Significance

• Many prescription medications require either long-term antibiotic use or the use of concentrated vitamin doses that can be harmful to a fetus. The best approach is to use topical medications that are formulated with low concentrations of the active ingredient. Low concentrations ensure that low levels of the active ingredient are reaching the skin, which can be easily irritated during all stages of pregnancy.
  
  

Types

• Some of the best over-the-counter acne substances are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Both of these acne treatments are available in a variety of creams, soaps and toners that can be used while you're pregnant. For the best results, use formulations that have 5 percent or less of these ingredients to avoid drying your skin. A 2 percent formulation may take a little longer to work, but it will help you avoid the dryness that often comes with pregnancy.
  
  

Warning

• Avoid many of the natural products that are used to treat acne. Just because a product is found in nature doesn't mean that it cannot be harmful. Items such as tea tree oil can interfere with your hormones, which can cause harm to the fetus. Some herbal acne remedies contain powerful herbs that can mimic hormones and cause other changes in your body. If you want to try essential oils or herbs for your acne, ask your doctor whether they will be safe to use during pregnancy.
  
  

Time Frame

• If you choose not to treat the acne with over-the-counter remedies, you can still treat first-trimester acne by simply washing your face three times a day with a gentle, oil-free soap. Use a soft cloth and avoid rubbing your skin too harshly. Too much rubbing can encourage the skin to produce more oil, which in turn will cause more acne. As your pregnancy progresses, chances are that you will have less acne because of stabilizing hormone levels.
  
  

Considerations

• Avoid acne products that contain alcohol. This is a common ingredient in toners and astringent, as well as some acne cleansing pads. Alcohol can cause dryness, something that skin is already prone to during pregnancy. It's also uncertain whether topical alcohol has an effect on the fetus. To avoid the drying and to rest easier about your baby's health, be sure to read package labels and avoid items that list alcohol as an ingredient.