Post-pregnancy Acne and My First Glimpse of Differn Gel aka Adapalene

Before I was pregnant with my first son, my acne treatment included using Benzaclin in the AM followed by moisturizer. Benzaclin has the power of two acne-fighting ingredients in one acne treatment - benzoyl peroxide and topical clindamycin. In the evening, I used a 3% benzoyl peroxide facial wash, Triaz, followed by moisturizer.  However, once I became pregnant I could not use those ingredients without harming my baby. My acne was terrible. My face erupted on my chin, and around my nose. Most of the break-outs on my chin were cystic acne and very painful.

After my first son was born, I was nursing and so, I thought I could not use any acne fighting chemicals. After nine months nursing, I became pregnant with my second son and so, the acne continued.

After my second son was born, I was over feeling depressed about my skin's condition, and so, I made an appointment with my dermatologist to see what I could do with my acne. She prescribed me Differen gel or .1%.

I was so excited that I had taken a proactive approach with my acne, I used it every night. Although I only put a pea-size amount each night, my skin became very irritated, sensitive to everything, including, my moisturizer, and even water! I began to research Differen gel to see if other people had the same reactions, and if Differen gel worked for them. I found out many things I wish my dermatologist had told me...

This post is getting lengthy, so to see what I learned, stay tuned for my next post.

Trader Joe's Face Wash Face-off

I love Trader Joe's! Recently, I discovered their face wash with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is amazing. It an essential oil and acts like a natural antiseptic. Some claim it is almost as good as benzoyl peroxide, which is awesome for acne-prone and sensitive skin people like me. I was eager to switch from my sensitive Cetaphil because I have been attempting to limit my paraben exposure, and so I began using it for my daily facial cleansings -- twice a day.

The tea tree oil wash smells great - mainly from the tea tree oil, which is a camphoraceous smell. However, using it twice a day began to dry out my skin. So, I went back to TJ's to try out their other face wash.

The 'Nourish' face wash is an awesome complement to the tea tree oil wash. It's light, fragrance-free, and doesn't leave your skin feeling tight and stripped. It's perfect for the morning facial cleansing!

I would definitely recommend both the washes. I like to use the tea tree oil wash at night and the 'Nourish' during the day. They are both only $5.99! Available at Trader Joe's.

Have you tried these washes? What do you think? I would love to here your thoughts!

YesTo...Grapefruit!

Trying out #yestograpefruit correct and repair serum tonight.

First impression: reminds me of putting aloe vera on your skin...because it leaves a slight film. My face feels smooth though. Let's see if it help my#acnescars in my chin area. The smell is not fruity or super perfume-y, which I do not mind at all because it means there are no added chemicals used for fragrance.  The bottle costs about $19.99 at my local CVS, but you only need a pea-sized amount, so it will last a while! Stay posted for my results!

#yesto #yestomovement#parabenfree #healthyface #healthyfacereview

x,

@Ms.Healthyface