Acne Treatment During Pregnancy or breastfeeding: What’s Safe and What to Avoid

Dealing with acne is frustrating at the best of times—but during pregnancy or breastfeeding, when your body is already going through so many changes, it can feel overwhelming. And when you’re looking for treatment, you have the added stress of wondering what’s safe and what’s not.

Having spoken to our patients in similar conditions, we understand how much it can help to have clear and accurate information. That’s why we’re sharing all you need to know about acne treatments when pregnant or breastfeeding in Singapore.

Can You Treat Acne During Pregnancy?

The short answer is “yes”. Before delving any further, we’d like to be clear that you can turn to treatments for acne during pregnancy. You don’t have to suffer with the irritation and psychological effects of breakouts.

However, the suitability of different acne treatments can vary. Some acne medications and treatments contain ingredients that may affect foetal development or are secreted in breast milk. That’s why it’s important to consult a doctor before starting any treatment, no matter how mild it may seem.

Unsafe acne treatments when pregnant or breastfeeding: what to avoid

Topical: topical retinoids (tretinoin, adalapene)

Topical retinoids- topical application of retinol can lead to absorption into the bloodstream and potentially reach the fetus, leading to risk of birth defects (see below)

Oral Medications

Oral antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline)- doxycycline and minocycline belong to a class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines, which need to be avoided in pregnant or lactation due to risk of affecting bone and teeth development of the baby.

Oral isotretinoin (Accutane) - Oral isotretinoin is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy/breastfeeding and needs to be prescribed with caution in females of child bearing potential due to high risk of birth defects known as fetal retinoid syndrome- involving malformations of the central nervous system, heart, and other vital organs, as well as developmental and intellectual disabilities

SAFE acne treatments when pregnant or breastfeeding

Topicals: benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, clindamycin

Benzoyl peroxide: topical benzoyl peroxide has minimal systemic absorption and is considered safe for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Azelaic acid: topical azelaic acid has been used for many years in pregnancy and breastfeeding women, with no adverse effects reported.

Salicylic acid: Topical salicylic acid in low concentrations (typically 1-2%) is considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. However, oral salicylic acid (like aspirin) should be avoided in late pregnancy due to risks of intracranial bleeding in newborns.

Topical clindamycin: Topical clindamycin is considered safe in pregnancy and lactation, as minimal amounts are absorbed by the skin.

Hydrafacial: Using patented vortex technology and proprietary serums (containing low concentrations of AHAs and BHAs and plant based extracts), Hydrafacial treatments are considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding 

Light and Laser treatments: With no systemic absorption, laser treatments such as Picosure Laser and Sciton BBL HERO are safe for pregnancy

Acne Treatments During Pregnancy and breastfeeding at Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medical Spa

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, we regularly treat patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding and are experiencing an acne flare up due to hormonal changes. In addition, we frequently treat women of childbearing potential who are trying for pregnancy. Hence, the team is well aware of the acne treatment options which are safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

HydraFacial 

How it works: During the HydraFacial treatment, the patented Vortex system simultaneously extracts and infuses, deep-clean pores, exfoliating dead skin cells and infuse skin with proprietary serums. The Hydrafacial treatment is popular amongst pregnant and breastfeeding clients who are dealing with acne breakouts, and wish to avoid prescription medications.

Benefits of Hydrafacial:

• Clears clogged pores
• Reduces inflammation and calms acne-prone skin
• Safe for sensitive skin, including during pregnancy
• Leaves skin clean, plump, and refreshed

HydraFacial is often the first line of treatment for pregnant or breastfeeding patients at Bay Aesthetics Clinic because of its gentle yet effective approach.

Sciton BBL HERO (BroadBand Light High Energy Rapid Output)

How it works: With the BBL HERO, broad band light energy is utilised to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, reducing redness and improving the overall clarity of your skin. This treatment also stimulates collagen production, helping your skin heal and preventing future breakouts. Using the proprietary Forever Young and Forever Clear protocol, the BBL HERO treatment helps to clear up active acne and fade acne marks while rejuvenating the skin.

Benefits:

• Non-invasive with minimal discomfort
• Reduces acne inflammation and post-acne redness
• Improves skin tone and texture
• Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, BBL HERO is often recommended for patients with persistent hormonal acne and sensitivity to topical treatments, making it ideal for acne during pregnancy.

PicoSure Laser

How it works: PicoSure is a picosecond laser that delivers ultra-short energy pulses to the skin, breaking down pigmentation and acne scars without damaging surrounding tissue. This helps with acne marks, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne scars and pores.

Benefits:

• Improves post-acne pigmentation and skin texture
• Stimulates collagen for clearer, smoother skin
• Minimal downtime and suitable for sensitive skin
• Safe for prengnacy and breastfeeding
  

Glycolic Acid Peels 

How it works: Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), exfoliates the skin’s surface, promoting cell turnover and unclogging pores. At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, we use Glycolic acid 20% superficial peels that are pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe.

Benefits:

• Gently exfoliates to reduce whiteheads and blackheads
• Unclogs pores and smooths rough skin texture
• Boosts skin radiance without penetrating deeply
• Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Other Skincare Practices We Recommend

In addition to the treatments above, Bay Aesthetics Clinic also encourages pregnant and breastfeeding patients to adopt gentle skincare habits that complement in-clinic therapies:

• Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to avoid irritation
• Keep skin hydrated with non-comedogenic moisturisers
• Avoid touching or squeezing pimples, which can worsen inflammation and scarring

Make an Appointment with Bay Aesthetics Clinic

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, we understand the skin concerns women have during pregnancy or breastfeeding. And we want to help!

Dr. Bernard Tan and Dr. Hoe Ying Min understand the unique needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women. With 20+ years of experience in medical aesthetics, they provide personalised acne treatments designed for your comfort and safety. Benefit from their expertise and achieve clearer skin during pregnancy.

Our medical team has experience treating various types of acne and designing post-treatment protocols that preserve your long-term skin health. Book a consultation with us today and let our doctors tailor a pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe acne treatment plan for you.

References:

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acne-in-pregnancy

Kong YL, Tey HL. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation. Drugs. 2013 Jun;73(8):779–87. doi: 10.1007/s40265-013-0060-0. Review