WWYD- Proactiv (kind of long... Sorry!)

When I first found out I was pregnant I asked my dr about continuing to use my proactiv face products. She said it was my decision, that there were no long term studies on the effects of it. To be on the safe side, I stopped using it. As a result, or as a result of my prego hormones(or both) my face has been horrible for weeks. I've tried all diff things & nothing works. I have gained a bunch of weight & have no energy (I was skinny & very active before becoming prego) so I really feel nasty & gross. I'm 14.5 weeks so I'm in my 2nd trimester... Do u think I can start using proactiv again? (I asked my dr 2 weeks ago about using it in the 2nd tri & she kinda gave me the same answer as the first tri- that it was my choice) I don't know what to do

Re: WWYD- Proactiv (kind of long... Sorry!)

I personally wouldn't be comfortable because it's a strong product, but I did use products with salicylic acid in them while PG. I also have a script (Azelex) which is safe to use while pregnant but it's used primarily for cystic acne.

Can you try using witch hazel as a toner? That might help. I've also started using the Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System (it's like the Clarisonic brush) and that has helped a lot with my problem skin.

Message edited 10/29/2011 9:20:15 PM.

Re: WWYD- Proactiv (kind of long... Sorry!)

With my daughter I used ProActiv as well, but my face was so oily and broken out it stopped working for me....this is what I used and am now using with this pg. It's cheap, but harsh so be prepared! Normally I just wash with the st. ive's and that's it.

Wash face and body with Ivory soap
Rinse and use St. Ives Apricot Scrub for blemishes at EVERY shower and really work it in. Shampoo/condition/shave and then rinse off
After i'm out I use my "toner" which is cotton pads soaked in 70% alcohol. I keep them in a tupperware premade. It stings and if you have an open sore or zit it hurts, but man it works!
Every 3rd night I put on Burts Bees Night lotion- the Radiance(?) style. It helps the dryness that can occur.
In the am if I put on makeup I use an oilfree moisturizer and i'm fine.

Like I said it's harsh, but my skin is perfect! It was such a mess but in 3-4 days it cleared right up. HTH

Re: WWYD- Proactiv (kind of long... Sorry!)

My skin has gone bananas since the end of the first trimester. I would be a little nervous using Proactiv, but that's just me. My OB suggested using a more drying soap and I think it's helping but it's a very slow process. Good luck!

Re: WWYD- Proactiv (kind of long... Sorry!)

Thanks ladies! I'll try ur suggestions

Re: WWYD- Proactiv (kind of long... Sorry!)

trader joes has a line of skin care products with green tea tree oil. it smells weird but it works really well i think. i was having the same problems with really problematic skin but was not comfortable using anything with salycilic acid. good luck!

Re: WWYD- Proactiv (kind of long... Sorry!)

The reason there are no studies proving it is safe is because noone will do studies on pregnant women. I was told it was considered safe. I have used it thru my entire 2nd pregnancy and this whole pregnancy.

Re: WWYD- Proactiv (kind of long... Sorry!)

when it comes to preg hormones proactive wont do much. because acne from pregnancy is hormonal, unless you change your hormones, you will not get rid of the acne. you can make it a little better, but you wont eradicate it with topicals alone so if there is any risk with the topicals IMO its not worth it.

Re: WWYD- Proactiv (kind of long... Sorry!)

I am pretty sure I used to while pregnant both times. It would never even occur to me to ask my doctor if it was safe... I can't imagine the tiny amount of whatever is in it being used on my face affecting the fetus inside my uterus...