I just found out through another question that using topical acne medicine is not safe for pregnancy. That’s somthing my doctor never mentioned! I’m 24 weeks pregnant and have been slathering on proactive acne treatment all over my face and chest on a daily basis. What could happen to the baby? If you know good medical sites to reference that would be helpful.
i tried googling it but the websites were vague, they advised not to use it but didn’t say what would happen….
Ok I found a site that kinda gives some answers. Here’s what it said:
Every pregnant woman who developed acne during her pregnancy should avoid products that contain hydrocortisone, sulfacetamide, and tretinoin. Furthermore, products that contain hydrocortisone, adapalene, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid should also be avoided, because there has not been enough research done to determine their safety for use during pregnancy.

The majority of these ingredients have been scientifically proven to be safe to use topically during pregnancy, however, there are risks associated with the use of some of these medications. Topical creams that contain sodium sulfacetamide should not be used during the later stages of pregnancy. Studies have found that this can lead to newborn toxicity, resulting in anemia, jaundice, and kernicterus. Studies show that it is safe to use this medication, topically, during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.
Topical creams containing tretinoin must be avoided during pregnancy. In a study, the infants born to women who had used topical acne cream containing this substance during the first trimester had an large number of birth defects.

As for topical acne cream during pregnancy that contain hydrocortisone, adapalene, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid, there have not been sufficient studies done to determine the risk to the fetus. When considering a topical acne cream during pregnancy, be sure to discuss this with your doctor, to ensure that you are doing everything that you can do to protect your baby.

Source: http://www.acne-stop.com/acne-during-pregnancy.html
I just did a live chat on the proactive site with "Sarah" She said proactive clenser and lotion is safe during pregnancy but to be sure to discuss it with my doctor anyway.

The main active ingredient listed on Proactiv is Benzoyl Peroxide. There are no warnings about using the product during pregnancy on the container, I just checked my bottle from the shower.

I discontinued using the cleanser twice a day when I became pregnant (I don’t use all three steps in the system, just the first one) and cut it down to once daily in the shower now. I haven’t seen or heard of anything confirming the dangers of benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy, but to be on the safe side I might just cut it out all together now that I’m in the third trimester.

This would be a great question to ask an ob/gyn!