Treatment FAQ

what is safe acne treatment during pregnancy

by Jack Lynch Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Salicylic acid: Often found in acne treatment you can buy without a prescription, salicylic acid is generally considered safe when used for a limited time. For this reason, you should talk with your obstetrician or dermatologist before using it during your pregnancy.

How to tackle acne during pregnancy?

Skotnicki:

  • Lavender oil
  • Oral retinoids including Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Sotret, and Zenatane
  • Topical retinoids including Retin-A , Differin or Tazarotene
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Oral tetracyclines

How to cure pregnancy acne?

Treating Acne While Pregnant

  • Acne Treatment Facials. : This is a completely non-medicated option for treating your acne. ...
  • Accutane (isotretinoin) : Commonly known by its trade name Accutane, isotretinoin has been linked to severe birth defects in babies whose mothers took this drug while pregnant.
  • Topical retinoids. ...

What antibiotics are safe in pregnancy?

medications have sufficient data related to safe and effective use in pregnancy. Antibiotics such as beta-lactams, vancomycin, nitrofurantoin, metronidazole, clindamycin, and fosfomycin are generally considered safe and effective in pregnancy. Fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines are generally avoided in pregnancy.

Is it normal to get acne while pregnant?

Pregnancy acne is very common, and pregnancy breakouts can happen at any time, whether or not you've had problems with acne in the past. Pregnancy acne treatments include oral and topical medications, but be sure to check with your healthcare provider before using any. Some acne treatments – such as isotretinoin (a type of retinoid) – can cause serious birth defects. Good skin care can help prevent and treat pregnancy acne.

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Is it safe to take clindamycin while pregnant?

Antibiotics (you apply to your skin): Applying clindamycin during pregnancy is thought to be safe . Before using it while you’re pregnant, it’s best to check with your obstetrician or dermatologist. Antibiotics (you take): Cefadroxil is an antibiotic that can help clear severe acne.

Can you take Cefadroxil while pregnant?

Antibiotics (you take): Cefadroxil is an antibiotic that can help clear severe acne. In giving pregnant animals large amounts of this antibiotic, researchers haven’t seen birth defects. The antibiotics that are often used to treat acne, such as azithromycin and clarithromycin, also seem safe during pregnancy.

Can pregnant women take dapsone?

While that’s great news, we don’t have much information about what happens when pregnant women take it. This is a newer acne treatment. For this reason, experts recommend that doctors be very cautious when they prescribe dapsone to women who are pregnant.

Can you use salicylic acid on a baby?

Salicylic acid: Often found in acne treatment you can buy without a prescription, salicylic acid is generally considered safe when used for a limited time.

Can you treat acne while pregnant?

Researchers don’t give pregnant women medications, so there are no studies to tell us what happens when pregnant women use a treatment.

Can you use lasers while pregnant?

As such, lasers are considered relatively safe for women who are pregnant. If you are considering using a laser or light treatment for your acne while pregnant, please make an appointment to see a dermatologist first. There are many different types of lasers and light treatments.

Is it safe to use Benzoyl Peroxide while pregnant?

Azelaic acid: This is thought to be safe to use during pregnancy. In animal studies, researchers haven’t seen birth defects. Benzoyl peroxide: Often found in acne treatment you can buy without a prescription, experts say it’s safe to use in limited amounts. For this reason, you should talk with your obstetrician or dermatologist before using it ...

What is the best treatment for acne?

Oral Antibiotics. Oral antibiotics improve inflammatory acne by inhibiting the growth of P. acnes in the pilosebaceous unit. Tetracycline antibiotics (including doxycycline and minocycline) also exert direct anti-inflammatory effects.

What antibiotics are used for acne?

Topical antibiotics have long been used for the treatment of inflammatory acne; erythromycin and clindamycin are the 2 most commonly prescribed agents. Both are classified as pregnancy category B. Short-term use of topical erythromycin and clindamycin is safe during pregnancy. 5 However, studies addressing the effects of chronic use are not available. 1 Given the reported association of cases of Clostridium difficile diarrhea with topical clindamycin, it should be used with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease. 8, 9 Topical clindamycin and erythromycin reduce the amount of P. acnes in the sebaceous follicle by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and thereby suppressing inflammatory acne. Combining topical antibiotic therapy with topical benzoyl peroxide decreases the development of bacterial resistance and improves treatment efficacy. 10, 11

What is acne vulgaris?

Pregnancy. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit and is characterized by noninflammatory (comedones) and inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, and nodules) that can cause scarring and psychological distress.

