Postnatal acne

[AlphabetiSpaghetti]

When I got pregnant I was really looking forward to that healthy glow and luminous skin all the magazines promise... Unfortunately it all went the opposite way and I got horrendous acne. My ds is now 9 months and it's still just as bad, to the point where I don't want to see my friends as I feel so self conscious. I'm back on the pill, one specially for treating acne. It's been 6 month and no better. I use cetaphil which has got rid of the excess oil but not the acne.

Can anyone suggest anything to help?? Or a good concealer at least please? I have 2 weddings coming up plus a hen night, which will be full of beautiful, stylish designer-wearing non-mothers, and I feel like shit. Seriously considering not going. Please help!?!

Go and see a Doctor who may or may not refer you to a dermatologist. I suffered for years with bad skin, was brave and went to see my lovely GP who prescribed Retin A gel. It's taken a while but my skin is clearing. Retin A. antibiotics and the pill (I was on Dianette) can all be helpful - but you must ask for help rather than just shut yourself away.

I know. I did go, was put on a 6 wk course of antibiotics which did nothing too. I'll ask about the retin a stuff. It's just so flipping depressing to be in your 30s with skin worse than teenagers.

In exactly the same sitch, down to the Weddings and hen-do's!!
I went to Dr, who told me antibiotics don't tend to work for this kind of hormonal acne. I got differin/adapalene cream, which is a retinol cream, and slowly but surely it is working.

It's potent stuff so you'll need a total sunblock for every day use (every day, even grey winters), I'm using Clinique City Block, and a good moisturiser as retinols can dry out your skin terribly.

I'll also warn you that some people (me!) go through a 'purging' stage before they see improvements. Persevere through this difficult bit. I wanted to cover my head with a paper bag for a week! I also use quinoderm (a benzoyl peroxide cream) on my chin as its particularly offensive!

Defo go to the docs, and if they don't take you seriously, which is what I was afraid of), see someone else.

Thanks, mombojombo I felt all alone! Every other pregnant friend/new mum is just glowing and lush and I'm a pizza (with extra pepperoni). I shall try all you have suggested, and will bravely go to the doctors, again, armed with new information. I hope it clears up for you soon. Next dilemma is what to wear for this hen do! I'm sure I have clothes somewhere but seem to be wearing the sand uniform of t shirt, jeans, converse and cardie everyday. Bleugh.