Friday, February 27, 2009

Acne and Pregnancy

By Fran Anderson

As a result of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, many women suffer from acne outbreaks while pregnant. There are remedies for acne available which are safe for pregnant women to use. Your doctor should be able to advise you on an acne treatment and always consult your doctor before using any acne product while pregnant.

Acne during pregnancy is generally caused by changes in hormone levels, not by the more common causes of clogged pores or bacteria beneath the skin. As such, all pregnant women are susceptible to breakouts, regardless of whether bouts of acne were a problem in the past. Having had clear, healthy skin your whole life will not make you immune to acne while pregnant.

Making sure to wash your face in the morning and before bed with a gentle cleanser and using a mild moisturizer as needed may do enough to keep acne at bay even while pregnant. If you are pregnant and searching for an acne treatment, though, ask your doctor for a recommendation. Be aware that acne remedies designed to open clogged pores or fight acne causing bacteria may not be effective due to your acne being likely caused by increased hormone levels.

Over the counter remedies applied topically can be safe to use, but exercise caution and speak with your doctor first. Treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, low concentrations of salicylic acid or erythromycin are usually considered safe for use while pregnant.

Oral acne medications should be avoided in general and only be used when prescribed by your doctor. Some of the active ingredients in orally administered acne medicines are unsafe and pose serious risks when taken during pregnancy.

Consult your doctor if you are thinking of trying an herbal remedy as well. Just because the packaging on an acne treatment reads "all natural" or similar that does not make it safe to use while pregnant. Your doctor will be able to advise you.

Being more susceptible to acne breakouts while pregnant is entirely normal. You have to be careful about how you treat your acne, of course. With a regular mild cleansing and your doctor's recommendation for a treatment, clearing up acne breakouts and maintaining your skin's health are quite possible. - 15266

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