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I Am Pregnant. What Can I Use As an Alternative to Retin A or Differin for my Acne?

asked 1 year ago by 8763anon in Pennsylvania
Latest answer by Dina D. Strachan, MD
Question viewed 450 times
Tags: female, alternative, pregnancy

My main issue is with skin texture and acne. I get comedones (white heads) and build up on my skin, which causes further breakouts. Most over the counter cleansers and exfoliants haven't helped much. My skin is very sensitive, but prior to getting pregnant, I used Differin cream 0.1%.

3 answers to I Am Pregnant. What Can I Use As an Alternative to Retin A or Differin for my Acne?

+1

Treating acne during pregnancy

Azeleic acid (Azelex and Finacea) are pregnancy category B meaning they are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Extractions (acne surgery or facials) should also be fine. Retinoids (which includes the Differin you werre using) and oral antibiotics should be avoided. As for most other topical acne medicines, most labels advise against their use during pregnancy although there is little evidence that they are unsafe. Pregnancy is a temporary state. Be conservative. Discuss your options... more
Dina D. Strachan, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Options Llimited During Pregnancy

This answer would be much different if you were a dermatologist's wife. ( Any dermatologist who chances upon this response would know what I mean.)  It is very difficult to treat acne during pregnancy. I would avoid  all topical or oral medications during the first trimester with the exception of azelaic acid ( Azelex, Finacea) or products containing sulfur ( not sulfa, but chemical symbol S, that gives that rotten egg smell). In the second and third trimester, topical... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1

Safe acne treatment in pregnancy

The retinoids are not recommended in pregnancy, however there are other things that can be used.  Benzoyl peroxide and topical erythromycin can be used, as can salicylic acid and azelic acid, and they can be combined for greater effect.  Also there are physical modalities that are safe and helpful such as microdermabrasion, glycolic acid peels and Intense Pulse Light treatments.
Stephen Mandy, MD

Miami Dermatologist

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