source:flickr by:shutter daddy

Treating Acne While Pregnant

Pregnancy is a beautiful stage of life that produces the most incredible miracles — sweet babies. However, along with the beauty of pregnancy comes some unwanted changes, including increased hair growth, widening feet and adult acne. While these temporary crosses are easy to bear when thinking of your little one within, they are certainly not preferable. Although there’s not much you can do when it comes to unwanted hair or feet that will only fit in flip-flops, many adult acne treatments are safe to use, even when pregnant.

Acne during pregnancy is all hormonal. Even if a woman didn’t experience acne in her teens or before becoming pregnant, she is not immune to the occasional androgen- and estrogen-caused breakouts during her pregnancy! Most pregnant women suffer from blemishes during her first trimester when her hormones are most unruly. After the first trimester, many of these women will see a natural decrease in their acne. Unfortunately, a few women will continue experiencing acne throughout her pregnancy and even into the few weeks following the delivery of her baby.

One of the easiest ways to treat acne during pregnancy is to follow the dietary recommendations of your OB or midwife. Most diets recommended for pregnancy are full of anti-acne antioxidants and nutrients that help keep your skin healthy, radiant and clear. While deviating from your healthy diet to indulge in some ice cream (pickle optional) won’t cause your skin to erupt in inflamed red bumps, sticking to healthier options most of the time is generally the best way to go for you, your baby and your skin.

As for topical acne treatments, most are safe for use during pregnancy. There are, however, some that should be avoided during those 40 weeks. They include:

• Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)
• Differin (adapelene)
• Oral forms of Accutane
• Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin)
• Retinoic acid
• Retinol
• Retinyl linoleate
• Retinyl palmitate
• Salicylic acid
• Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)
• Tretinoin

It is also important to steer clear of any leave-on acne spot treatments, masks, peels, lotions, gels or creams. Any acne products you use should be able to be rinsed off soon after application without neutralizing its benefits. Remember, if in doubt, always consult your OB or midwife for advice regarding your acne treatment products.

As a rule of thumb, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are safe to use during pregnancy. Some common AHAs used in pregnancy-safe acne products include glycolic acid and lactic acid. Lactic acid is especially beneficial for use on extra-sensitive skin as it won’t cause or exacerbate irritation. Check out Belli Skin Care’s Acne Clearing Facial Wash for a pregnancy-specific acne treatment that features a fresh lemon scent that won’t upset sensitive tummies.