A common symptom many women experience during pregnancy is acne. This skin condition causes spots and blemishes to appear on your skin. It is important to remember that this is very normal and should not cause distress. If you wish to eradicate the blemishes and spots, then you may opt for medicinal treatment. Some acne medications can cause harm to your child if used during pregnancy, such as tetracycline, isotretinion and tretinoin. However, if you use benzoyl peroxide, pregnancy should not be affected. This article will explore the safety, usage and precautions of using benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy.
How Safe Is Benzoyl Peroxide During Pregnancy?
As mentioned, certain drugs to treat acne can cause harm if used during pregnancy; benzoyl peroxide is believed to be a safe medication that can help eradicate the spots associated with acne. That being said, it is important to note that there have been no significant studies to determine the exact effect of benzoyl peroxide on human beings, meaning risks cannot be ruled out.
Always know what is in the medication that you are taking. If you take certain types of benzoyl peroxide, pregnancy may be affected because some ingredients included in certain benzoyl, such as salicylic acid, can cause harm to your unborn child. So, although this medication is generally considered safe, it is recommended that you avoid any medication during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks and your doctor approves that.
How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Benefit You?
Benzoyl peroxide works to oxidize and sterilize the skin, and control the growth of bacteria that causes the acne. This helps to ensure pores do not get blocked and lessen the occurrence of acne-forming bacteria. It should be noted that this medication is generally only effective when used consistently for extended periods of time.
Usage
This medication can be purchased over-the-counter, in the form of creams, gels, lotions, soaps, face masks, washes and cleansers. In more serious cases of acne, doctors may prescribe higher concentrations of the medication. You should always speak with a health care professional before using benzoyl peroxide. Pregnancy stirs up lots of concern and the safety of yourself and your baby is of top priory, so don't take any medication with consulting your doctor.
Other Tips to Soothe Skin Issues Safely During Pregnancy
Acne is often cause by hormones within a pregnant women, and will naturally clear up on its own. For this reason, many women decide to avoid medical treatment and allow the condition to ease and eradicate naturally. Some choose to make lifestyle changes and practice better skin care to treat episodes of acne, some things you can try include:
- Gently cleansing your skin twice daily.
- Avoid washing your face with rough materials.
- Avoid rubbing your skin dry, try patting it instead.
- Avoid the use of moisturizers with oil.
- Do not scratch or squeeze spots.
- Avoid oil-based makeup; opt for water-based alternatives.
- Ensure to remove your makeup each night before bed.
- Foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, milk, eggs and fish, can help you to maintain health and clear skin, whilst posing no harm to your unborn child.
Once your child has been born, you will be able to take certain medications to speed up the process of eradicating the acne. As mentioned, if you use benzoyl peroxide, pregnancy should not be affected; but certain medications may still harm you child if you decide to breast feed, so ensure to speak with a health care professional before starting any new course of treatment.