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Post-pregnancy acne
Filed under: Babies, Your Pregnancy, Health & Safety: Babies
You know how women who've had babies are always telling women who haven't had babies that there are all these things "They" don't tell you about pregnancy, birth, etc.? And by "They" I mean the professionals--doctors, OBs, all of 'em. Well, it's true.
We have books like "The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy," which does share some insights from actual moms, a lot of which is outdated now but still really funny, and we have the web--and a host of bloggers--to tell us all about it. Yet there are still all these things no one tells you about that could befall you if you get preggo and have a baby.
My thing right now is acne. What the hell? I'm not in highschool anymore! Every month right before I get my period I get a bunch of zits on my face. I'm nearly 33 years old, people, and take expert care of my skin. I haven't had a zit since I was in college. Actually, I took acutane because my skin was so bad, so I know what it's like to have bad acne.
After the acutane I had decent skin and confidence to boot, which I'd never had before. Years later, when I got pregnant, my good skin became great. The whole time I was pg my skin lit up and I seemed to glow from within. The good skin thing lasted until I started getting my period again, and now I get acne every month.
It's embarrassing considering how grown up I feel. At work, I have a director's title and yet I feel like a teenager, or too young to be doing my job--simply because I get zits. I also feel like I'm not as sexy, and, as any new mom will tell you, you need all the sexiness you can get post-baby.
So, what to do? I've been drinking water like it's going out of style, trying not to pick and trying not to notice. I mean, they go away--it's not like I now have these horrible scars on my face or something. And, if this is the price for having the most wonderful experience of my life--being a mother, going through the miracle of pregnancy and birth, having an angel for a son--then fine by me. I'll take it, and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.
Truth is, though, this is one of those things no one tells you about. Just sayin'.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
1-12-2008 @ 4:41PM
AndreAnna said...Mine is the same way and a few things helped - the best was going back on birth control - that cleared it almost completely. I'm not sure how you feel about that, whether you're nursing, etc., but the return of your acne is most likely hormone-related, and possibly only regulation of those hormones will fix it.
Another thing that helped me was Tea Tree Oil products. The Body Shop has a line that worked wonders.
I swear, when I went back to work after my daughter, I felt 16 not 27. It sucks.
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1-12-2008 @ 4:42PM
J Jordan said...Hi, AndreAnna--thanks for your comment. I will definitely look into the tea tree oil products. I've heard good things about them and think that might be a good experiment. Thanks for suggesting!
Reply
1-12-2008 @ 5:37PM
Jill said...Neutrogena makes an anti zit, anti wrinkle cream... and I like it. Pathetic to be seen purchasing, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
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1-13-2008 @ 1:19AM
Summer said...I hear you!!!
I have suffered MORE acne as an adult (post childbirth) than I ever did in high school!
I have two AWESOME suggestions that have worked MIRACLES for my skin (in addition to drinking lots of water):
1) Switch your make-up to a mineral make-up -- even if you've never had trouble with your make-up before! I absolutely swear by it! My skin just looks better and better the longer I use it. I watched those silly info-mercials for Bare Escentuals for a full year before I finally decided to try it. Now I am kicking myself for waiting so long!!!
and
2) Ok, this is going to sound weird -- and it's not the most pleasant experience, but it works! -- but every night before you go to bed (after taking off you makeup), use apple cider vinegar as an astringent all over your face. Just apply some to a cotton ball and rub all over. It smells HORRIBLE, but you get used to it and the smell does dissipate after a few minutes. Use ONLY organic apple cider vinegar (I use BRAGG'S). This REALLY works!! I have noticed an amazing improvement over and above the improvement from the mineral make-up. The vinegar changes the surface pH of the skin and can really make a dramatic improvement in skin clarity and texture. I absolutely swear by it.
I hope this helps!
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1-14-2008 @ 2:35PM
Jessica said...Try getting cystic acne post-pregnancy. Absolutely humiliating.
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1-16-2008 @ 10:36PM
ame s said...I hear ya, sister!
After my second daughter went on the bottle, mine was so bad I was prescribed an oral antibiotic and 2 different creams. The dermatologist had to call my insurance company so they would pay for it because I was 31!
I felt like hiding. Make-up would cover the redness, but not didn't help camo the "hills". Acne and wrinkles, ironic.
Treatment worked, thank goodness.
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