Can prednisone be used for cystic acne?

A short course of oral prednisolone may be useful for treating fulminant nodular cystic acne after the first trimester. In general, topical and oral antibiotics should not be used as monotherapy, but combined with topical benzoyl peroxide to decrease bacterial resistance.

Is benzoyl peroxide safe for pregnancy?

To date, resistance of P. acnes to benzoyl peroxide has not been identified. 5, 7 Benzoyl peroxide is considered safe during pregnancy and helps to prevent the development of resistance when used in conjunction with antibiotics. 3, 6.

Is azelaic acid safe for pregnancy?

Azelaic acid is classified as pregnancy category B because animal studies have shown no teratogenicity, but human data do not exist. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with antimicrobial, comedolytic, and mild anti-inflammatory properties, with an added benefit of decreasing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. There are no indications that Propionibacterium acnes may become resistant to azelaic acid. Following topical application, approximately 4% of the drug is absorbed systemically. 5

Can pregnant women take zinc sulfate?

Zinc provides another option for pregnant patients with acne. Zinc sulfate is considered a FDA pregnancy category C drug, whereas zinc gluconate has not been formally categorized. Animal studies and human studies including pregnant women treated for acne have not revealed increased risks of fetal abnormalities, and the risk of fetal harm at doses <75 mg/day is remote. 30 Zinc has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antisebum properties, and has been found to be effective against mild to moderate inflammatory acne when used alone or in combination with other anti-acne agents. 17, 31, 32 The recommended dietary allowance for zinc during pregnancy is 11 mg/day. Potential side effects include nausea and vomiting, usually on a dose-dependent and transient basis. 17

Can topical medication be used on acne?

For mild-to-moderate acne, topical treatments are the preferred first choices. Even for severe acne, topical medications can be effective. It is important to note that topical medications are not without risk because in some instances they can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, especially when used on large areas of skin for a considerable amount of time. 3

Can prednisone cause acne?

Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone [Category C], are potent medications that can treat severe acne, especially when both topical medications and oral antibiotics fail. However, research has shown that prednisone can cause severe birth defects as well as a slight increase in the risk of miscarriage. In addition, using corticosteroids repeatedly or long-term during pregnancy can cause growth failure of the fetus that results in the baby's being born at a low weight. Therefore, oral corticosteroids should be used only for exceptionally severe acne, after the first trimester, for less than one month, and under close medical supervision. 2,3

Can you take acne medication while pregnant?

Determining how to treat acne during pregnancy is challenging. Scientists do not include pregnant women in clinical trials of acne medications because of the risk to the fetus. Therefore, there is no direct evidence concerning the safety of most acne medications during pregnancy.

Can acne be treated during pregnancy?

Therefore, there is no direct scientific evidence concerning the safety of most acne medications during pregnancy.

Does benzoyl peroxide help acne?

Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide [Category C] demonstrates antibacterial, pore-unclogging, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help clear acne. Theoretically, benzoyl peroxide poses only a small risk to the fetus. While it is absorbed into the skin, the kidneys quickly remove it from the bloodstream.

Do antibiotics help with acne?

Oral antibiotics improve acne because they prevent the growth of acne bacteria, and they reduce inflammation. However, oral antibiotics are only somewhat effective in treating acne since they do not clear the skin.

Does pregnancy cause acne?

As a result of hormonal changes in the body, pregnancy has an unpredictable effect on acne. Most women experience improvement in their acne during pregnancy. However, some women experience acne flares, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (red/dark marks left behind after an acne lesion heals), truncal acne (acne on the chest and back), and even a first episode of acne while they are pregnant. 1

What is the generic name for Accutane?

The generic name for Accutane is isotretinoin. Retin-A: Retin-A is a prescription cream that is applied to the skin to treat acne. The generic name for Retin-A is tretinoin. Tetracycline: Tetracycline is an antibiotic taken orally to treat acne and respiratory infections.

Can pregnant women use benzoyl peroxide?

When choosing over-the-counter medicated acne cleansers and treatments, it is advised that you consult with your health care provider first. There are products that contain benzoyl peroxide, which has been recommended as safe for pregnant women to use.

Can you get acne while pregnant?

Acne During Pregnancy. During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels can bring a variety of skin changes, which makes acne during pregnancy a common complaint. Acne can be treated by a dermatologist in non-pregnant women through prescription drugs such as Accutane, Retin-A, and Tetracycline. However, use of these drugs is discouraged by pregnant women ...

Can you take tetracycline while pregnant?

