- Myo-inositol can reduce acne severity in pregnancy, especially in patients with PCOS, and serves as a safe adjunctive option.
- Supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and lowers gestational diabetes risk, with beneficial metabolic and endothelial effects relevant to preeclampsia.
- Available evidence indicates a favourable maternal and fetal safety profile; topical myo-inositol data for acne remain limited.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2026 Jul 1;25(7):611-614. doi: 10.36849/JDD.9783.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is common during pregnancy and presents unique therapeutic challenges due to fetal safety considerations and restrictions on conventional acne medications. Adjunctive strategies that target hormonal and metabolic contributors to acne without teratogenic risk are therefore of particular relevance to dermatologic care.
OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence supporting myo-inositol as an adjunctive option for pregnancy-related acne and contextualize its dermatologic relevance within associated metabolic, endocrine, and psychosocial conditions.
METHODS: A literature review of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, observational studies, and mechanistic investigations evaluating myo-inositol in acne, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, fertility, mental health, sleep, and topical applications was conducted.
RESULTS: Myo-inositol supplementation has been associated with reductions in acne severity, especially in patients with PCOS, along with improvements in insulin sensitivity and key metabolic parameters. In pregnancy, myo-inositol has been linked to reduced incidence of GDM, favorable endothelial and metabolic markers relevant to preeclampsia, and improved reproductive outcomes. Additional evidence suggests benefits for mood and sleep, factors that may indirectly influence acne. Available data support a favorable maternal and fetal safety profile, but evidence for topical myo-inositol in acne remains limited.
CONCLUSION: Myo-inositol may represent a safe adjunctive option for acne management during pregnancy, particularly in patients with metabolic or hyperandrogenic features. Although acne-specific pregnancy data are limited, existing mechanistic and safety evidence supports its consideration in dermatologic practice when therapeutic options are restricted.
PMID:42406354 | DOI:10.36849/JDD.9783
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