Pregnancy Skin Care Routine for acne prone skin

Pregnancy Skin Care Routine for acne prone skin by work-it-mommy

So I am not one of the lucky Mama's-to-be to have that Pregnancy Glow. Nope, I'm stuck with oily skin and an never-ending crop of zits right around my mouth, which just makes me feel soooo attractive (not).  Well, this time around I got smart and decided to do something about it!  I scheduled an appointment at my Dermatologist's and got to see the Esthetician for 30 minutes of bliss.  I didn't get to do all the treatments she wanted to do due to being pregnant (and she was very diligent about looking up what was safe, bless her.) but what I was really there for was the Extraction.  If you've never had one, basically it's a zit popping party.  This compilation is based on some of her recommendations, my Ob-Gyn's and coupled with my favorite existing products, I came up with this new routine to keep my skin happy. 

1. Cetaphil cream cleanser- The best, I've been using it for years.  Gentle and non-comdegenic.  I use it at both morning and night time washings.

2. Clairisonic MIA 2- I've been wanting one of these babies for years and this is highly recommended by my Esthetician.  Of course, if you don't have $150 to plunk down for a facial brush, the Neutrogena Wave works in a similar fashion :)

3. Rubbing alcohol- sounds harsh but this is my Ob-Gyn's recommendation for drying out extra oil.  Use it as a toner- just be careful around your eyes!

4. Benzoyl Peroxide spot treatment- this was the one product I specifically asked my Doc if I could use because its the only spot treatment that works for me.  He said as long as I don't ingest it (ewww, right?!), it will not harm the baby.  But to be on the safe side, always ask your own Ob-Gyn!

5. Cetaphil Daily lotion SPF 30 or Moisturizing lotion- I alternate the SPF 30 for my morning routine and the Moisturizing lotion after my nightly washing.  Again, been using them for years!

***Here are two more tips from my Esthetician: 

• Use mineral- based makeup- it will help skin by absorbing oil and not irritate pores.
• Do NOT use scrubs!  They are too harsh on delicate skin and leave microscopic tears which invite bacteria and cause scarring.

I hope this helps!  I'm still battling my acne but at least now I have some new tools in my arsenal ;)

   

   

Christmas 2013

I am still exhausted from Christmas, am I the only one?  This year despite not feeling like I got everyone the perfect gift and totally lagging on cards (which surprisingly, the Hubby was a little bummed about.  Go figure.) it was a beautiful Christmas.

A few weeks ago, Kinsey was in her very first Preschool performance. Her class and mine sang together on stage at the school's Church. Prior to stage time, her teacher had put some chap stick on her and while most everyone was singing, she was rubbing her lips and puckering. It was entertaining to say the least. Sadly, both Brian and my mom had camera malfunctions so we got nada. But on the bright side- she will have 2 more performances in her Preschool career, or as I will call them "Make up Performances" (pun not intended :)

We had three celebrations at 3 different houses so Kinsey got pretty good at opening gifts. We had ours at home, went to Brian's parents and then to his step- grandparents.  I ate so much good food it isn't even funny. And I didn't make any of it, so maybe that's why it tasted so good?  

But my favorite part of Christmas this year was being able to share our good news with Family:

I am 13 weeks pregnant!  Praise be to God.

After all, isn't that what Christmas is all about?

I hope you and yours had a blessed Christmas 2013!

   

   

20x20 Style Challenge: Final Week Recap

The 20x20 Style Challenge has come to an end!  I had a choppy week; took a couple of days off in between the Challenge and then got my act back together to realize I had styled the same 2 shirts 3 ways: ha!  So needless to say, I'm glad this over.  I love the premise but after so many days of the same clothes I started to feel stifled, not creative.  And I will never be a fashion blogger because taking pictures of myself made me feel awkward.  But I had a wonderful time, and would be up for more such challenges in the future!  So on to my outfits...

Monday- Items #8, 9, 10, 12

Sweater: Gap, Tank: Target, Jeggings: Gap, Boots: Rampage

Tuesday- Items #13, 18, 19

Tunic: Target, Skinnies: JLo, Boots: Delia*s

Wednesday- Items #1, 3, 13, 17

{Sorry, no picture}

Top: Target, Cardigan: Target, Skinnies: Apt 9, Boots: Delia*s

Friday- Items # 6, 15 plus mustard tights

Dress: Target, Wedges: Calvin Klein, tights: Target

Monday (today)- Items # 4, 8, 14, 19

Tunic: Target, Sweater: Gap, Jeans: Gap, Mocs: Lucky Brand

My favorite outfit this week was today's tunic and sweater pairing.  It reminds me of a cute tunic from Anthropologie that sold out in a flash.  So I guess I did go out with a bang after all!

Thank you Kristin and Andie for the wonderful link up!