Tetracycline: Tetracycline should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by your health care provider. The American Academy of Pediatrics has approved tetracycline safe for use during breastfeeding.

How to treat acne during pregnancy?

1. Apple cider vinegar. Mix one part raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to three parts distilled water. This will create a toner that is rich in naturally occurring enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids.

How to get rid of acne while pregnant?

Here are some best practices to help your skin stay beautiful, glowing, and free of acne. Don’t pop, pick, scratch, or squeeze acne sores. This can increase irritation and cause scarring.

What is the best exfoliant for skin?

Citrus fruit. Alpha hydroxy acid is found in citrus fruit like lemons and limes. When the juice of a lemon or lime is applied to your skin, it helps unclog pores and shed dead skin cells. These astringent and antibacterial properties make it effective as an exfoliant.

How to get rid of a scab?

Aim for gentle exfoliation instead. Use your hands or a soft washcloth with gentle pressure and cleanse skin in a circular motion. Wash and rinse thoroughly. Pat skin dry instead of rubbing and follow with a gentle, oil-free moisturizer.

How to get rid of breakouts on face?

It might be best used as a spot treatment for breakouts. Make a natural spot treatment by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Apply to individual pimples, not the entire body or face. Allow it to dry before washing off. 3.

What is the best way to remove oil from skin?

Baking soda. Baking soda dries the oil on your skin and promotes healing, but it is not widely recommended by healthcare professionals because it can irritate the skin and remove important protective oils. It might be best used as a spot treatment for breakouts.

Can you use salicylic acid while pregnant?

Always consult with your doctor before using over-the-counter treatments. Some ingredients in common skin care products, like salicylic acid and vitamin A, may not be safe to use during pregnancy.

What is the best treatment for acne during pregnancy?

Other antibiotics that may be prescribed are penicillins and cephalosporins. Light and laser therapies for acne are also safe.

What medications should not be taken during pregnancy?

Do not use topical preparations containing: Do not take the following oral medicines: Tetracyclines in later pregnancy, eg doxycycline, minocycline, lymecycline – these may discolour the teeth of the baby.

Can acne be treated while pregnant?

Treatment of acne in pregnancy. On the whole, it is preferable to avoid drugs in pregnancy in case they have an effect on the fetus.

Can acne get worse during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the severity of acne can improve or get worse. It is common for acne to get a bit worse in early pregnancy and for it to improve as pregnancy progresses. This may relate to the increased levels of oestrogen present in pregnancy.

Marie Veronique Treatment Oil

Kristina Holey, a skincare specialist in San Francisco who has a line of products with Marie Veronique, recommends applying this oil morning and night to fight first trimester breakouts. It has argan and tea tree oils to thin sebum, omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and willow bark extract to target acne at the source.

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Milk Bath Soak

While eating and drinking yogurt and dairy can trigger breakouts, they’re actually slightly anti-inflammatory when you apply them topically, says Henry. So feel free to slather your face or fill your tub with full-fat yogurt or milk (including the coconut kind, featured here)—it feels really nice.

Go-To Fancy Face Cleanser

Gao also likes this botanical-packed oil cleanser from Australian brand Go-To. “It does a good job removing makeup, which is a must for clear and healthy skin, and it's pregnancy-safe,” she says. It’s sulfate- and paraben-free, and we like that it’s not tested on animals.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

Some doctors recommend avoiding even low levels of salicylic acid or glycolic acid, as well as natural ingredients like willow bark extract, since there’s not a lot of research that shows them to be definitively safe. If you want to be ultra-cautious, go ahead and skip them all.

Mother Dirt Prebiotic Foam Cleanser

Founder of Maison/Made and mom-to-be Carolina Prioglio uses this when she’s not using her own biodynamic cleansing oil. She describes it as: “A very mild, extremely simple formulation that is gentle on the microbiome and gets the job done.” In other words, it’ll clear the oil without stripping your skin and keeping that vicious cycle going.

How Long Does Pregnancy Acne Last?

Unfortunately, it’s not just something that crops up for a short period of time. Like everything else in pregnancy, it’s unpredictable, according to Holey. It tends to start around six weeks, and it might fade gradually, last well until after baby’s arrived or come and go in waves—kind of like your appetite.

Which Acne-Treating Ingredients Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?

At the top of the list are all retinols (including isotretinoin, aka Accutane and tretinoin, along with over-the-counter serums and moisturizers), which might have been keeping your skin in check by boosting cell turnover. Also off-limits are derm go-tos like doxycycline, benzoyl peroxide and alpha-hydroxy acids.

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