Skin Care

Why the Pregnancy Glow Is a Myth We Should Stop Perpetuating

...And what to do when your skin decides to rebel while you're expecting

by Mary Squillace | COMMENT

PHOTO 3/6

Knocking Out Acne While Knocked Up I've always been an avid Googler, and my number of search queries has grown exponentially with each week of pregnancy. In the beginning, they all went something like this: "Is [fill in food, chemical or activity] safe for pregnancy?" This was no exception in my quest to treat my pregnancy acne. As a beauty editor I have literally dozens of skin care products at my disposal, and yet, I worried that I might be clearing my skin at the expense of the little dude residing in my uterus.

Though many of my pregnancy anxieties have been overblown, it turns out that a little bit of apprehension around what I was putting on my face was warranted.

"There have been no specific studies done on pregnant women and how much absorption [of topical skin care products] is seen through the skin into the bloodstream. All the recommendations are based on animal studies," explains Maryland-based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD. "In general, we recommend being very cautious with skin care products during pregnancy because we just don't have a lot of hard, scientific facts, and it's better to be ultra-cautious."

Sullivan estimates that the absorption rate of most topical products is about 5 percent. "With that in mind, we strongly discourage the use of any retinoids, which unfortunately are really effective. Any absorption of those is thought to have a risk of birth defects."

Fortunately, you have other options. "Pregnant women can use glycolic acid-containing cleansers to help remove excess oil," suggests Tanzi. Shamban seconds this recommendation. "And treat it preventatively. Don't stop when the acne goes away," she adds. (When it comes to glycolic acid cleansers, I've had luck with Ole Henriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser, $25, and I also like the incredibly gentle BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz Balancing Glycolic Cleanser, $25. Or try one of these hardworking glycolic acid products.)

Many experts agree that you can use acne-fighting standby salicylic acid without fear. However, I got mixed answers about benzoyl peroxide. Though Sullivan and my personal doctor say it's fine to use, both Tanzi and Shamban cautioned against it. Your best bet would be to hear out your own doctor.

Of course, you could forgo topical solutions altogether. "If breakouts are still a problem, gentle blue light treatments can be done in a dermatologists office that help to reduce acne in a gentle, chemical-free way," Tanzi says.

SEE NEXT PAGE: More Hormone-Related Skin Horrors

EDITORS' BEST OF