I know this has been posted before, and I will of course ask my OB for the final word, so sorry for another question on this topic.

I am aware that retinoids are to be avoided during pregnancy, as well as salicylic acid.  Unfortunately, my skin loves my Retin-A and I plan on going off of it over the next few days as we will be trying for #3.  What else can I use for acne?   I actually did use benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid (Proactiv) during my previous two pregnancies, but I didn't realize that the benzoyl peroxide was a category C. I've read about Azelex (azelaic acid) which is actually a category B.  Any thoughts or experiences with this? I know it's prescription only. I know there are some other topicals, but wasn't sure if they were totally safe.

Actually, you'd think with the third pregnancy I'd be more laid back about the whole thing, and less paranoid. But then I keep thinking I'm a few years older now too, and this will be my last, so alas, I'm just as paranoid as my first pregnancy, LOL!

So how can I keep up this great clear skin of mine while pregnant?  As for the wrinkles, I was probably just going to add in an antioxidant serum, just not sure which one. Was thinking of the Replenix Green Tea or the Skinceuticals CE, or some other cheaper alternative.

Marcy

I know this has been posted before, and I will of course ask my OB for the final word, so sorry for another question on this topic.

I am aware that retinoids are to be avoided during pregnancy, as well as salicylic acid.  Unfortunately, my skin loves my Retin-A and I plan on going off of it over the next few days as we will be trying for #3.  What else can I use for acne?   I actually did use benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid (Proactiv) during my previous two pregnancies, but I didn't realize that the benzoyl peroxide was a category C. I've read about Azelex (azelaic acid) which is actually a category B.  Any thoughts or experiences with this? I know it's prescription only. I know there are some other topicals, but wasn't sure if they were totally safe.

Actually, you'd think with the third pregnancy I'd be more laid back about the whole thing, and less paranoid. But then I keep thinking I'm a few years older now too, and this will be my last, so alas, I'm just as paranoid as my first pregnancy, LOL!

So how can I keep up this great clear skin of mine while pregnant?  As for the wrinkles, I was probably just going to add in an antioxidant serum, just not sure which one. Was thinking of the Replenix Green Tea or the Skinceuticals CE, or some other cheaper alternative.

Marcy

I think this is a wonderful question for Dr Baumann's Q&A...On a side note, are you sensitive to scrubs? I am an OSPW. During my pregnancy (5 1/2 years ago), I used the proactiv scrub (cleanser) every night ...once in a blue moon, i would apply the benzoyl peroxide lotion mixed with my regular moistuizer in the daytime. It is just food for thought---a limited application of BP (the scrub) that is also rinsed off---so probably very limited systemic exposure, if any.

jerseygirl, I could have written your post myself!!! We're going to start trying for #3, too!

I am going off my tri-luma, which breaks my heart, and am trying to find a good, safe alternative. I have been using it for a month, and my skin looks awesome. We just decided to start trying to get pregnant in the last few days, so now I'm kind of freaking out. I didn't know BP was category B...I used ProActiv through both my other pregnancies, too, and I have 2 beautiful kids. I also didn't know salcylic acid was a no-no, either, but I don't think I used it either time. I think hydorquinone is also not recommended in pregnancy...so that cuts out the product I've been using in the a.m. for my pigmentation.

I really wish Dr B would weigh in on this. And I guess I need to make an appointment with my derm, too.