INTRODUCTION
Acne vulgaris affects over 80% of young adults globally1 and up to 43% of pregnant women,2 with severity typically peaking in the third trimester.3 Pregnancy-related hormonal fluctuations, including elevations in androgens and progesterone, combined with increased sebaceous activity, contribute to acne exacerbation.4,5 While mild cases may resolve with limited intervention, moderate to severe acne can substantially impair quality of life. In one clinical sample, 7.1% of patients with acne reported suicidal ideation within the preceding 2 weeks.6 Management during pregnancy is further complicated by fetal safety concerns and contraindications to many conventional acne therapies, underscoring the need for safe adjunctive treatment options.
Topical agents such as azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and keratolytics are commonly used, though therapeutic options remain limited by fetal safety concerns.1,7 Myo-inositol, a naturally occurring carbohydrate,8 has emerged as a potential adjunct with a favorable pregnancy safety profile. This review examines the dermatologic relevance of myo-inositol in pregnancy-related acne and contextualizes its use within associated conditions involving shared hormonal and metabolic pathways, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, mental health, and sleep. Integration of acne-specific outcomes with robust pregnancy safety data informs dermatologic decision-making in a population with limited therapeutic options.
More than 15 years of clinical research support the safety of myo-inositol during pregnancy.9 Its use as an adjunct to folate supplementation has been evaluated in folate-resistant pregnancies9,10 and in women with prior neural tube defect-affected pregnancies,9,11 further supporting its maternal and fetal tolerability.
Topical agents such as azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and keratolytics are commonly used, though therapeutic options remain limited by fetal safety concerns.1,7 Myo-inositol, a naturally occurring carbohydrate,8 has emerged as a potential adjunct with a favorable pregnancy safety profile. This review examines the dermatologic relevance of myo-inositol in pregnancy-related acne and contextualizes its use within associated conditions involving shared hormonal and metabolic pathways, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, mental health, and sleep. Integration of acne-specific outcomes with robust pregnancy safety data informs dermatologic decision-making in a population with limited therapeutic options.
More than 15 years of clinical research support the safety of myo-inositol during pregnancy.9 Its use as an adjunct to folate supplementation has been evaluated in folate-resistant pregnancies9,10 and in women with prior neural tube defect-affected pregnancies,9,11 further supporting its maternal and fetal tolerability.
