Acne treatments

[gertrudestein]

I've just found out that the facial wash I've been using contains salicylic acid, which is linked to birth defects. My skin has been terrible, so I've been using it twice a day, and a lot of it. Sometimes in the shower I leave it on my face for fiive minutes while I wash my hair. I'm 15 wks and terrified that I've done something awful. I feel sick.

Is there anything I can do to make myself feel better? Has anyone had any similar experiences?

And can anyone recommend acne treatments that are safe to use?

[EmpireBiscuit]

I have suffered acne since getting my BFP. Went to the doctors and have been told that there was pretty much nothing she was willing to prescribe me. I dabbed a bit of TCP on a couple of mind - not sure if I should have done though.

If it makes you feel better it calmed down about week 26/7 - back when a vengeance a week 38 though.

I figure its only for the short term and the little bundle will be worth it.

[curmit]

I think that using it on your face is fine - you can take it orally apparently and that is a no-no.

[LexiLexi]

gertrudestein just to second what curmit says, I've heard only about 5% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into the body so sure you'll be fine.

You could try making your own bentonite clay mask. The clay powder is sold in health stores or you can buy it online, it can be mixed with apricot kernel oil and a little water and I have found it really helpful.

(Unfortunately the shop bought face masks I have seen seem to have lots of nasties in)

[gertrudestein]

Thank you so much for your reassurance - I have had a complete panic about it.

I will definitely try the homemade facemask LexiLexi, it sounds great! Who knew that simple pleasures like washing your face would be so fraught with problems when you're pregnant!

[NAR4]

I was told by my GP that I could use Freederm safely, so have used it throughout my last pregnancy and breastfeeding and throughout this pregnancy. When not pregnant or breastfeeding I usually take oral antibiotics to control my acne. I was told most spot creams and lotions were a no no during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but Freederm treats them in a differrent way apparrantly and is safe.

[EmpireBiscuit]

Wish I'd know Freederm was okay - no wonder pregnancy is so confusing, no one seems to be able to agree on anything!

[Mrsbirchall]

I'm 34 weeks pregnant and have been using a Dermalogica wash daily which contains salicylic acid but more worryingly a spot solution by Mario Badescu Drying Lotion which contains in - have used it for years and had no idea that it was dangerous. This is very worrying :(

[gertrudestein]

Mrsbirchall don't do what i did, and descend into a panic about it. I had a meltdown and read EVERYTHING on the internet about it. So you don't have to. Here's what I found:

Salicylic acid in topical form has not been thoroughly tested on pregnant women.
However, when taken in oral form (as in some prescription acne treatments) it is thought to be linked to a higher risk of birth defects.
Most over the counter topical treatments contain a very low amount of salicylic acid - typically less than 5% of the overall formula. Therefore, the risk to your baby after having used topical face treatments is:
a) unproven
b) very low

A lot of medicines are said to be not recommended in pregnancy due to caution - because actually, most things have not been tested on pregnant women.

So please don't worry. If it makes you feel better, stop using that facewash and use something that contains benzoyl peroxide, which is another acne treatment that is believed to be safe for pregnant women. I have also bought this, which is expensive, but has been created for pregnant/ breast feeding women.

Btw - there is surely an absolute fortune to be made in creating a brand of affordable skincare products for acne-prone pregnant women!

[Mrsbirchall]

Thanks gertudestein- you can drive yourself bonkers with it all can't you?! I've been using for 8 months of pregnancy too so not much I can do now either to get myself in a tizz about. The facewash is 0.5% so I figure can't be too bad as obv wash it off too. I'll stick to tea tree for all my lovely spots from now on though till after baby! Xxx

[gertrudestein]

You certainly can! Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well x

[dellabob]

Hi gertrudestein! I'm 34 ans 14wks now and have pretty much suffered with acne since the start of this. I don't get spots at all usually, so this came as a bit of a shocker, especially when they are really painful lumps that just seems to stay forever and sometimes scar to deep red ;-( I did a bit of research and found this lovely brand call 'Belli' pregnancy. Its an American brand that specialises purely in pregnancy skincare/acne symptoms. Only a few UK stockists seem to have it at the moment. I've just purchased it on Amazon, its not the cheapest but you are willing to give anything a try!

I've been using it for a week twice a day just on the acne areas. Additionally I've been covering up the spots with a little bit of mineral powder, and yesterday was the first sign of diminishing spots!! Today is even better!!! Whether its one or combination of both, or even hormones, I can't say, but I'm willing to shout about this in case it offers some help and relief to all those other pregnant ladies with the same symptoms.

I'm Sorry for long post, but as this is so recent for me I thought it was worth sharing.