Skin - upset

[Fakingit36]

I’m 16 wks pregnant and have had on/off acne of different kinds ever since 13. Never severe but apart from periods of respite always there. Since the beginning of this pregnancy my forehead has been a pizza. I got myself a dermatology appointment (i’m in the US) and went in this morning. I think he was trying to be kind but he was patronizing (“it’s two patients, you and the baby”) and he said there’s literally nothing that can be prescribed until the end of breastfeeding - even over the counter stuff with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is out. Was told to use a gentle cleanser and live with it. This comes on the heels of a few weeks of really struggling with exhaustion and managing work, which doesn’t help. I feel overwhelmed, emotional and so pissed off about having to look like a pizza for perhaps a year. It was somewhat bad with my DS but I don’t think as bad. Any experiences modifying diet to manage bad skin in pregnancy? It’s all I can really think of to try. I know in the scheme of problems it’s a small one but having a hard time.

Have you considered trying natural methods, they may not probably won't treat it but they may take the edge off? I tend to use ground up oats in water as a cleanser, witch hazel as a toner and tea tree or aloe gel topically. Not sure that tea tree is safe in pregnancy, seems to be mixed advice so I would check with your midwife first.

I suffer from rosacea, which I can normally keep under control. Throughout my wholr pregnancy it has been awful, nd really knocked my slef confidence.

I have never worn make-up but decided I needed to be able to at least cover the problem until I could take my medicatipn again after breastfeeding.

Best decision I made as have been able tl carry on as normal, whereas beforr I could feel myself shutting myself away and not wanting to go out

Bangs?

Jojoba oil. Got rid of mine completely. I ditched all the harsh chemicals and each evening rub a load all over my face (as a cleanser). Then take a flannel and wipe thoroughly with warm water only, followed by a few more drops to moisturise. My skin was transformed (and I've saved a pretty penny on crappy chemicals). I let it slide a bit before I got pregnant, then broke out massively in the first trimester so got back into a good routine again and within about 10 days they'd all but gone. Worth a try (got mine off Amazon for about £13).

Thank you all! I will give jojoba oil a try.

EastDulwichWife. Is that pure Jojoba oil or do you mix it with water.
Had really bad acne after I had my first child. It cleared up within about 3 yrs. My spots came back after I had my 2nd child 10 yrs ago. Now they just flare up when stressed.
Am 8 wks pregnant with number 3 and have them on my neck and starting to appear on my chest.

@Scoobysue10 It's pure jojoba oil, and actually isn't that expensive to get an organic one that lasts ages. I pop about 5-8 drops into my palm and rub it all over my dry face. Even over my eyes – it takes any mascara off. Then I use warm water and a clean flannel and wipe off all the oil and muck, then dry with a towel. Then I either go to bed without adding anything else, or most frequently put another 3 drops into my hands and rub all over my face like any moisturiser. I find it sinks in quickly. Definitely worth a try, since it’s cheap and not bad for your skin!