Pregnant and my skin looks like I'm back in puberty...help!

[Alexa808]

I'm 14 weeks pregnant and since about 1 month my previously flawless skin started to break out with spots, angry red patches (cheeks, chin and forehead) and whenever I nuke one spot with tea tree oil and zinc another one appears. I can't go anywhere without foundation and I'm so unhappy about it. I feel really down. I know it's the hormones (esp. if you carry a girl I heard - not sure) but I'm just dispairing.

Does anyone know a good cure for this? Anything that helped you fight skin problems?

I am taking a supplement which contains Evening Primrose Oil, Fish Oil and a little Vitamin E and my skin has stayed quite nice. There are other health advantages to this supplement as well both for the Baby and the mother.

Alexa, didn't you just move to singapore?

Part of the problem might be the adjustment to new climate.
My usually dry skin turned blotchy when first moved here. You need to adjust your skincare.

If I'm mistaken, sorry, might just be the hormones.

Dermatologica daily microfoliant + very light hypoallergenic moisturizer such as Avene hydrance would help.
Clarins pore minimizer good too.

Second what Aussiesim said. I'm taking Udo's oils which is same sort of omega -packed capsules but all plant based.

hi im 8 weeks pregnant and have the same problem, also during last pregnancy. The GP prescribed me a lotion called ' Zinyert' ( its got erthryomycin (sp?) and zinc) its safe to use during pregnancy. Its had worked wonders for me..... good luck

Yes slim22, I've just moved to Singers, but it was bad before

My skin tone is uneven, reddish on cheeks, chin and forehead with small tiny pimples (yuck) and then a few spots all over thrown in for good measure.

Will get myself down to pharmacy now and try the vitamines AussieSim recommended.

Don't know about lotion Ash80but will research.

Anything to help this clear up. I know people have far worse problems during pregnancy but I'm really down and hate looking in the mirror without full MAC counter slapped on.

Thanks so much!!

Well feeling miserable is no good. You should be happy!

Most active ingredients for acne are no go right now. Can only suggest antibaccterial formulations such as for teenagers.
Pharmacists are usually quite knowledgeable here. ask.
The ones in Tanglin Mall downstairs are good.

Did you find a Ob-Gyn?

My skin was awful until I was about 17 weeks pregnant, at which point it cleared up (and I stopped feeling sick!). My skin has been great since 17 weeks, better than ever in fact. Maybe this will happen to you!

my skin was the other way around - ie crap when not pregnant and great during pregnancy (hopefully it will not revert to being crap after birth).

Anyhow, GP knew I had been TTC so prescribed me Stymicin (sp?) which is like a lotion that you apply twice a day and is safe in pregnancy. Twas brilliant.

Not sure about the other tabs mentioned with evening primrose oil in them during pregnancy though - EPO should be avoided until 37 weeks AFAIK because of its effects on your cervix....

I have this too and its really very annoying - I never wear makeup usually but I have to take some foundation about with me.

I have bought some sensitive skin wash and moisturizer which is helping a bit.

I'm hoping the "pregnancy glow" will kick in at some point (am 11+4 today)

I had this awful problem aswell, cleared up like a dream at about 13 weeks.I tended to have oily/occasional spotty skin before pg but flared up big time with hormones. I agree with the comments about dermalogica products, they are great!! Shiseido is also gentle and non stripping. The other thing that really helped me was using mineral foundation, it never gets greasy, nor does it wear off. It is also supposed to be better for your skin. I complained to a few people about the state of my skin and they all said they could not see it, so I was obviously able to cover it up with a bit of extra mineral foundation ( or maybe they were just being nice )

Slim22: I'm heading to Tanglin Mall tom. Cannot find the strength to drag myself away from the pool today. Maybe the equatorial sun will give me a healthy glow (as opposed to my reddish chubby cheeks).
I have seen a gyn named Chen Li Chang at Thomson and will see Dr. Douglas Ong next week, then make my decision. Can you by any chance recommend any ante-natal yoga classes? I'm at River Valley Rd, Fraser Suites. Thanks so much.

Thanks for all the recommendations from you lovely ladies! I will scour pharmacies tomorrow and begin a new beauty regime.

I'm 21 weeks and my chin has just broken out in big red angry spots. Last time it was this bad was when a previous boyf grew a goatee.

I had been blaming DH's stubble and making him shave constantly/refusing to kiss him til I saw this! Am relieved to know it's just pregnancy hormones, esp if it means we're having a girl

Hi,

I'm not very far from you, off Grange Road.

