PREGNANT WITH ACNE...what is safe to use? HELP!!

cysterlee · 07-17-2006, 05:29 PM

I have terrible acne mostly on my chin and around my mouth. I have tried everything in the past from proactive to tea tree oil. Now 8 weeks pregnant and don't know what is safe. Next doctors appointment is 3 weeks away and would like to start using something sooner as it looks and feels aweful. Please help if you know of anything that is safe during pregnancy or if you have any tips or advice.
Thank you!

RoaryKennedy · 07-19-2006, 09:49 PM

Hi Lee! I'm about 9.5 weeks along, and suddenly within the last week or so, my acne has started to flare up. I've never had perfect, flawless skin of course, but now I'm noticing more and more bumpies! And they hurt, too! Icky! Where's my pregnancy glow?

I do know that we can't use any retinol products, or anything with a vitamin A compound.

Salicyclic acid is a derivative of aspirin, and technically it could be absorbed through the skin, since it's job is to dig deep into the pores. BabyCenter said it's fine to use on your face, since it's such a small amount of skin, but just to be safe, I only use salicyclic cleansers that I wash off, so it doesn't spend much time on my skin. When I cleanse, I start with an Olay Daily Facial cloth to scrub off my makeup and exfoliate a little bit, then I use a Clearasil salicyclic acid facial wash or St. Ives medicated apricot scrub. Then I moisturize with DHC Virgin Olive Oil at night, or Olay Multi-Radiance lotion during the day.

I don't know about benzoyl peroxide--I haven't read anything on it, either positive or negative, so I haven't been using any washes or creams containing that. I would guess that your tea tree oil would be just fine when applied topically, as would witch hazel.

Good luck! Let me know if you find anything that works!

violamarie · 07-28-2006, 08:52 PM

I have heard different things on the salicylic acid, but many doctors do say it is fine. Also, mine actually let me use Benzaclin cuz you are not putting enough of it on your face to affect anything at a deeper, internal level. I guess it just depends how you feel about it. I used this stuff during my PG and everything was fine. But I cannot really advice you what to do for sure.

hawkmoonwinter · 07-29-2006, 03:46 PM

Hi, I'm not pregnant, but I have flare up with my skin. I have used
Dr Bronner's Tea Tree Oil / Hemp Liquid Soap to wash my face with
every other day. I am sure to rinse it really well and use cold water
to help close the pores.

You can find the soap in healthfood stores. Hope that this helps

crazygirl26 · 07-29-2006, 08:34 PM

I'm not pregnant either, but I've had outstanding success with Proactiv as has my husband, mother and a few co-workers. I have fairly sensitive skin and it has never been an issue for me.

guineapig · 07-30-2006, 04:04 AM

I've been using a product from the local herb store called ClearAc. You wipe it on after cleaning or in place thereof.

I also wash with Aveda's gel soap.

And it's weird, but I wash my mouth area (or wipe w/ the ClearAc) after brushing my teeth...I found that since pg toothpaste has been making me break out around my mouth/chin! Acne got much better when I started doing this.

Toothpaste of all things--the guilty culprit!

Tinkpatcherbell · 07-31-2006, 01:30 PM

I'm 4 weeks along. I'm using AcneFree which is a Benzoyl peroxide formula. I use the cleanser and toner but not the repairing lotion. Instead of the benzoyl peroxide repairing lotion I use an antibacterial cream to help clear out the bacteria. My acne got real bad around my mouth/chin in May and I'm just getting a handle on it now.

Looking for a more natural remedy.