem now though. I seem to have a new spot every day, especially on my jaw line. It's clogged and bumpy and dull . What's worse is I'm getting married soon and I'm worried I'm going to look awful. My diet is pretty good, but I drink lots of caffeine so I'm trying to replace that with water. I'm taking evening primrose oil and Perfectil vitamins too.

I've just started taking the pill (obviously didn't when BFing) so I'm hoping this will help.

I know nothing I've written is helpful, but you sound just like me so I wanted to say you're not alone.

[Fefeffion]

Boring I know but are you drinking enough water. I really do see a difference when I make an effort to up my water intake. Skin clears and eyes look healthy - also I have been taking tesco hair, skin and nail supplements which help (you would have to check they were ok during breastfeeding though I think). If budget permits, a facial is always a good pick me up. My skin was terrible for months after having my daughter but it is getting better.

[LouPac]

Hi, I went through a stage of having skin breakouts and was introduced to Aloe Vera - I drink a shot of the Aloe Vera gel every morning for 2 months and people are commenting on how well my skin looks!! I also have changed my skin care routine to Aloe Vera based creams so I can only put it down to this as well.... Some Aloe Vera based products have a low Aloe Vera content in them the products I use the primary ingrediant is Aloe Vera. If you want more details let me know. Regards Louise

[Dozeyland]

Been taking spatone, and pregnacare for a week now, no improvements :(