When you’re pregnant, your hormone levels fluctuate immensely, meaning that you’re even more likely to get spots if you’re someone who usually suffers from acne. So, the obvious question for those in this position is whether you’re still allowed to use acne wash benzoyl peroxide to get rid of it.
The thing is, benzoyl peroxide is effectively an acid that you put on your skin, so you’re right to question the wisdom of using the product when you’re expecting a baby. So, what’s the score? Is it safe or isn’t it? That’s what we seek to answer here.
Is Acne Wash Benzoyl Peroxide Safe For Pregnant Ladies?
Benzoyl peroxide (or BP for short) is one of the most effective acne treatments on the market today. Its highly-effective formula is able to rid the skin of impurities and dead skin, pervading through the follicles and stopping the acne cycle. The good news for pregnant ladies out there is that the FDA says it’s safe to use, however, there is a caveat or two.
There’s no evidence that BP is somehow able to make it into the bloodstream. A small quantity may pass to your baby, but it’s not deemed to be enough to cause any concern.
Dermatologists say that you should be extremely careful not to place your baby on the skin you’ve treated with acne wash benzoyl peroxide that day. Also, wash your hands after application – just to be on the safe side.
What About If I’m Breastfeeding?
Again studies have shown that BP washes are fine to use when breastfeeding, as it’s extremely unlikely that any will find its way into your baby’s breast milk. You’ll also be pleased to know that there’s no link between the use of BP and fertility either. That said, there are some people who should at least talk to their doctor when facing this situation.
Anyone in the following situations should seek advice before using it:
- If you’ve ever in your life had an allergic reaction to any medicine, BP or otherwise
- If you have broken or damaged skin in among your acne breakouts
- If you have severe acne featuring large nodules beneath the skin’s surface
What we’re looking to avoid is any kind of reaction or damage to your health. In reality, the chances are low, however, you should be cautious when dealing with anything that might affect your health or that of your baby.
Acne Wash Benzoyl Peroxide Is Ok For Pregnancy
You’ve got enough to think about when you’re pregnant, so it’s nice to know that you can still enjoy the benefits of BP wash during this special time. Just follow the guidelines we’ve mentioned here, and you should be fine to continue using it throughout your pregnancy.
However, if you have ANY misgivings about using it while pregnant, we can’t encourage you enough to go and talk to your doctor about it. What we’ve talked about here is true, but if it makes you feel more reassured to hear it from an experienced medical professional, you should go ahead and speak to your doctor.
In conclusion, use it to keep your pregnancy spots at bay – just be mindful of how and when you use your acne-busting wash.
