Question: I Have Really Bad Pregnancy Acne But Most Spot Treatments Contain Salicylic Acid Which I Know You Can’t Use During Pregnancy. Is There Anything Else I Can Do?

I have really bad pregnancy acne but most spot treatments contain salicylic acid which I know you can't use during pregnancy. Is there anything else I can do?

Answer

Acne in pregnancy is very common, whether you have previously had acne or not. It is most common in the first three months while the levels of hormones are increasing. While there are many products you cannot use while pregnant, here are some  preventative steps to ensure that the acne outbreak does not get too serious;

Increase your dietary intake of vitamin A, which helps keep skin healthy, through foods such as milk, fish, eggs, and carrots. Steer clear of extra vitamin A supplements since an excess of A has been shown to cause birth defects, and concentrate instead on getting ample A through your (healthy!) diet.
Speaking of diet, cutting out (or just cutting back on) sugar and refined grains can do wonders for your skin (opt for whole grains instead). Also, unhealthy fats (aka the saturated fats found in fried foods and many baked goods) can aggravate acne, so replace these eats with skin-boosting healthy fats like avocado, salmon, walnuts, and almonds. More skin friendly foods: colorful fresh fruits and vegetables and, believe it or not, small amounts of dark chocolate (the darker the better) – just eat in moderation.
Many medicines used to treat acne (including those that are safe to use during pregnancy) can make you more prone to sunburn. And while the sun may help dry out your acne lesions, that help doesn’t come without a price: Too much sun not only increases your risk of skin cancer and causes early aging of the skin, it can also bring on other blotches during pregnancy.
Staying hydrated in pregnancy is important, but as for everyone, it is recommended to a pregnant woman to drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day. More if possible. The water rehydrates the body including the skin, and it also softens the other effects of progesterone in your body, like helping with constipation and helping your uterus relax.

In-office therapies;

PDT therapy uses a combination of pure visible Blue, Red and Yellow light to stimulate the deeper skin tissue. PDT Acne therapy uses alternating blue and red light to clear up a problem skin with no pain or downtime. If blue light is combined with a red light, stubborn and severe cases of acne can be treated with significantly fewer side effects and most importantly, no downtime or pain. This is a great advantage for acne sufferers. Recent research has shown that blue light therapy works by destroying the bacteria responsible for causing acne. Red light penetrates more deeply into tissue, and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, substances are then released that induce fibroblasts and growth factors. This is a positive aspect for sufferers to consider if they have a tendency to scar. Combination phototherapy works through the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory nature of blue and red light. A series of treatments is needed for optimum results. 
Microdermabrasion is a quick, no downtime procedures that renews the skin by lifting dead cells off the surface of your skin with a gentle polishing with crystals. With a series of microdermabrasion procedures you can quickly achieve substantial improvement in the appearance of superficial lines and uneven pigmentation, while making your skin look and feel softer, smoother, and more radiant. Acne scars and enlarged pores may become less noticeable, and acne breakouts may be reduced. Results shown after Microdermabrasion include: fine lines and wrinkles become less apparent, skin tone evens out, texture becomes more refined, oily or acne-prone skin is improved, enlarged pores appear smaller, superficial scars appear reduced, Skin appears healthier and more youthful, pigmentation is reduced in all skin types. Although we all want a quick solution to solving skin problems, a series of treatments is needed in order to see the best results.

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