I have severe acne that was pretty under control with a daily 3 step system (Clinique’s acne system, containing salicylic acid and benzol peroxide). After finding out I was pregnant, I stopped using it because I read that it wasn’t safe on an online baby website.

Soon after stopping the treatment, my entire face became covered with acne- every inch of it, worse than I’d ever seen on anyone in my life. At my first prenatal appointment, the nurse felt bad for me but said there really wasn’t anything I could do but use a plain cleanser and maybe some baking soda for a scrub.

Yesterday I had another appointment and I asked my OB if there was anything I could do about my acne. He suggested things like the 3 step system I had been using, and told me that so long as I was using it externally, I would be safe.

I’m so confused now! I do not want to take any risks, but at this rate, my complexion is going to be scarred for life. I don’t even want to show my face in public! I swear, nobody will ever see a picture of me from this pregnancy…or my wedding (getting married in a month). What on earth is a girl to do with all this conflicting advice?
Someone asked why I’m giving the internet so much ‘clout’…I’m not giving the internet any credit, just stating that as the reason I stopped using my acne treatment in the first place.

What the issue is, is that my OB’s nurse told me to absolutely stay away from anything with salycilic acid (one of many acne fighting ingredients she advised me to avoid), then my doctor turns around and says it’s okay to use it.

My OB has been wrong before about a few things (leading me to seek treatment for a condition elsewhere) which is the main reason I would have any doubt in what he says.