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The fact is that more than 1 in 2 women will develop acne during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. The problem is how to manage acne during the pregnancy while ensuring the safety of baby and mother, and to help the woman to feel the best she can during this very important period of her life. After all, a happy mommy is the best mommy.
Below is some important information on what to avoid, and what you can actually do to safely manage your acne during pregnancy.
Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is known under the brand name Accutane (presently a subject of Class Action Suit) and a number of generic names. It is an oral product used mostly for treating severe acne. However, it's especially dangerous before and during pregnancy as the drug is known to affect a fetus and cause serious birth defects.
Hormone therapy. This includes the "female" hormone estrogen and the anti-androgens flutamide and spironolactone.
Oral tetracyclines. These include antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline, which can inhibit bone growth and discolor new firming permanent teeth.
Salicylic acid. For the same reasons, many experts also recommend against using topical treatments containing salicylic acid while pregnant. This is an ingredient found in almost all over-the-counter acne products with Proactive®, NatureCure®, Clearsil® and other known brands.
If your pregnancy acne is mild and you did not suffer from acne before becoming pregnant, you may actually try to deal with your pregnancy breakouts without any specific acne products. This is the safest route, and here are some tips on how to do it:
AcnEase® is an all-botanical-ingredients, proprietary formula that is focused on rebalancing the body without directly impacting hormone levels. Rather, it prevents hormone fluctuations from adversely impacting sebaceous gland secretions and this way mitigates acne. It is completely safe to take, however, you and your obstetrician may review the list of AcnEase ingredients so you can make sure none of them may adversely affect you and your baby.
With a Promise of Clear Skin, Dr. A