Acne In Pregnancy

Skin changes are common characteristics of pregnancy; and oily skin and acne are often a source of discomfort, embarrassment, low self-esteem and depression. These symptoms are a result of hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, which cause an increase in sebaceous glands secretion. This, in turn, creates fertile ground for the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria (propionbacterium acnes).

The developing fetus must be a primary consideration when medical treatments for acne are recommended for pregnant women. Many available drugs are not recommended by the manufacturer, because they have not been properly tested or have been found to induce fetal abnormalities. For example, erythromycin estolate is associated with hepatitis. Tetracycline can cause fatty liver atrophy in the mother, as well as dental staining in the offspring. Acutane or isotretinoin can cause a multitude of skeletal, cardiovascular and craniofacial abnormalities. Even Retin-A, which works on skin cell DNA has a theoretical risk to the developing embryo and should be avoided, if possible.

Acne in pregnancy is different from teen acne and requires a different type of treatment. It often presents with comedones and papular lesions on the lower face, chin and jaw. Many times these lesions are superficial. On the other hand, acne in teenagers consists of deep, cystic lesions on the upper face and forehead which often contains pus. Topical therapy is the preferred method of treatment for skin conditions related to pregnancy, where the absorption of drugs through the skin is minimal. Also, effective drug combinations can be better tailored to this type of acne. If most of the lesions are comedones and superficial inflammatory papules, topical benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics can be used. For deeper lesions and cysts, it may be necessary to add an oral antibiotic. There is a hesitation on the part of pregnant women and their obstetricians to recommend treatment, because of a concern for the safety of current products on the market and the feeling that pregnancy is a temporary state not requiring immediate attention.

The mission of Beaute de Maman™ has been to develop products which combat the most common problems in pregnancy and provide safe, effective remedies to successfully treat these conditions. With that in mind, we have developed a Facial and Body Cream and Facial Scrub to treat the specific skin problems that occur in women during this special time.

By using only herbal and natural ingredients, the Facial and Body Cream is both safe and effective for use by expectant mothers. Its active ingredient is Melaleuca alternifolia or tea tree oil, which is extracted from the Australian Tea Tree and possesses topical, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity.

Tea tree oil is superior to other topical products commonly used to treat acne; because topical antibiotics can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria, proving difficult to treat.

In comparison to benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil is not toxic or irritating, nor does it bleach clothing, bedding or hair. It has fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide, and the onset of action is more gradual making it ideal for use in pregnant women. Its drying effect makes it suitable for treating the oily, blemished skin typical in early pregnancy. To avoid excessive drying, the tea tree oil is prepared in a moisturizing base.

The Beaute de Maman™ Facial Scrub, with special exfoliating beads, was developed to provide proper hygiene and cleansing of the skin to help remove dead skin cells, dirt and make-up prior to using the Facial and Body Cream.

Used in combination, the Facial Scrub and Facial and Body Cream are a safe and effective approach to the problem of dealing with oily and blemished skin in pregnancy. Regular use helps to alleviate problem skin conditions and thus prevent the long-term aftereffects of acne, such as deep facial scarring.

Severe or unresponsive acne should always be referred to a dermatologist for more intensive therapy.