How to Safely Treat Acne during Pregnancy

Sure, people always talk about the gorgeous pregnancy glow but not everyone may look radiant throughout those ten months. Rather, for some women, breakouts can be at an all time high while expecting. “Acne during pregnancy is caused by an increase in androgen hormones,” says N.Y.C. dermatologist Sejal Shah. If you’ve ever experienced breakouts during that time of the month, you may be more likely to experience flare ups during pregnancy.  The toughest part is that many anti-acne ingredients are not deemed safe for use during pregnancy. Below, we give you the scoop on which ingredients are a no-no and which alternatives actually work.

Ingredients to avoid:

• Retinoids- Studies have shown that these vitamin A derivatives can be harmful to the unborn child and oral retinoid medications can cause birth defects,” says Shah.
• Salicylic acids- High doses of this blemish buster “have been shown to cause birth defects and pregnancy related complications,” says Shah. Thus, most doctors recommend avoiding topical forms during pregnancy, as well, since it can be absorbed through the skin. 
• Benzoyl Peroxide- the safety of this zit zapping ingredient has not been established in pregnancy, says Shah. Most doctors recommend avoiding it for that reason. 

RELATED: What causes Acne? 

During pregnancy “you want to try to stay as medication free as possible,” says Long Island, N.Y. dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla. “For acne there is no medication that is a category A (meaning completely safe).” So, all those spot treatments in your medicine cabinet are about to go to the wayside for a long while. But all is not lost, there are other alternatives that can help treat acne while you’re sporting a bump. 

Ingredients to try:

• Tea tree oil – While this naturally antiseptic oil may work slower than some traditional ingredients, a number of studies have found it particularly effective against mild to moderate acne. We love it in the soothing formula of Aromatica’s Tea Tree Balancing Foaming Cleanser since tea tree oil on it’s own can be irritating. 
• Charcoal- This detoxifying agent can help draw impurities and oil out of pores. Even better, it’s suitable-  even for sensitive skin types. This hydrogel mask from Shangpree features both charcoal and aloe so skin is left clear and balanced.
• Rosehip Oil – Chock full of antioxidants and vitamin C, this oil can help skin repair itself while also combatting inflammation. Aromatica’s version is 100% organic and Ecocert certified natural.
• Chamomile- Breakouts often go hand in hand with irritation,  chamomile is a superstar antioxidant which is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. This mask combines both jasmine and chamomile for total relaxation for your mind and pores.
• Sulfur- If your skin has been feeling oilier than usual, you may want to turn to sulfur to help cut down on sebum. This antibacterial agent helps to degrease and reduce inflammation.
• Lactic Acid- This gentle exfoliating acid is a great pick for dry skin as it gently exfoliates and hydrates at once. Mizon’s Water Volume Ex First Essence contains lactic acid and anti-inflammatory niacinamide to help quell bumps.
• Glycolic Acid – This alpha hydroxy acid helps slough away dead skin cells so you’re less likely to get clogged pores. We love Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum which also contains soothing aloe extract to minimize irritation.

“If you do end up with cysts or really unsightly blemishes, see a dermatologist for prescription azaleic acid or medications that fall into category B,” says Mariwalla. But, “you may be surprised at well how these alternatives work.” And remember, “it’s important that you are using moisturizers to balance  the drying effects of  acne treatments,” says Shah.  She also notes that during pregnancy, the skin may also be more susceptible to developing hyperpigmentation.  “Because of this, you may want to avoid any skin products that are overly irritating as it may induce inflammation and subsequent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”