Acne medication and pregnancy

LNBH05 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 02:28 PM

Hi everyone,

I just have a quick question. I am not yet pregnant but have been trying to conceive. I have always dealt with moderate acne and have been on acne medication since I was in high school. For the past couple years I have been using "Proactive Solution" becuase I did not want to take medication any longer for my acne(knowing I would soon try to conceive). It has worked wonders!!! I tried going off it for 4 months and my face was a disaster, even using was the derm prescribed(erythromacin and Finacia). I was so depressed and wanted to dig myself a hole and never come out. I was so embarrased. After 4 months of not conceiving I began using Proactive Solution again. Knowing being depressed was not helping us to conceive. According to the dermatologist i should not use proactive because there is no studies on whteher or not it is okay. Does anyone else have any knowledge on Proactive and whether it is okay to use while pregnant. Obviously once I conceive I will go off it if I have too but would rather not because its the only thing that works for me. PLEASE HELP!!! Suggestions on other alternative acne prevention would be great as well!! Thanks so much!!!!

Littlemsmom · #2 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 03:01 PM

I did a search on it and this is what I found

http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articl...hile-pregnant/

- Stay away from any acne medications that contain Tetracycline, Salicyclic Acid (a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments), Tretinon (sold under the brand name Retin-A), and Isotrentinoin (sold under the brand name Accutane).

Over-the-counter Acne treatments that include benzoyl peroxide have been tested as safe to use while pregnant. A prescription treatment called Oral erythromycin is an alternative to tetracycline that is safe for use in pregnant women and young children. There are also many natural skin-care products that may be safe for both you and baby. Here again, it is always best to check with your health care provider as to the safety of a specific product.

The primary medicinal ingredient in Proactiv solution is benzoyl peroxide.

LNBH05 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 04:44 PM

Thanks so much for forwarding the research you found on proactive. I actually have done a ton of research as well and found similar research. It makes me feel better that you found similar research!! If they are saying the Benzoyl peroxide is safe, why is my dermatologist telling me I shouldn't. Does she have to say this for liability reasons? Thanks again littlemsmom!!!!

Littlemsmom · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 06:36 AM

It's more than likely because there hasn't been any test done to see if it truly is safe.