Proactive during pregnancy?

Do any of you use proactive? I was wondering if it was safe to use. I will obviously ask my Doctor next Friday when I go to see him but I figured some of you girls may know. TIA

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

I sadly gave it up. I love proactive, but even the question of it made me nervous.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

I will delete my post if you want

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

i gave it up too - (although i do sneek it in once in a while when i feel like i cant take the way my face looks...lol)

let us know what the dr says if u remember - i'm curious

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

Posted by Janice

I will delete my post if you want

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

my doctor advised against it.

I switched to Cetaphil liquid soap and clinque toner (the pink one with Witch Hazel.)

It's been working.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

I was told you can't use it. Sorry I was told to stay away from all Acne fighting products. On one of my acne things it clearly said do not use if PG.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

Thanks girls.....

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

I used to use Proactive as well. I don't miss it at all. It actually stopped working for me even before I got pg.

I went for a facial at Edamama (the pregnancy spa) and they used Comfort Zone products. They are all natural ingredients and are very effective, but very mild.

I was breaking out like crazy and since I am using these products, my face is so clear. I love this stuff. Some of the things are a little on the expensive side, but if you think about it, so is ProActive.

I think you can get stuff on the edamame website, which is www.edamamespa.com.

Good Luck!

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

Ok, I am freaking out now, I have been using proactive for weeks now and also I have used Differin Gel (which had Adapalene in it). I just readd that these are no-no's.....I hope I didn't hurt the baby. I have a call into my doctor right now...I am freaking out !!!

I did not even think to not use these products until now.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

I used it all throughout my pg, my dr said it was okay. I didn't use it my 1st trimester though, even though he said it was ok, I was too nervous since it's such a critical time.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

I used to use Proactive intermittently. When I go pregnant, I broke up a little bit I guess from all my hormones going havoc. I asked my DR. and he said it was fine to use. To be honest, I haven't been using it even though he said it was OK. I bought Cetaphil instead and that's what I've been using. I think you can use any products that have Benzoyl Peroxide and are less than 10%. I think you cannot use products that have Salycilic Acid. That's definitely a no-no. Proactiv does not have salycilic Acid if I'm not mistaken. It's probably best if you ask your doctor. Every doctor has different medications that they allow their patients to use or not use. I think it changes with every doctor.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

I'm sorry...I'm not preggo or even TTC so I hope no one minds me crashing! I know about this stuff somewhat, so I hope I can help.

Azelex (ask your derm for an rx) is safe to use during pregnancy, from what I hear. Also, I've discovered an organic line that is just fabulous--La Vitton. They make a kit for oily and also dry skin. It's a cleansing oil. Oil based is different but it's really nice. Here's the site: www.lavitton.com

I use Murad, but I don't think that's safe, either.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

I used a face wash with Benzoyl Peroxide throughout my pregnancy. I never asked the doc about it, and he never told me not to use acne fighting products. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

here Steph. Looks like benzoyl peroxide is OK not salicylic acid so read your ingredients

Acne Treatment During PregnancyDuring pregnancy elevated hormone levels can bring a variety of skin changes, including acne. Acne can be treated by a dermatologist in non-pregnant women through prescription drugs such as Accutane, Retin-A, and Tetracycline. However, use of these drugs is discouraged by pregnant women or women trying to conceive and should be thoroughly discussed with your health care provider and dermatologist.

What are these drugs?
Accutane:Accutane is a prescription medication that is taken orally to treat acne. The generic name for Accutane is isotretinoin.

Retina-A: Retin-A is a prescription cream that is applied to the skin to treat acne. The generic name for Retin-A is tretinoin.

Tetracycline: Tetracycline is an antibiotic taken orally to treat acne and respiratory infections.

What are the precautions?
Accutane:(Category X): According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), approximately 25-35% of infants born to women exposed to Accutane during the first trimester of pregnancy showed a pattern of birth defects. This pattern includes craniofacial defects, heart defects, and central nervous system defects. There also is an increased risk of miscarriage and infant death associated with use of Accutane during pregnancy.

Retin-A:(Category C): According to OTIS, less than 10% of Retin-A passes into the mother's blood stream and less than that reaches the baby. Even with these findings, Retin-A still carries warnings of use by women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy. In this case it is best to discuss treatment with your dermatologist and other health care provider.

Tetracycline: (Category D): According to OTIS, tetracycline appears to cause some inhibition of bone growth and discoloration of teeth in a fetus. Therefore, taking tetracycline should also be discussed with your dermatologist and other health care provider.

When is it safe to use these drugs?
Accutane:It is safe to use Accutane when you are not pregnant and have discussed certain guidelines with your health care provider.

If you are in your childbearing years you must use two forms of birth control, beginning one month prior to starting Accutane through one month after stopping Accutane. If you are breastfeeding you should not take Accutane
You must be counseled about the possible ways that your chosen birth control may fail.
You must have a negative pregnancy test one week prior to taking Accutane.
You must start Accutane on the 2nd or 3rd day after the next normal menstrual period.
Retin-A: Since not many studies have been done on Retin-A, it is best to avoid during pregnancy and follow the same guidelines as Accutane while consulting with your health care provider.

Tetracycline: Tetracycline should not be used during pregnancy unless recommended by your health care provider. The American Academy of Pediatrics has approved tetracycline safe for use during breastfeeding.

What about over-the-counter acne medicated creams and astringents?
When choosing over-the-counter medicated acne cleansers and treatments, it is advised that you consult with your health care provider first. There are products that contain benzoyl peroxide, which have been recommended safe for pregnant women to use. However, there are over-the-counter medications that you may want to avoid such as products containing salicylic acids. Always consult your health care provider before taking ANY medications during pregnancy, whether prescription or over-the-counter.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?

I asked my OB about it during my TTC appointment and he was fine with Proactiv since it only uses benzoyl peroxide. He said any kind of acid was a no-no.

Re: Proactive during pregnancy?