My skin has always been prone to minor breakouts.  Surprisingly (to me) during my pregnancy my skin cleared up so much that all I had to do was use soap (Aveeno bar soap for dry/sensitive skin) to wash my face and nothing else!   Amazing!  I got so used to that and was so happy.  Of course, after I had my daughter my skin returned to "normal" and the breakouts came back.  However, they are worse and have been much worse for months!  I'm wondering if it's the breastfeeding hormones?  And I wonder if after I wean her it will improve some?
 
Nothing that I used to use prior to pregnancy seems to help at all!!!  And I've tried a bunch of things.  My doctor says anything topical is okay for breastfeeding mom's, so it's all topical stuff that I try.  All over-the-counter.  Just nothing seems to help.

Does anyone know if breastfeeding would increase breakouts?  Man, I would love to have my "pregnancy skin" back!  It was great not having to worry about my skin!  Now I have blemishes all over, and scars too, so my skin is a mess.  :(  Makeup helps, and I never leave home without it, but even that just won't cover it all anymore. Andelyn

I had beatiful skin up until my second year of college, and then for whatever reason I started breaking out.  And no matter what I tried OTC, nothing worked.  I ended up going to a dermatologist he put me on Rx antibiotics, Tetracycline, and I'm pretty sure it isn't safe to breastfeed and take that.  It cleared up, but then he passed away so I found another dr that gave me a Rx for a topical, not sure if it is approved for breastfeeding.  It worked great and cleared up fast and has stayed clear.  Have you tried Proactive, that is one thing I never tried, celebrities swear by it.  I was just wondering if it is what they say it is.  Anyways, I know that hormones can/do change your body is crazy ways while pregnant/breastfeeding.  IMO make an appt with a dermatologist and stop wasting money on OTC, or wait it out until you're done breastfeeding.

Hi Lynn.  Yes, I have used Proactiv for years.  I used it from the time I was about 22 (college stress) until I was 31.  I worried it might not be safe as we were trying for a baby, so I went to my doctor and she suggested I use Azelaic acid cream that is safe for pregnancy.  I was washing my face with Aveeno soap and then applying the prescription cream and it worked okay.  Then I got pregnant and needed to use that up until maybe the 3rd or 4th month and then my skin was crystal clear up until about a month after I delivered my baby.  I tried the prescription cream again with no results.  So then I tried some otc salicylic acid topicals and those have never worked for me anyway, so I wasn't surprised.  A few months ago I got desperate and went back to Proactiv and still little to no results with that!  That had worked perfectly for years until I stopped using it just for trying for a baby (just being extra cautious, but it was probably okay to use then).

Anyway, nothing seems to be working.  I did go to my doctor a couple months ago and she suggested chemical peels from a dermatologist.  Haven't wanted to try that.  Just not sure what else to do. Andelyn

My guess the hormones from nursing does play into this but I am not a Dr. so don't sue me or anything. LOL. But experience (3 kids, all nursed) tells me that while nursing your hormones are working in different ways (which explains why some women, not me, don't get their periods while nursing).  I am not suggesting you stop nursing.  If I were you I would skip the makeup. The less you put on your face the better. I had terrible acne from 7th grade onward until early 30's.  I rarely wore makeup. For me it just clogs up your skin.  I would watch caffeine intake too.  My dermatologist said most of acne is 1) hormones 2) genes and 3) stress.  Hormone being #1 makes sense as most teens get acne and that is when most of their hormone growth is all out of control and in your case you are nursing your baby and your body is working hard to provide nutrients for both you and your baby. I believe getting outside and fresh air helps. Exercising and taking walks. Drinking lots of water too. Keep face clean and free of makeup.  I have seen a lot of other women have the same issue as you. One friend had these horrible cold sores all thru pregnancy and nursing. As soon as she stopped nursing the cold sores went away.  They were awful.  My dermatologist from my teen years was not a big fan of medications. He told me to exercise, walk, keep clean, stay clear of makeup etc.  Good luck.

I recall having horrible breakouts when pregnant for the first time - I did 3 peeling sessions (chemical/mechanical I guess, at a beauty salon, no Dr) and they helped majorly!!! I second the dermatologist, though, mostly since you say nothing help - so perhaps this is not a regular breakout..... If you get a speeding ticket you wouldn't go and break every traffic rule for the rest of the day... Treat yourself with the same respect!

Yep, I got it all - the genes, hormones, and stress that's probably contributing to the problem.

