Postpartum ACNE

The first thing I want to talk about is something I was not prepared for after having my baby. There are just some things that are not really mentioned in all those baby books I read. On top of a momma pouch, bags under my eyes from the sleepless nights, and trying to adjust to my new body, life, and baby... comes  ACNE. (bum bum buuum)
I started to get acne in my 3rd trimester but it was not anything I couldn't cover up with makeup. I have never had acne or any problems with skin before pregnancy. It got so bad after having Liam that it was making me lose all self confidence I had left and I didn't want to leave the apartment. It also started to hurt because it was so irritated and inflamed. I searched online all day long looking for remedies, mainly for natural home remedies like lemon scrubs and honey face masks. I tried so many different types of cleansers, scrubs and acne gels and lotions, what ended up happening is that my skin got so irritated by all these different products, it got extremely dry and the acne got WORSE! I use to work in the cosmetics department at Macys so I took a visit to the clinique counter where one of my friends gave me some skincare advice. She told me the scrubs I were using were much too harsh and that the acne gel and moisturizer I was using was just drying out my skin, making my acne worse. She gave me a bag of samples (a plus to working at Macys) and I tried some of the products she recommended. It has been just over 2 weeks, and my acne is almost gone !! I was using all the wrong products, but if I hadn't asked her for help, I wouldn't have had any idea ! I was using products that are advertised in magazines that say they work! I was using neutrogena natural facial scrub, Clean and Clear acne moisturizer, Clean and Clear persa gel 10 (benzoyl peroxide) and st ives apricot scrub. I also tried many facial masks to no success.

Here is my new daily skincare regime:

Morning routine:
*I wash my face with Clinique rinse-off cleanser ( you only need a small dab- it really goes a long way because it turns into a thick lather)
*After patting dry, I use Clinique's number 2 calrifying lotion (It helps balance the PH level of your skin, exfoliate, and get deep down dirt from your pores)
*Then I put a very light layer of Clinique Superdefense SPF 25 on ( Even though it's an age defense moisturizer and I am only 23, it's an amazing moisturizer for dry combination skin)
*I then use Garnier BB cream. I am in love with this product- it smells amazing, really brightens my skin and such a little dab of product can cover my whole face. It's very lightweight and has so many benefits using this. (It has SPF 15)
*After I left that "sink in" a bit, I then use Clinique Even Better foundation to dab onto my blemishes. I prefer using this instead of any actual concealer because I believe this foundation goes on much smoother and blends so naturally. It actually improves the condition of your skin as well.
* I'll then add blush, eyeshadow, mascara, the works!
My face looks so healthy and glowy I have so much more confidence now and I am really starting to feel like my old self again!

My night time routine:

* I Wash my face with the same Clinique rinse-off foaming cleanser
*Use my clinique clarifying lotion ( I use a cotton pad for this)
*Then I dab on Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair serum. This makes my skin much healthier looking and I only apply a very small amount, concentrating on my chin area which has most of my blemishes. This serum is helping heal and repair my acne scars.

*My final step is to use Lancome's Bienfait Multi-Vital NIGHT which is a high potency night moisturizing cream. It's very thick and a bit greasy at first but allow it to sink into your skin and you will wake up the next morning looking so glowy and healthy !!

**Also, once a week I use the Clinique Turn Around Mask. After washing your face, pat dry and apply this mask. Let it sit for about 5 minutes and then start to very gently rub in circular motions the tiny exfoliators that are in the mask. Add a bit of water and massage it in. Then rinse and pat dry ! This mask has helped heal and repair my acne and the scars.

I Hope that this helps someone with their hormonal acne problems. During pregnancy I had very oily skin and now my skin is quite dry without the right moisturizer. I also live in Denver where it's very dry all year round !
Don't be afraid to ask for advice at your local clinique counter, either. They are trained and knowledgable about skincare issues ! Everyone has different types of acne and blemish problems, so the drugstore products that are supposed to heal acne does not always work. It can make it worse !