Using topical antibiotics can be a great way to treat acne during pregnancy. Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin are effective for acne that is inflammatory. These antibiotics work by attacking bacteria in clogged pores. However, their long-term effects are unknown. They are not suitable for pregnant women who are allergic to antibiotics. So, how should you treat acne during pregnancy?

Avoiding oil-free make-up

If you have a skin condition like acne during pregnancy, you should avoid using any oil-based or pore-clogging makeup. Avoid using oil-based makeup and try to wear noncomedogenic makeup. Also, you should avoid cosmetics with salicylic acid or retinoids. Mineral-only make-up is safe for pregnant women because the ingredients sit on top of your skin.

Another factor to consider is the kind of oil-free make-up you use. Some companies lump potential dangerous substances under the term “fragrance” like phthalates, which are known to cause reproductive problems in babies and cause birth defects. Also, make sure to avoid fragrances containing parabens, which are common preservatives found in foundations and lipsticks. They are known to cause developmental problems in the fetus, and may cause contact dermatitis.

Despite all of these precautions, there are some ways to treat acne during pregnancy. First, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist. Your doctor can recommend certain skincare products or topical treatments that will work for you and your baby. You should also avoid using facial scrubs and masks because they irritate your skin and can cause infection. Finally, try to avoid picking or squeezing acne, as this can exacerbate the problem.

Using topical retinoids

Using topical retinoids to control acne during pregnancy is not advised due to the risk of birth defects and possible side effects. The manufacturers of oral retinoids recommend stopping the medication six weeks before conception to avoid the risk of harming an unborn child. However, the use of OTC acne medications is generally safe during pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant and planning to use Retin-A or another prescription acne medication, you should tell your healthcare provider so that you can make an informed decision.

While there is limited research to support risks of topical retinoids during pregnancy, they have been used for years. Topical retinoids are not believed to harm a developing fetus but the amount of retinoic acid absorbed through the skin is low. Pregnant women should avoid taking topical retinoids and instead limit their use to topical products.

Using laser therapy

Using laser therapy to treat acne during pregnancy is a common way to relieve the symptoms of a pregnant woman with acne. The diode laser used to perform the treatment heats the upper mid-dermis and causes thermal coagulation of the sebaceous lobule and follicular infundibulum. This treatment appears to reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands, and some studies have found a reduction in the number of acne lesions. Despite this promising effect, laser treatment can cause significant pain and side-effects, including erythema and dryness.

Although lasers are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, women should consult their doctor or dermatologist before undergoing laser therapy for acne. Some lasers may require a numbing agent to make the skin more comfortable, and some light therapies may involve using medicine that can affect the unborn child. In addition, the laser or light treatment may contain salicylic acid, which is commonly found in over-the-counter acne treatments. While salicylic acid is generally safe to use for a limited period of time, laser skin resurfacing is not.

Using antibiotics

There are many contraindications to using antibiotics to treat acne during pregnancy. Some of these medications, such as tetracycline, are known to interfere with the development of the unborn baby’s bones and teeth. Another common form of acne medication, spironolactone, may affect the developing fetus. This is why many acne medications should be avoided during pregnancy.

Benzoyl peroxide is an ingredient in many over-the-counter acne medications. Benzoyl peroxide is not fully studied in pregnant women, but it is considered safe by most healthcare providers. Another prescription acne treatment is erythromycin, which works by reducing acne-causing bacteria but hasn’t been studied in pregnant women. Both of these types of medications should be used only under the supervision of a physician.

While there are many acne medications approved for use during pregnancy, there are some risks associated with using them. Antibiotics can be costly, and your healthcare provider may suggest waiting until you give birth before you begin treatment. By that time, your acne may have cleared up. However, if you’re experiencing severe acne, you may need to use acne medication to clear it up. You’ll need to be selective in selecting an acne treatment product during pregnancy.