acne and pregnancy

[mocca]

Im 5 months pregnant and beginning to have severe acne all over my face. I've seen a dermatologist and been given some cream. She assure that it is safe for pregnant woman because it doesnt contain any Retin A product and mercury. My problem is im still not confident using that cream because my obsgyn said that it is harmful to use any acne cream during pregnancy. I thought maybe he doensnt know that the cream i use doenst contain retin a and any other harmful chemical. Have any of u ever face this kind of problem before? I honestly cannot stand the acne, i lose my confidence already and couldnt see myself in the mirror. Help me.....

[waterskigirl]

Ask your OB, don't take anything that isn't approved by your OB!

[anothergirl]

I feel your pain, I've broken out during my entire pregnancy. I'm not sure from your post what the cream is but here is some info on the topic: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/acnetreatment.html
I find 10% benzoyl peroxide products are the only OTC product that works for me and I attempt to focus on the problem areas only, like my cheeks and neck. Most acne sufferers find they never stop needing to use the BP cream but you use less over time. Hopefully you'll clear up after birth! Best of luck.

[corykis okay]

Good ole hormones!
Take the cream with you to the doctors and let him/her see what is in the product.Hey your beautiful! Your pregnant! nothing more beautiful than that!

[chysmom]

I broke out horrible with my daughter.  I was told not to use any kind of creams to make sure I washed my face at least once a day.  And if you dry out because of the washing use a moisterizer.  Mine sooned died down.  I was terrible I wouldnt go out of the house it was so bad.

[is2laugh]

Two of the Ob/Gyn's that I have went to have told me that over the counter creams (benzoyl peroxide & salicylic acid) are both ok to use during pregnancy.  I have had acne since I was a teen.  Unfortunately, I never outgrew it.  I'm dreading it getting worse later on in this pregnancy.  

Make sure not to scrub hard when washing.  Don't touch your face (oils from your hands can spread bacteria).  If you use a phone a lot... try to hold it away from your face.  

Use a very light moisturizer (I recommend Clearasil or Nutregena)... if you let your skin dry out too much, it will start producing even more oil and it makes the situation worse.    

Good luck!!  Like the previous poster said... you're pregnant!  That makes you beautiful no matter what.  :o)

[ajaball]

I have heard that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide should be avoided during pregnancy but sulfur-based treatments are supposed to be okay.

[TinaC.]

I was also told by three different OB's not to use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide at all during pregnancy.  There is a lot of research on it also, as they both can enter your bloodstream through the pores.  I was told that I can use anything over the counter except a gentle cleanser such that contains no chemicals at all.

[Still_AndiJ]

Also avoid any and all topical treatments containing vitamin A, there are several bonafied studies linking excess vitamin A with bone deformities. Many lotions, moisturizers, etc contain Vitamin A. Now naturally occuring vitamin A is as long as it is under the RDA for pg women, the major concern is the topical form.

My advice, gentle cleanser, keep your hair up at night, wash your pillow case frequently, swipe a cotton ball soaked in waitch hazel a few times a day.

Good luck, I had horrible acne on my back from bra straps while pg with my youngest, I feel your pain.

Andi