How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Affect Pregnancy?
A woman’s hormone levels are changing dramatically during pregnancy, which can affect various elements of her life, including acne. The changes in hormone levels increase oil production on the skin, which may lead to increased acne outbreaks all over her body, especially if she is prone to a history of acne. Over-the-counter acne treatments are generally considered to be safe to use during pregnancy, and the most common ingredients in non-prescription acne medications (topical remedies) include:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Retinol
- Alpha hydroxy acids
- Resorcinol and sulfur
Always check with your health care provider before using any over-the-counter or prescription medications while pregnant. There are several products doctors recommend against using during pregnancy, including Tetracycline, Salicylic Acid, Tretinon, and Isotrentinoin that either are known to be harmful or not yet fully tested.
Acne can be treated by a dermatologist in non-pregnant women through prescription drugs such as Accutane, Retin-A, and Tetracycline. However, it is discouraged in women trying to conceive and should be thoroughly discussed with your health care provider and dermatologist.
Benzoyl Peroxide Products During Pregnancy
As a skin treatment, benzoyl peroxide works by controlling the growth of P. acnes, a strain of bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide sterilizes and oxidizes the skin to prevent pores from clogging and lesions from forming. Because hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause acne or exacerbate existing outbreaks, expecting mothers may use benzoyl peroxide to maintain blemish-free skin. Benzoyl peroxide is only effective with consistent and long-term use and only treats, but does not cure acne. It is available in concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%.
Although no substantial controlled studies have been conducted on pregnant women using benzoyl peroxide, it is considered to be relatively safe to use, because only about 2% of benzoyl peroxide is absorbed into the system, which is not enough to cause any fetal harm.
However, benzoyl peroxide is also classified as a category C drug, which is an index of drugs and medications that have not been tested on humans or animals. Experts have not yet determined whether benzoyl peroxide can pass into breast milk. If you are considering using acne products with this active ingredient, consult your primary physician before beginning any course of treatment.
Warning
Some benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatments contain additional ingredients that may be harmful to a developing fetus. These include salicylic acid, which the American Pregnancy Association advises expecting mothers to avoid. Before choosing a topical medication, read all ingredients and consult with a physician to ensure the product is not harmful. Additionally, even though dermatologists generally consider benzoyl peroxide safe during pregnancy, no controlled data exists examining its effect on unborn children. Drug Information Online recommends using this chemical only when the benefits are greater than potential risks.
Additional Ways to Alleviate Acne During Pregnancy
Because hormone-induced acne during pregnancy is usually temporary, some women choose to forgo medicated acne treatments and wait for the condition to clear up on its own. Sometimes, by simply adjusting your lifestyle, diet, and grooming habits can improve your complexion.
By consuming foods rich in vitamin A, such as fish, milk, eggs and carrots, you can maintain healthy skin throughout pregnancy. Additional tips include:
- Choose oil-free or “non-comedogenic” cosmetic products to help minimize breakouts.
- Keep your skin clean by using an oil-free facial cleanser and avoiding soaps that contain oils or other irritating substances.
- Avoid picking your pimples, which can cause bacteria to spread or create scars.
- Try to maintain a regular regimen of moderate exercise, such as prenatal yoga, walking, or swimming, which can increase the flow of blood to the skin and help your body to stay more toned and healthy.
- Though being pregnant can be both an exciting and stressful time, try to reduce your stress as much as possible to avoid exacerbating acne, as well as to prevent causing problems for you and your unborn baby.
By making lifestyle changes rather than including medication into your daily regimen, you can protect your child from exposure to benzoyl peroxide and other chemical ingredients found in acne products.