Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Dealing with Acne Breakouts while Pregnant

By Fran Anderson

A common problem that affects many women during pregnancy is acne. As the pregnancy progresses, the acne does tend to clear up, but that does not mean that pregnant women have to just wait patiently for it to go away. There are acne treatments available that are safe for use during pregnancy.

Acne is commonly caused by bacteria under the skin or blocked pores. Acne during pregnancy usually has another cause, however. Pregnant women undergo hormonal changes. One unfortunate consequence of these changes to hormone levels is acne breakouts. These breakouts can occur even if the woman has absolutely no history of acne problems in her past.

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.

Acne medication taken orally, however, should be avoided unless prescribed by your doctor. You should also avoid remedies such as Accutane, tetracycline and its derivatives and any topical retinoids.

Treatments labeled "all natural" need to be approached with caution. Natural or herbal remedies are not necessarily safe for pregnant women. As always, follow your doctor's advice before applying any treatment.

While pregnant women are likely to experience acne breakouts due to higher hormone levels, they can do something about it. With a doctor's advice and a bit of care, you can have clear skin while you are pregnant.

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