Hiya, I have combination skin but also very hormonal skin! I break out loads on my chin once a month and they're normally hard dark spots which sometimes hurt. I get the odd spot on my cheeks too however they are extremely big and dark. I use alot of products which contain salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide but is there anything specific I can use to target these issues that are also breastfeeding friendly.
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This is great! Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I currently use the cerave smoothing cream ( forgot to add it in my routine)
I'll definitely stop the mask and cleansing powder. I've not seen any improvement with majority of the tropic products I've used. In the past I've used much cheaper alternatives and seen great results! Not sure why I changed products to be honest!
Once again thank you for your help!
Acne post-pregnancy is a common problem, you're certainly not alone in this.
I'll be honest that the best solutions for the problems you described (hormonal acne, oily skin, and what sounds like cystic acne) are systemic: contraceptive pills that have estrogen and progesterone and oral tranexamic acid. Also topically, Tretinoin and hydroquinone can do wonders. All these wonderful actives are not safe during breastfeeding, but it is useful to keep in mind when you'll cease to breastfeed.
Here are some recommended alternatives that are safe for breastfeeding: instead of Tretinoin use salicylic acid (2-5% serum two times a day), instead of hydroquinone you can use kojic acid (once a day in the evening), and instead of oral tranexamic you can use Azelaic acid (10-15% two times a day).
Plus, I'd get rid of the cleansing powder. Use something with kaoline instead to help with the oiliness, like the Tropic Skincare blemish mask you mentioned. The Revolution Zinc+Niacinmide is good, but I would replace it with the Ordinary Zinc+Niacinmide since the formulation is better and the price is similar. Pure Lagoon serum, most likely doesn't contribute much. And about the La Roche-Posay SPF, great choice! but given your skin condition, I'd consider replacing the Ultra-Fluid La Roche-Posay with the mattifying SPF of La Roche-Posay.
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Wow this is great! Thank you for taking the time to reply. While I was pregnant my skin was great, hair was great that all changed a few months after having my baby. Majority of my skin problems occurred once my cycle came back about 9 months after birth (maybe to much information but hey!) But it's great to know what are the breastfeeding alternatives.
I'll definitely try your recommendations. Once again thank you!
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I'd say look into Transexamic Acid for dark spots. Good Molecules makes a very affordable Transexamic acid serum. Glycolic Acid is an exfoliating acid that can work for that too. I am a big fan of the Acne Treatment Gel by Cerave (it has Salycilic acid and Glycolic and Lactic Acid), but I would not use it every day. Switch to a gentle cleanser without SA if you are experiencing too much irritation, La roche hydrating cleanser is a fav. Are you moisturizing? I'd say a moisturizer like Cerave PM can be used every day and night because it has niacinamide which helps with dark spots and pore clogging. A sunscreen from MDSolarSciences would be your best bet since they are sensitive skin safe, Id stick to a mineral one (tinted or untinted doesn't matter). Sunscreen use every day is going to be very important for reducing dark spots and scarring. Apply 2 finger lengths of sunscreen to get adequate SPF protection.
I'd stop using the cleansing powder and the Mask. I do not think they are necessary.
As for breastfeeding skincare, please ask your doctor and do your research :)