I go to ante natal yoga at Mother and child in Tanglin mall
They do tuesday 10 and 11 am
Thursday 18:30
Friday 10 am
Saturday 10am
The classes get really booked up at the moment so book ahead.

There is a place called Como shambala that has a good teacher.
There is also Birth and beyond in Tanglin Shopping mall ( different place from above) but the room is sooooo small.

Check out Mother and Child when you go tomorrow. It's on the 3rd floor.All the way to the back.
They have UK and Aussie trained midwifes running the show for antenatal classes as well as baby clinics, breastfeeding support etc....

I go tuesdays and fridays 10 am so let me know if you want to meet up for a class or coffee.

Have a nice weekend.

Me too! I look like pizza face some days!

My face is carnage! I bought some Clearasil pads for the first time in over 10 years and thought they wouldn't work, well I was sure of it actually but they DID work, within 3 days as it said on the packaging as well, I'm amazed!!

Right- i'm going to buy some clearasil!

I got backed from my shopping trip with two bags full of:

• neutrogena acne toner
• clearasil pads
• avene hydrance
• various supplements (E, fish oil, zinc,..)
• mineral foundation and sensitive face wash

The dp just laughed and has muttered things under his breath such as 'would you like a spot of xyz...oh no, you've got quite a few already...hahaha...' He's blessed with perfect smooth skin, great...

When one spot stops being inflamed and becomes a reddish scar two others will pop up but I am determined to win this fight. Esp, as dp and I are looking for a wedding date in May/beginning of June. (Just registry, but would love to have some pictures taken.)

Slim22: I've had a peak into Mother& Child and it looks really nice. I've never done this before (did Pilates in London but nothing ante-natal yet). Would love to meet for a class or coffee. My email is: adeeva at gmx dot net I'll try to PM you. Thanks!

I got awful acne all over my back/face in first pregnancy. Started again this time so I tried Clinique anti-blemish solutions body spray which has completely eradicated the problem. I spray it into hands and rub on face & neck and it's been a lifesaver, - got so down last time as looked so unsightly. Even works spraying upside down for back & shoulders. Will be buying more.

I have only just found out I'm pregnant (this will be my second) and my skin is already awful! I have tiny spots (not really spots but not sure how else to describe them) all over my body which really itch. When I put cream on it's ok but have to keep putting it on.
Today I have proper spots (but with no heads, sorry tmi) on my neck and they are quite painful and look horrible.

Please tell me this will all go soon! I didn't get this first time round!

Hi Alexa and Slim22

I'm also in Singapore and pg, due in May - Slim, haven't seen you on the ante-natal thread for ages, did you know about 5 of us have had babies already?

I'm cursed with hormonal zits, usually around the time of my period, and this pg they were terrible up until week 21 or so, then they disappeared and I haven't had one since, so maybe this will happen for you as well.

What I find difficult about being here is when you get so hot and sweaty, if you're covered in foundation and concealer it can feel so greasy and makes me think it must be clogging the pores and making the zits worse. I know you've been shopping already but you can get a good foundation from Avene called Couvrance, that is ace at staying put even in really humid, sweaty conditions.

Hope you see results soon, and also that your dp starts to be a bit more supportive - the last thing you need is to be made more self conscious about it!

Hi Wolverina!

I'm still reading the thread every week but stopped posting ages ago as I'm really no good at keeping up with the posts!

How's the last month treating you?
I'm not too bad except for SPD/insomnia/swelling&heat.

Shall we meet up while we still can manage some time "off"?

I know what you mean, I don't post very often - once in a while I'll make a bit more of an effort but I'm mostly a lurker!

I'm ok, feeling pretty good and don't have any real niggles - the worse thing for me is the heat. I thought I was getting used to it but now I'm quite big it really makes me uncomfortable. When I'm at home I just never wear a top - even my 5 yo son, whose favourite thing is underwear, has stopped commenting!

I'd love to meet up - I'm mostly free this week, especially Wed, Thur and Fri. How about you?

Hi

Any day works for me apart from friday morning.

DS comes back from school 12:30

We can do quiet coffee morning or afternoon play date as you wish.

Alexa! Hi
Got your email but it bounces back to me everytime I email you back.
Just remembered after seeing this post that I haven't tried to contact you by text - do you still have the same number that you gave me? (UK one?)
Take care

Well I say this calls for a proper meet up then?

How about coffee wednesday morning?