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A few months ago, I casually walked into a medical spa for a quick skin analysis.
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I figured wed discuss whether peels or microdermabrasion would be best for myacne-prone skin.
And before I could even rest my head on the table, the consultation came to an abrupt end.
That meant all of the medical-grade treatments and products I was looking forward to trying were off-limits.
Skin-care for pregnant women and those of ustrying to conceive(TTC) can be a fickle mistress.
Unfortunately, the treatments you normally turn to might not be pregnancy safe.
Luckily, dermatologists say there are safe skin-care options to try throughout your pregnancy journey.
Heres a look at how to treat your skin when youre in full on baby-making mode.
Going off birth control can be both an exciting and confusing time.
(Most couplesabout 84 percentget pregnant within a year of having regular unprotected sex, butone in eightexperienceinfertilityissues.)
When you stop, testosterone may increase oiliness leading to clogging, and hence new pimples.
Some medications and even common topicals arent safe in case you should get pregnant during this time.
The safest course of action for your skin is to act like you are pregnant from the get-go.
Andpregnancy itself can lead to acne breakouts, too, so the fun just keeps going.
A big no isAccutane, which is a common medication prescribed for cystic acne, Dr. Segura says.
During your preconception phase, Dr. Segura also recommends discontinuing tetracycline, an antibiotic commonly used for acne.
It could eventually cross the placenta and affect your developing babys teeth and bones.
Thesame goes for hydroquinone, which is found in brightening creams.
Its possible to keep your acne under control while youre TTC and eventually pregnant.
Cetaphil is usually recommended by dermatologists because it is safe to use during pregnancy, Dr. Segura says.
It contains vitamin C, which is a natural lightening alternative.
It also has salicylic acid to help dry out any current breakouts.
Salicylic acid helps with pimples and pustules because its a drying and exfoliating agent, Dr. Evans says.
But she warns that it may be too harsh for some women.
(If your skin dries out easily, for example, skip this one.)
Thats the case with this lotion.
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