I'd love love love to go without the makeup, but I just can't/won't leave the house without it covered because it's mostly the red scars that just look sooooo bad.  But when at home I don't wear it.  It's a good makeup too, and one that I've used for several years with no problems and it alone, does not break out my skin.

I'm looking into trying Clinique skincare.  I've never really tried that brand, except for the 3 step, which I didn't like.  They have a blemish treatment line and maybe that can help?  Not sure if I'm supposed to be using alot of salicylic acid though, with nursing, and I'm pretty sure that line uses that medication. Andelyn

I didn't like the 3 steps either. I've had very good results with Nuetragina (sp?) If you get a speeding ticket you wouldn't go and break every traffic rule for the rest of the day... Treat yourself with the same respect!

The first dr I went to did the chemical peel, it didn't work as well as the topical that the 2nd dr gave me.  Is it possible that you need to try a different line of proactiv, because your skin type has changed?  I have never worn makeup so I can't say not wearing it will/won't help.  UGH, I still say make an appt with a dermatologist.

Hi --

Congratulations on your new baby!

I was recently on YAZ, which did wonders for my skin (I've always had issues with breakouts too). However, you might not be able to take that while breastfeeding.

I have also read somewhere that there may be a link between diet and breakouts after all....that eating a low glycemic diet may be beneficial. Of course, you should BE SURE to get your doctor's advice about any diet plan....to be sure it is safe during lactation.....or any time, for that matter!!! But I swear my skin behaves a lot better when I eat a really good and sensible diet: lots of whole grains, lean protein, fruits and veggies. And, conversely, it seems to act up when I "pig out" on the stuff I know I should avoid.

As far as stress is concerned (and motherhood brings plenty of it!), you could try all sorts of things....meditation or guided imagery if that's your thing....or even music, movies, laughter, spending time with friends....or sometimes you have to deal directly with a situation that may be stressing you out...perhaps there's a way to eliminate or reduce the stress from specific sources...

Perhaps it is a combination of things and I could make a few more changes that might indirectly help my complexion.  I really appreciate the brainstorming, Ladies!!!  Thanks!!!!

So, diet changes.  I definitely need to get a hold of this craving of sugary sweets.  Uhhhgggggg (as per another post of mine! haha)  and... maybe the yoga will help as I've just started that again.  I love Self Ultimate De-stress Yoga... and I'm back to doing that one regularly.

My diet really needs improvement.  I am lacking (again) in fruits and veggies.  I need to cook more often.

Maybe all this can help.  Plus I am still going to try another skin care.  Probably the Clinique acne line. Andelyn

I can soooo relate Andelyn!  This could have been me writing this!  The ONLY thing that helped me was when I was done breastfeeding, I went to the dermatologist and got a prescription for an oral medication and two topical medications.  After a little clearing up I had a series of chemical peels.  I still break out quite a bit but not as bad.  I no longer take the oral meds due to me not being on birth control, but the topicals keep things under control for the majority, except during that time of the month.  The best over the counter products I have found were St. Ives Apricot Cleanser-Blemish Fighting and Oil of Olay Clarify and Cleanse daily scrub.  Forgive me if I am not supposed to listing product names here!  These are all found at everyone's favorite low price roll back store.  I have tried every expensive product out there including proactive, clinique, murad, nutragena, Avon, etc. and these cheaper ones were the most effective.  As far as makeup goes, I always use foundation and powder made to help prevent acne breakouts.  I am currently using Clinique (great coverage) and I LOVED Good Skin Allright makeup from Kohls but can no longer get it.  I hope this will clear up for you and I feel your pain.  I never had this trouble as a teenager, so why now?  Murad products were actually very good, but also very costly.  The other thing that helps clear up a blemish over night is Arbonne Intelligence Exfoliating Masque with Thermal Fusion.  You can do an internet search on this if you are not familiar with Arbonne.  Good luck!

thanks SG!!!  Appreciate the feedback!  I just wrote down the St. Ives and Oil of Olay products.  I'll take a look at them at the store next time I go!

I just bought Clinique's toner (Clarifying Lotion or whatever they call it) in their Acne line and the Acne moisterizer.  Can't recall the exact names - but I got 2 of the 3 products in their basic acne line.  I didn't get the foaming cleanser because I have one that is similar and didn't see the point in trying theirs (you just rinse it off anyway).

We'll see how that works.  It felt good on my skin the first night, however I went back and got the mild toner to use in the morning.  So, I'm only going to use the acne products once a day at night. Andelyn

Let me know how it goes.  It has been years since I used the clinique acne line and it's possible they have improved it since then!  I'm always up for trying something new!