Skin Tips During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can affect skin in many different ways and can cause some new conditions to appear and others to flare. Additionally, not all prescriptions, products and procedures are safe to use during pregnancy, but many are and our team is here to help.
MELASMA – “The Mask of Pregnancy”
The hormones during pregnancy cause increased melanin production that causes natural darkening of certain areas of the skin, but in some women it can also cause unwanted patches of hyperpigmentation mostly on the face.
- Treatments:
- Ingredients to Avoid: Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, and Retinols
- Pregnancy Safe Ingredients: Azelaic acid, Kojic Acid, Vitamin C, Transexamic Acid, and Niacinamide
- Favorite Products: SkinCeuticals Discoloraton Defense, Alastin A-Luminate, and Isdinceutics Melaclear Advanced
- Pregnancy Safe Procedures: Microneedling and Glycolic Acid Peels
ACNE
The hormones during pregnancy in some women can cause increased skin congestion and acne flares especially on the lower face.
- Treatments:
- Ingredients to Avoid: Tretinoin and Retinols, Salicyclic acid, and Benzoyl Peroxide
- Pregnancy Safe Ingredients:
- Rx: Clindamycin lotion, Azelaic acid creams, and Sulfur based products
- OTC: Glycolic acid, Bakuchiol, and Azelaic Acid
- Pregnancy Safe Procedures: SilkPeel Dermalinfusion, HydraFacial, and Glycolic Acid Peels
ECZEMA
Eczema can flare during pregnancy so it is important to use extra moisturization during pregnancy.
- Treatments:
- Favorite Products: Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream, Cetaphil Cream, CeraVe Cream, and Vanicream
SUN PROTECTION
We recommend mineral based rather than chemical sunscreens during pregnancy.
- Favorite Products: EltaMD Elements, Alastin Hydratint, and ISDIN Tinted Ageless SPF 50
OUR PREGNANCY-SAFE DAILY SKIN CARE ROUTINES
DR. JESSICA FARAHI – BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST
AM
- Gentle cleanser – EltaMD Enzyme Foaming Facial Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser, or Vanicream Gentle Cleanser (three nice options!)
- Vitamin C – SkinCeuticals CF Phloretin (it is great for anti-aging and discoloration)
- Moisturizer – Alastin Reform & Repair Complex or Senté Dermal Repair Cream (whether you prefer a cream or serum, moisturization is key!)
- Tinted sunscreen – ISDIN Tinted Ageless SPF 50 (it is a must-have at our office!)
PM
At night, I repeat my AM routine but remove Vitamin C and sunscreen. Once per week I exfoliate, I love the SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub.
TREATMENTS
- HydraFacials are a favorite of mine, they are soothing yet invigorating, safe in pregnancy, and customizable for your skin type.
KATIE VELASQUEZ, PMA – LICENSED AESTHETICIAN
AM
- Gentle cleanser – Senté Soothing Cleanser
- Vitamin C – SkinCeuticals CF Phloretin mixed with ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate (great combo!)
- Eye cream – Senté Eye Cream
- Moisturizer – Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer
- Tinted sunscreen – ISDIN Tinted Ageless SPF 50 (perfect coverage with high sun protection)
PM
- Cleanser – EltaMD Enzyme Foaming Face Wash
- Exfoliation – SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub (3 times per week)
- Anti-Aging – Alastin Restorative Complex
- Eye cream – Senté Illuminé Eye Cream (diminishes the appearance of dark circles)
- Moisturizer – Senté Ultra Nourish
TREATMENTS
- HydraFacial or SilkPeel Dermalinfusion are great for hydration and to try keep acne under control.
- Microneedling, SkinPen is pregnancy safe and can help with fine lines and pigmentation.
HYDRAFACIAL
HydraFacial is a comprehensive treatment option for refreshing and rejuvenating the skin, boosting the skin’s health, and improving the complexion. With slight modifications, like omitting salicylic acid, you can enjoy HydraFacials throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Highlights:
- Clarify blemishes
- Even out skin tone
- Clear away debris from pores
- Can help calm acne during pregnancy
- Great to keep the skin healthy and hydrated giving the skin a dewy and glowing appearance during pregnancy