I've been considering investing in a Clarisonic. I've been wondering if it massages/moves the skin around too much while it cleans. They have a new gadget that's used with your eye cream to really get it to penetrate your skin.
I've read that over the counter retinol products are probably ok, but cutting out retinol completely gives me one less thing to worry about. Plus, my skin is sensitive to almost retinol products anyway (except the ones I currently use).Date: 1/1/2010 11:59:30 AM
Author: rockpaperscissors67
I've continued to use retinol and salicylic acid, although I have changed my routine slightly. I used to use Avene Retrinal .1% almost every night, then a cleanser with salicylic acid in it in the am, followed by either a 2% salicylic lotion or Vitamin C serum. If I wore makeup during the day, I washed my face with the salicylic acid wash at night, too, before applying the Retrinal.
Now, I still use the cleanser every morning and then the Vitamin C serum, but I only use the retinol twice a week. The biggest reason I cut back on the retinol is that pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive and since I use the highest formulation of retinol available without a prescription, I didn't want to take the chance on burning my skin.
I've felt safe continuing to use these products because I did a lot of reading and found that the concern is with the ORAL forms of these. The topical formulations don't penetrate the epidermis enough to enter the blood stream and cause problems.
This is something that I'd recommend you do your own reading on, and not take my word as gospel because a lot depends on your own comfort level. I'm pregnant with #6 and tend to not follow all the new 'rules' -- I eat lunch meat, I drink caffeine, I eat soft cheeses, I get my nails done and my hair highlighted, etc. Continuing to use the products I used before have kept my skin looking great, even through all of the hormonal ups and downs. I think I've had one zit in the whole 9 months and the baby is perfectly fine.
Some other options would be to use olive oil as a cleanser (just mix a bit in your hand with some water) because it also moisturizes as long as you don't use too much, and tea tree oil as an astringent if you find your skin getting oily.
And don't forget the sunscreen!
When did you start using the stretch mark lotion? I''m wondering if I should start using it right away.
Unfortunately, my skin reacts badly to glycolic acid. I''m planning on using a lactic acid cleanser though.
I'm just as concerned about the itching as the stretch marks. I know a pregnant woman who scratches her tummy so much she gives herself open wounds and scabs. Then, she scratches off the scabs! I keep imagining an infection or a hole in her tummy.
I thought vit C serums are ok. No?Date: 1/3/2010 8:32:27 PM
Author: *Lindsey*
I put away my beloved salicylic acid products and no more vitamin C serum. Here''s what I''m using:
Face: I alternate Aveeno''s Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads with DDF''s 5% Glycolic Face Wash. Glycolic/AHA acids are considered safe to use during pregnancy (thank goodness we get one chemical exfoliant!) and keep breakouts and dry skin at bay. During the day I use Clinique''s Moisture Surge gel, and at night I use Cetaphil''s cream.
Body: I use any old soap/bodywash that''s in the shower, and for lotion I prefer the Aveeno unscented lotions. Very moisturizing and they don''t clash with my fragrances. For my belly I use Mama Mio''s Tummy Rub Butter but it''s more for my comfort that true prevention -- I still got stretch marks last time!
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