Acne Treatments Guide - Articles

During pregnancy, hormones cause many changes to skin, causing acne breakouts and a lot of frustration for the future or nursing mom, mainly because so many acne products have to be ruled out because of safety concerns. If you're in the same situation, you're very right to be hesitant about using any kind of adult acne treatment gel, and should definitely ask your doctor first.

That's because the effects of many acne treatments are either untested or proven to be harmful to a growing fetus or nursing baby, as they are based on harsh chemicals or drugs that can cause birth defects or damage during the delicate stages of a baby's development. And when you're awaiting your baby, you really don't want to take any risks that aren't necessary.

Drugs to Avoid During Pregnancy

For example, the retinoid isotretinoin (the active ingredient in the popular oral acne treatment Accutane) creates such a high risk of birth defects in a developing fetus that women of childbearing age who take them must agree to use two methods of birth control and have regular pregnancy tests. Because of its similarity to Accutane, Retin-A, another common acne treatment, is also not recommended by doctors, although studies of its effects on fetus development are lacking.

Another medication you should think twice about taking for acne during pregnancy is tetracycline, the main ingredient found in many oral antibiotics, which may cause negative effects on the unborn baby's teeth. The risk of corticosteroids such as horticortizone is yet undetermined, as not enough studies have been done to determine if they're safe, although some studies indicate a connection with prematurity.

Even common topical treatments such as salicylic acid based acne skin care products found in adult acne treatment gel or cream are being discussed. Although there is no evidence linking them with birth defects or harm to babies, some women avoid using these kinds of drugs just as a precautionary measure. Again, you should discuss any kind of adult acne treatment with your health care professional.

What's more, you shouldn't consider a procedure such as microdermabrasion or a chemical peel to get rid of pregnancy acne. Skin's sensitivity increases with pregnancy hormones, so these treatments may result in scarring or discoloration and are not advisable as an acne or acne scar treatment option for pregnant women.