Anyone use Proactiv?

smbckr2 · January 2010

I am about six weeks pregnant. I read in a book that some face washes have harmful chemicals and they shouldn't be used while pregnant. I use extra strength ProActiv. The active ingredient in ProActiv was on the list, but it said to talk to your doctor to see if it is ok. I haven't been able to get into the doctor yet, so I don't know if I should stop using it or not. Anybody know?

BabyLove987 · January 2010

I used it pre-pregnancy, but stopped using it once I got pregnant. My doctor said not to use it.

erinlynn711 · January 2010

REALLY??? I am 23 weeks and have been using it the entire time....

RachieSLP · January 2010

My dermatologist said that she doesn't recommend anything with Benzoyl Peroxide for pregnany women, so I stopped using it. I never asked my OB about it.

Anniekins214 · January 2010

It's my understanding the Proactive uses benzoyl peroxide (I'm extremely sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, so I have to be really careful). ?I've read that you're supposed to avoid salicylic acid acne face washes.

wildfloweragain · January 2010

My dr. said just not to eat it:)

Stephanie2167 · January 2010

My Dr. said it was fine.

sejabernathy · January 2010

OB said NO. Level of acid is too high in the regular...can't imagine the extra strength.

I stopped using it immediately when I found out I was preggo.

l_elizabeth · January 2010

Anniekins214:
It's my understanding the Proactive uses benzoyl peroxide (I'm extremely sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, so I have to be really careful). I've read that you're supposed to avoid salicylic acid acne face washes.

This. I use Proactiv, though I didnt start until 2nd tri (my skin was fine before that).

hillbillysunshine · January 2010

My doc said benzol peroxide is fine; salycylic (sp) acid should be avoided. I'm not using it b/c my face actually cleared-up with pregnancy, but a lot of women on here do and continued after BFP (I only know b/c this question has been asked before).

My doc said that such a minimal amount of the chemical is used that it is hardly absorbed...one need not be worried. But if you're really worried, ask your doc. GL!

Mhild · January 2010

I used Proactive during my first tri (I had been using it pre-pregnancy and my doc okay'd it) but to be honest, it didn't help at all with my lovely pregnancy acne. I ended up getting a prescription benzoyl peroxide topical ointment for my acne which also didn't really help.

sturgeje · January 2010

i've been using it the entire time and my doctor said it's fine.

mommyrenee · January 2010

my ob said no Salicylic acid. proactiv never worked for me & ruined all my clothes, sheets, etc. so I didnt even ask about it.

Header25 · January 2010

My doctor said No too!

KRISTA555 · January 2010

I used Proactiv for years and then switched over to the off-brand "AcneFree".... exact same ingredients for half the price. Anywho, I've heard about these warnings too, but I am continuing to use AcneFree. I'm really not worried about it. There are warnings out the for EVERYthing.

madwc08 · January 2010

I have used ProActiv the whole time. I didn't ask my dr and have been to the dermotogist...basically, I wasn't allowed to consume medicenes but anything staying local shouldn't harm the baby. Im 24 weeks pg and have been using it since before pg...I wouldn't worry about it.

ivyreb · January 2010

I used it before I got pregnant and then stopped on my own to avoid the chemicals. Then midwife told me it was ok to use after 2nd tri, so I started up again but after 3 weeks it wasn't helping and I got freaked out about the whole thing and stopped. Now I use belli cleanser and it's pretty great!

jenirvt · January 2010

My OB told me that it was fine to use anything OTC on my face for acne. Just no accutane, Retin-A...prescription stuff.

I had horrible acne after BFP and nothing got rid of it AT ALL until I tried Dermalogica products. Just the regular stuff for combination skin, not even the "acne" line, cleared my entire face up within a week. My only gripe is that they are $$$$$$, but they truly helped me, and didn't contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to worry about. I buy it at Ulta.

MWoodside · January 2010

Stephanie2167:
My Dr. said it was fine.

This. I don't use the lotion very often since it sits n the skin, but I use the facewash & astringent daily.

missandrea77 · January 2010

Yes to Tomatoes is an alternative to consider. (Check walgreens and other pharmacies) It is specifically for acne prone skin, costs less than proactiv and doesn't ruin your sheets. I switched to this in the first tri and have had great success with it. I doubt I'll go back to Proactiv at this point...

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