Acne is common during pregnancy. It is caused by elevated hormones during pregnancy. These high hormonal levels cause the skin to produce high levels of natural oils. Your risk for acne during pregnancy increases if you have a history of acne or acne flares during pregnancy. Treating and managing this condition during pregnancy can be tricky. This is because pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant are advised not to take some medications used to treat acne. These women therefore have to rely on home remedies which are drug free. Contact your healthcare provider about what is safe for you.
Acne treatment that are considered unsafe during pregnancy.
Accutane : It’s generic name is isotretinoin . This prescription medication is taken orally to treat acne. However, this medication is dangerous during pregnancy and should be avoided. It can cause birth defects . Women of child-bearing age who need to take this drug must take a pregnancy test before, during and after the treatment because of how dangerous it is. These women should also use two forms of birth control at least a month before the therapy, during the therapy and a month after the treatment.
Retin-A : It has the generic name tretinoin. It is a topical cream that is applied to the skin. There is a concern that this medication increases your risk of birth defects even though less than 10% of Retin-A passes into the mother’s blood stream and less than that reaches the baby. This cream carries warnings for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Tretracyline : It is an antibiotic taken orally . It can inhibit bone growth and cause permanent teeth discoloration.
Treatment for acne that is dug free.
Acne during pregnancy usually resolves after child birth. However, there are good skin care home remedies that can help you manage it.
- use wash cloth or cotton pad to wash your face . Be sure to change it every time you wash your face
- limit washing to 2 times a day and after heavy sweating
- use a gentle, oil-free, alcohol-free, and non-abrasive cleanser when you wash
- don’t over cleanse. It over stimulates the oil glands
- rinse your skin with lukewarm water after washing. After that gently pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer
- shampoo regularly if you have an oily skin. You should avoid oily hair mousse or pomade near the hairline.
Content Sources
What’s the best way to treat pregnancy acne? Mayo Foundation. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-acne/faq-20058045. Accessed December 10, 2014
Acne during pregnancy. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-during-pregnancy-treatments-causes?page=2. Accessed December 10, 2014