otc acne meds...did i mess up?

[newbieG]

ok, i was just on a web page that freaked me out.  i am currently 6 weeks pg and broke out last week, so i used my clinque acne med, it didnt have any warnings on it.  then i read today about the acne meds that are VERY harmful to my baby and it listed salycilic acid, which is in that acne med.  i only used it one day.  i knew accutane and retin a are harmful, but didnt know this...and so im freaking out.  any input?  i feel like i talk to thr nurse at md office all the time, (just yesterday)  so im coming to you guys on this one!  thanks

[Harley-girl]

Just one day of use should cause no problems. You can use any acne face wash/pads that has benzoil peroxide in it.

[vsentz]

I was just gonna ask about that! thank you for the info, it helps a lot. I have a bad acne spot on each cheek since my m/c....and haven't got rid of it....now that i think i might be pg....maybe.....i am scared to death to use anything!!!!
I usually use benzoil peroxide, but i used to wear make up concealer that had salicilic acid in it......

[newbieG]

i was just doing an internet search and it said studies have shown, in animals if they orally took 6 times the recommended dose of salyclyic acid, it could result in birth defects.  it said to check with md before using esp on large areas of your body.  and studies in pg women have not been done. it is really stressful with what to NOT do while pg.  every little thing freaks me out!

[AnnieBrooke]

Also, check the website and technical info on the exact face wash you did use, not just a general site about salycilic acid.  Clinique probably gets this question all the time and certainly would have addressed it, either on its website or if you call its 800 number.

[pdxfirstpregnancy]

Great question. I recently ran into the same question and aske my OBGYN. She said to stay away from it, but using it once or twice is not going to matter.  The amount that actual is ingested into your body is so small, it wont even detect.  Make sure you use a mild soap...neutragena is great or Proactive and stay away from any perfumed shampoos or lotions if you have sensative skin...you are rather more sensative right now.  My facialist told me to use rubbing alcohol on my body if I had a breakout....a dot on your face wont hurt either...just make sure you dont use it too much, it will dry you out.
Benzoyle Peroxide is great as well.

[sgtbabyguns]

I have been using(clearasil/oxy)otc for years I guess.  I used them through my first pregnancy.  I had never been told that it caused any harm to a baby nor did my daughter have any side effects from my use of otc remedies on a regular basis. I guess every one has different results for everything best advice go with what your doctor says.  But I would not stress out about your previous use(s).  Stress would probably hurt you and your baby more than the otc topical uses.