Acne and skincare during pregnancy

Coffee&Pugs

I'm only 5 weeks right now but my face,neck,shoulders and chest are breaking out like crazy! Anyone have any product recommendations that are safe for use during pregnancy ? I haven't used any of the normal products I have that contain salicylic acid because of too many conflicting reports I have read.

urbancountrymommy

I use Lavender Essential oil (Young Living, but there are other therapeutic grade oil brands). I have been for a while now and, for me, it works better than all the chemical types, and even helps with scarring. Hope this helps!

mangomimosa

I've done some research on this -- benzoyl peroxide is ok, salicylic acid should be avoided. However I use mandelic acid instead & it's safe for pregnancy. I **love** it.

Also I've been using a shea butter/safflower oil/tea tree oil mix (https://wellnessmama.com/6544/whipped-body-butter-recipe/ -- add like 20 drops tea tree oil) occasionally & it's really nice.

(Of course ask your doc/do your own research to make sure you agree w/ mine!)

nilvero

Definitely check on the benzoyl peroxide, because certain products have higher levels than others. Plus it can be harsh on sensitive pregnant skin.

I used Cerave throughout my first trimester as a daily cleanser. I would also clean my face using my Clarisonic. As a toner, I would use Witch Hazel ( I think the brand is Dickinson's). I'd follow that up with a sensitive skin moisturizer. It helped keep my acne in check during that time.

DragonflyDreaming

I use an apricot face scrub from whole foods once per day, and witch hazel (twice per day; once after the scrub and also just before bed). No break outs at all so far!

marijaa333

Hi there! I'm popping by from the TTC after 35 board.

Warning: this turned into a bit of a novel (key words in blue)

First off, I'm sorry you're going through this! I know it's no fun. I have always had bad acne and have done a lot of research on this topic, although I'm still searching for answers myself.  I'm not a medical professional of any sort, and none of this is medical advice - as always, check with your doc.

Your goals are to 1) reduce sebum/oil production, 2) make your skin less fertile breeding grounds for p.acnes bacteria (washing, exfoliation, topical antibiotics, some topical meds); 3) avoid exacerbating the inflammation. Here is my collection of tips so far:

1) Reduce sebum/oil production

The big guns (hormonal treatments, accutane) are out, because they are not safe in pregnancy. So you are left with "natural" remedies, although always check with your doctor. Here is what you can do:

a) Pass on anything with white sugar, white rice, white bread/flour, to try to control your insulin response, which may contribute to sebum production. 

b) Relax and avoid stress as much as possible. Cortisol stimulates other hormones, and who knows what happens after that! In my body, acne happens.

c) Are you taking a prenatal vitamin? If so, check that it has B complex, zinc, and vitamin C, all thought to work together to help prevent acne.

2) Reduce feeding P. acnes bacteria with dead skin and oil:

a) Wash your face with a good regular soap; they say twice a day, but I would do three times, depending on how oily you are. Just don't overdo it each time to the point of irritating your face - you'll see how diluted or concentrated you need the soapy water to be for your skin in a few days of trial and error.  Change your pillowcase frequently, or consider an anti-bacterial one.

b) Check with your doctor whether you can use a topical antibiotic-BP mix, or an erythromycin gel followed by regular BP if the mix doesn't have a pregnancy-friendly topical antibiotic. 

Sulphur-based OTC creams, like Clearasil, might also help, although if you can find a pharmacist who will mix a fresh batch of sulphur lotion for you, that will probably be more effective.

Azelaic acid, glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids, or a "mechanical" exfoliation treatment (scrub) should also be ok, but check with your doctor.

3) Reduce inflammation

Various cooling, anti-inflammatory potions might help, in combination with the above: try cucumbers, chamomile masks, tea-tree oil, etc. Simple ice packs, and cool showers may also help. 

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If all else fails, you may want to ask about oral erythromycin or cephalexin (brand-name Keflex), which are considered safe in pregnancy.

Good luck, and please keep us posted. I am getting ready to TTC in a month or two and am quite terrified of the acne party I know my face is going to have as soon as I go off all meds (currently on spironolactone).

lisa512

I found a natural website that recommended making your own. This is what I made for a spot treatment: mix raw honey with cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg to make a paste consistency. The ingredients have anti inflammatory properties. I didn't have huge zits. They were smaller ones. But it seemed to help dry them up. I used it two days in a row. If you search DIY natural acne remedies you can find more info.