How to Treat Pregnancy Acne Safely

When you are newly pregnant, you are obviously hoping for that “beautiful pregnancy glow” that so many people talk about. But of all the skin changes during pregnancy, acne is the most common one. And acne affects much more than your facial skin — don’t be surprised to find it on your neck, back, shoulders and breasts too! What causes acne during pregnancy? And more importantly, what can you do about it?

Why you may look like a teenager again when you’re pregnant

When you get pregnant, the hormone progesterone dominates your body. Progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy, and makes sure that the womb remains a cushy place for your baby throughout those nine months. It also, unfortunately for you, makes your glands increase and work overtime. This, along with the fact that pregnant women retain more (toxin-containing) fluids, causes pregnancy acne.

Can you cure it?

In most cases, pregnancy acne can be treated successfully, particularly if you catch it early. But pregnant women with zits should know that some of the most effective prescription treatments for acne are out of bounds when you have a baby on board. Some of them even carry the risk of miscarriage or serious birth defects. What acne treatments should you stay away from, and why? Here’s an overview for you:

• Accutane is a very effective acne treatment, but also one that’s very dangerous to unborn babies. Research found that up to 35 percent of babies whose mothers used accutane during the first trimester of pregnancy had birth defects, including heart defects and nervous system defects. Accutane also carries the risk of miscarriage. 
• Retin-A is much less risky, but the manufacturers warn against its use during pregnancy, and that caution should be heeded. 
• Tetracycline is another acne drug expectant moms should stay away from, because there are some indications it can interfere with the development of bones and teeth. 

Those are all prescription drugs, and your doctor will already know that they are not safe to use for pregnant women. In fact, Accutane poses such a danger to a fetus that teenage girls who are prescribed the drug are told to also use birth control to make sure they don’t get pregnant — even if they weren’t even sexually active at all! But over the counter cures for acne may not be safe when you are expecting a baby either. All pregnant women should avoid acne treatments that contain salicylic acids as well. 

Then, what can you use to cure pregnancy acne? 

Acne treatments that use benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient are recommended during pregnancy, and research didn’t find any indications that benzoyl peroxide is risky for fetuses. Topical products that contain azelaic acid, erythromycin and some other antibiotics are also fine for pregnant ladies. But please don’t take anything before clearing it with your prenatal care provider, just to be on the safe side. 

Olivia’s blog, Trying To Conceive, is dedicated to fertility, pregnancy and beyond. 

 

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