Safest Acne Treatment for Pregnant Women

It is not uncommon for acne to appear during pregnancy, even in women who have never had acne before. But while there are a wide variety of acne treatments on the market, not all of them are safe for developing babies.

Causes

An increase in hormones can cause a rise in the skin's production of oil. Excess oil is a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause acne.

Timeline

Acne usually is at its worst during the first trimester. Later on in the pregnancy, as estrogen levels increase, acne typically starts to disappear.

Prevention

While there's no way to stop an increase in oil production during pregnancy, washing the face twice a day with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser, and blotting excess oil on the face with a tissue, can help to reduce the chances of acne progressing. Cleansers containing retinoids and salicylic acid should be avoided.

Safe Treatments

Rubbing slices of fruit containing alpha hydroxy acids on the affected areas is a natural, effective way to treat acne. Lemons, oranges and tomatoes are examples of some fruits containing alpha hydroxy acids.

Warning

Medications containing Vitamin A, such as retinoids and tretinoin, can cause birth defects. Antibiotics used to treat acne can retard bone growth in a developing fetus. Creams with salicylic acid should also be avoided.

References

• Pregnancy Info: Acne and Pregnancy
• Life Extension: Acne 101