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Acutane, or isotretinoin, is a powerful oral medicine used to treat acne. Acutane has been shown to cause birth defects in 25 to 35 percent of babies born to women using it during pregnancy. It also increases the risk of miscarriage and infant death.
Hormone therapy such as estrogen has shown to be effective in treating acne for many women. However, this treatment is not recommended during pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects.
Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic used to treat acne. Tetracycline can cause discoloration of the baby's permanent teeth as well as inhibit bone growth. Because of these factors, it is best to avoid these antibiotics except if recommended by a doctor.
Retin-A is a topical acne cream. Not enough is known about how this medication can affect an unborn baby. For that reason, avoid this medication unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. -
Over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide are considered safe for pregnant women to use. Some over-the-counter drugs contain salicylic acid, which should be avoided, so always read the ingredient list of any acne products you're considering. And consult with a health care provider before using any over-the-counter acne treatment.
Tea tree oil, an essential oil derived from the leaves of the plant Melaleuca alternifolia, is often used to treat acne. This treatment, which can be made by combining 95 parts water to 5 parts tea tree oil, has far fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide. Though not quite as effective as benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil is safe to use during pregnancy.
Honey is a natural acne treatment that can also be used during pregnancy due to its antibacterial properties that work against acne. Applying honey to your face can help kill acne-causing bacteria. Honey has no known side effects, making it a good choice during pregnancy. Simply apply pure honey to your face, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse off with water.
