Skin Care Products I'm Using Now

Summer vacation started 2 weeks ago for me (or rather my DD but that includes me!) so I'm left with much more free time than I can handle.  Yeah, I'm bored.  I prefer the days with school because I can walk outside with a purpose, he he.

Anyway, I know I'm purposely neglecting this blog and much everything else but you would too if you are nauseated the whole day, everyday! That's what's going on with me now - all day nausea.  I am wishing for my 1st trimester to end in a few more weeks so the nausea would end too.  Compared with my first pregnancy wherein I was vomiting the whole day (yes, morning, noon and night for 3 months!!!) but felt so much better after each bout, this nauseated feeling is worse.  It really is different for every pregnant woman and every pregnancy.  

So far my skin is still looking like s**t but at least my skin texture is better.  I've rediscovered my Emu Oil when I ran out of my night cream a week ago (Avalon Organics Rejuvenating Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturizer).  This is working for me at the moment because it keeps my face oil-free the next day.

Remember that those wanting to get pregnant or are pregnant should avoid use of skin care products with Retinoids (Accutane- the oral form, Vit. A derivatives in creams, lotions like Retin-A, Differin, Retinoic Acid) as they are proven teratogens especially the oral form of the drug.  Meaning, these cause birth defects in fetuses.  Also Beta Hydroxy Acids like Salicylic Acid should be avoided as they can also cause birth defects and pregnancy complications.  

Unfortunately for me, Salicylic Acid is the only thing that works for my acne.  I've stopped using my Garnier toner, Olay Daily Renewal Cream (has Salicylic acid), Avon Creams and Eye Creams, etc. The only thing I use is my Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleanser bec. the Salicylic Acid there is 2% or less and it is washed off. The toner I've been using is from my derma (Clindamycin toner) which I use at night and my Aqua Glycolic Toner for daytime.

Glycolic Acid is safe since it is a form of AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acid (water-based).  My derma still continues to give me my bi-monthly or monthly glycolic peels and diamond peels to help lessen the marks left by my cystic acne and to lessen the occurrence of acne itself.  

For my acne, I use Benzoyl Peroxide gel at night.  I know it didn't work much for me before but now I am using it for the sake of using something to control my acne.  I've switched to 10% this week from 5% for whatever it's worth.  I continue to use my Olay Complete SPF 15 for daytime as my moisturizer and sunblock.

My routine goes as follows: 

Morning:

1. Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleanser

2. Aqua Glycolic Toner

3. Olay Complete SPF 15

Night:

1. Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleanser

2. Clindamycin Toner

3. Benzoyl Peroxide Gel on acne prone areas

4. Emu Oil on face and neck

Simple, back to basics skin care for an acne-prone pregnant woman.  This would continue on until post-partum when nursing a baby because Salicylic acid may be passed on thru breast milk.  I'd rather be safe than sorry.  For now, vain as I might be, beauty takes a back seat.  At least I still have my mineral make-up and concealer to keep me from looking hideous.