Acne Medicine & Pregnancy

Retin A is a synthetic form of vitamin A that is prescribed for the more severe and disfiguring cases of acne. So common and so severe are the birth defects that result from the use of this medicine during pregnancy, many dermatologists will not prescribe the drug to women of childbearing age unless they agree to using birth control pills simultaneously. As the fetal defects that occur while on this medication are so profound, many physicians advise an immediate abortion should a women become pregnant while using this medication.

Antibiotics such as Tetracycline are commonly prescribed for acne, even minor cases, because the skin lesions do involve a particular bacteria. While less detrimental than Retin A, antibiotics too can cause damage to a developing fetus, such as mottling of the teeth. This consequence might not be noted at birth, but spots and discolorations on the teeth may be noted in the first years of life as the teeth emerge. Thus, antibiotics are used during pregnancy only for serious infections, not for acne.

All topical medications are considered safe to use, even the pharmaceutical ones. If a woman has a skin care routine she finds effective for her skin, she does not have to give it up during pregnancy. Many nutrients can help the skin and since it is routinely recommended that pregnant women use prenatal vitamins, this may be one approach to treating acne without pharmaceuticals. Find a good prenatal vitamin and take it faithfully each day. Since many women experience morning sickness in the first few months of pregnancy, swallowing pills can be a challenge. Powdered and liquid nutrient products are also an option to prepare in juices and smoothies.

Hydrotherapy is an old term simply meaning water therapy. You can try adding a few simple steps to your face washing routine and use hot and cold water to improve your complexion. First try steaming your face. You can buy a face steamer at a pharmacy to have in the bathroom, or you can start the process in your kitchen using a pan of freshly boiled water. Hold your face over the steam for 5 to 10 minutes, and then wash your face as usual. Avoid using excessively drying products, even if your face is oily, as they can clog pores and worsen the complaint. It's better to cleanse multiple times per day to control oil than to use harsh products, such as compounds high in alcohol and other drying agents. The use of a gentle abrasive product or soft-bristled skin brush can also help by sloughing the most superficial cells and opening pores. The last step of the hydrotherapy routine involves using cold water. Splash cold water repeatedly over your face, or use a wash rag for a few seconds, refreshing the cold temperature frequently as the warmth of the body heats it up. The use of a finishing cold rinse closes the pores again, but more importantly stimulates circulation. Moving more blood through the skin is excellent for the complexion. Repeat morning and night.

The skin is a secondary organ of elimination, meaning that if the kidneys and bowels are not eliminating the body's wastes, more toxins end up in the skin. The skin may attempt to help with the elimination of toxins by moving impurities to the surface of the body in the form of pimples and pustules. The better the health of the liver and intestines, the better the ability to eliminate wastes. Avoid constipation, avoid greasy, hard to digest foods, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and drink lots of pure water to create a healthy ecosystem in the bowels. Because many pregnant women become constipated, the use of a fiber supplement may be appropriate for some.