Like many women, I enjoyed the best complexion of my life during my pregnancy. My clear, glowing skin was used by a coworker to (correctly) predict the sex of my baby. I didn’t give my skin care regime any thought, because it was working just fine.
Two weeks after delivery, I did a double-take after a glance at my reflection. My once plump and dewy cheeks were drawn and dry. For the first time in my life, I thought I looked old. I may have cried (I can’t remember — sleep deprivation). I couldn’t believe nobody had warned me about this. If I ever write a book about having a baby, this experience will be in there.
I knew my skin would change after the baby came. I just had no clue it would happen so fast. But whatever, I picked up a richer face cream and moved on.
Seven months later, I have what I can only describe as a schizoid complexion. It’s so dry it’s flaky. I’m breaking out like I did in high school, only, wait, it’s worse. Those were pimples, and these are almost like boils. And some parts are just itchy. I know this is largely hormonal, but it’s still astonishing and frustrating.
So I’m attacking the situation by treating the symptoms. I used Neutrogena soap for over a decade, but I ditched it for Cetaphil. My lotion and night cream are made for sensitive skin (that’s always been the case). I’m on the hunt for an affordable foundation that covers well without irritating my skin or looking cakey (I’d go natural, but the last time I tried that, someone thought I had cancer). So far, Cover Girl Nature Luxe seems to be the winner there. And I’m going after breakouts with a spot treatment.
It seems to be working, but if anyone has tips or advice on this front, please let me know. I’d really love to benefit from someone else’s experience on this one.
Mama-Come-Lately 
H – I started using Bare Minerals foundation after #3 and have been very pleased. Good luck.
Thanks, Sue! I may go back to that, though I found it made my skin look drier than it really was.
Hi Heidi –
First of all congratulations! Haven’t seen you in forever. We would love to see you guys and meet baby. Now on to the skin…. In my experience, Bare Minerals and dry skin do not go together. I don’t have any makeup advise but try Neosporin on the acne. Use the vaseline based at night to help with dry skin and the cream based in the daytime. It works because it’s a broad spectrum antibiotic and it doesn’t dry your skin out like acne creams do.
Hope it helps!
Neosporin — wow, never would have thought of that, thanks! Yes, would love to get together — let me know what works. Hope all is well with you and yours.