Hi,
Since giving birth four months ago, I have had breakouts like I never had them in my life. I've been trying random over the counter products here and there but they are not working as well as I would like and now I am seeing some tiny but definitely present scars develop as well... not something I want on my face forever.
Can you please recommend some products for clearing up the acne that is plaguing my skin along with reducing the scarring that I already have at the moment?
Pretty please? :)
I've heard very good things about the Pur Rescue Squad Daily Defense cream. Look for it. Then for those red marks that might be scars or more raised whitish scars and stuff, there's this Paula's Choice product... hmmm... just "Resist BHA 9" it's called, that's pretty popular as well. If you are dealing with more severe scars though then you are gonna want to go for something more heavy duty as it were and look into that acne scar removal thing made by Skinceuticals. That has an excellent reputation for dark marks as well and is the best of the best. But yeah, you wanna work on prevention and healing at the same time for best results...
Hey,
Since you mentioned that you recently became a mom, are you breastfeeding? If so, please be careful - not all acne treatments will be suitable for you. I have heard that going on the pill can greatly reduce postpartum acne so that could be one thing to look into if you like.
In addition, why not try some home remedies? First off make sure you are getting plenty of water and are eating well, along with getting enough sleep - all things that can be difficult for new moms, I know! Then, apply apple cider vinegar to your face as a toner every morning, on a cotton ball. It has antibacterial properties. A honey and lemon mask can also work wonders. Neither of these things are bad for breastfeeding moms.
Rosie
I am not breastfeeding and would be interested in going on the pill if it would reduce the acne, but I am slightly worried because I have also heard that the pill makes acne worse in some women. I have never been on any kind of hormonal contraception in my life so there is no predicting how I'd react. Even if it works, I'd still need something for the scars. Thank you for taking the time to answer though, I'll discuss that with my doctor.
Laura
By the "scar removal thing from Skinceuticals", do you mean something called Blemish + Age Defense? That is what came up when I searched for Skinceuticals scar treatment. Whether or not that is what you originally meant, it looks really good and seems like it would help with pore unclogging and reduction of oily skin as well as scar reduction even anti-aging. If it really does all that, no wonder it is so pricey. I may actually consider buying that but if you had something else in mind please let me know.
Laura
Rosie
In addition, something that is safe for anyone to use is a honey and lemon mask. Lemon and honey are two gifts from nature that together have antibacterial properties along with deep cleansing action that your acne ridden skin would definitely welcome right now. Though hormones are a huge trigger for acne, bacteria are always involved in there somewhere as far as I know. This is something quick and easy you could try two or so times a week while you think getting that birth control pill prescription over. Don't forget to exfoliate regularly either.
Rosie
Rosie
Retinol is the over the counter version of Retin A, or Tretinoin generically, and they are vitamin A derived creams or gels that do a lot to combat both acne and signs of aging. After I started using retinol (so an over the counter version), my acne, which was mild, cleared right up along with a scar I had from cutting my face accidentally with a very sharp crafting knife. So though I am not sure whether retinol is normally said to clear up scars, it worked in my case.
I use dermelastic serum everyday for scars on my face (acne and otherwise). I feel like it has kept my face spotting relatively under control as I age. I highly recommend dermelastic serum.