PSA: Burt's Bees Blemish Stick

SilentC

I've read that a lot of girls on here swear by the Burt's Bees Blemish Stick.

But... it contains Salicylic Acid. It's a natural source (willowbark), not the synthetic ingredient in most acne stuff - but natural or not, I didn't think PG women are supposed to use anything with SA in it. Am I wrong?

 

From the Burt's Bees website:

Salicylic acid is a synthetic ingredient typically used in many moisturizers and acne products. It helps eliminate acne by preventing pores from clogging. However, salicylic acid is found naturally in willowbark extract and is just as effective.

Rather than buy the synthetic alternative, willowbark extract is straight from the natural source.

jacse007

I think it is a personal preference.  I asked my doctor yesterday and he smiled.  He said salicylic acid is connected to asprin, which pregnant women are not supposed to take.  He said it is such a small amount he was not worried about it, especially since it is applied topically.  He told me not to be worried about it.

GiniMcGlothin

All of my acne products contain SA and my doc said they were all fine.

SilentC

I like your doctor.

I hate my acne.

4realyo

my dermatologist told me not to use anything with salicylic acid in it

SilentC

4realyo:

my dermatologist told me not to use anything with salicylic acid in it

 That's what my doc said too, and I'm getting desperate.

lamneth

My OB told me the skincare stuff is the one thing she is really strict about. I've had really bad acne since getting pg, but she didn't know of any products she was willing to let me know for spot treatments- though she agreed to look at anything I bring in. So, I've been using toothpaste .

jessicaclare

I believe it also has Tea Tree Oil in it, which I was told not to use.

I guess the bottom line to most things is that every doctor is different and its best to ask.

SilentC

lamneth:

So, I've been using toothpaste .

Hmm, I've never tried that. Does it work?

4realyo

i did get 2 prescriptions for acne from my dermatologist that are safe - i know one is clindomycin (sp?) and i forget the other one. i havent really used either since my skin hasnt been that bad. but there are some things at are safe if you're having issues with acne.

kc10786

Unless you are planning to use this over your entire body everyday, the amount of SA that is absorbed topically into your circulatory system is so small that it it wouldn't be enough to have any effect on your baby. I am a nursing student and will graduate in May.

 But when in doubt call your Dr! They are all different, but can provide an answer that you may feel the most comfortable with.

cbjpl31

I hadn't thought about that product being an issue.  My face soap has benzoyl peroxide.  I should probly look it up and see if I should be using it.  I'm guessing since these things are topical they're probly safe but you can never be too careful, right?  Good question for my doctor.  I'm compiling a list for my appointment on Monday.

lamneth

SilentC:

lamneth:

So, I've been using toothpaste .

Hmm, I've never tried that. Does it work?

Better than I expected, actually.  I use Crest blue sparkly gel (sorry, I don't really know the name of the exact product).  Not good for day use, but it is very drying and works well at night- in fact, there seems to be a danger of drying the skin out too much.

5dogs

kc10786:

Unless you are planning to use this over your entire body everyday, the amount of SA that is absorbed topically into your circulatory system is so small that it it wouldn't be enough to have any effect on your baby. I am a nursing student and will graduate in May.

 But when in doubt call your Dr! They are all different, but can provide an answer that you may feel the most comfortable with.

This is what my doctor said - as long as I'm not using an entire stick at a time or attempting to eat it, I'm okay. Moderation.

dairygirl19

Mine told me not to eat it or sleep in my face wash and all will be fine.

He said the issues comes with anything that's stronger than 2%.

He said also not to use anything that's meant to stay on your skin for a long time like a mask more than once a week.

He said while precautions and research studies have some merit...he doesn't believe this one at all. He said there's no way you can absorb that much SA to harm unless you eat the entire tube.