Pregnancy Safe Skincare
Pregnancy is an exciting but stressful time. There is so much to get done in from new routines to new schedules and events.. Pregnancy is also a whirlwind of activity for your skin. Many women may notice increased acne, changes in skin lesions, new rashes, stretch marks, among many others. Let’s breakdown some of the basics.
Acne and hyperpigmentation in pregnancy
Acne is by far the most common skin complaint I see during pregnancy as is melasma or hyperpigmentation. There are multiple factors behind this:
1) Changes in estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and others create a more pro-inflammatory skin environment with increased oil production.
2) Our favorite anti-acne ingredient, retinoids, are contraindicated in pregnancy. Other ingredients not safe in pregnancy include oral agents such as spironolactone and doxycycline.
3) Stress. Pregnancy comes with emotional and physical stressors which can be triggers for acne.
So, what can we do about it? Thankfully there are pregnancy-safe skincare treatments for acne and hyperpigmentation. My favorites:
1) Azelaic acid - a potent pigment corrector, this tyrosinase inhibitor can help mitigate both acne and hyperpigmentation.
2) Clindamycin lotion - a topical antibiotic that helps with inflammation and antimicrobial coverage.
3) Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide (in low amounts - chat with your dermatologist) - salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that targets the sebaceous glands and oil production and can help to exfoliate the skin to improve dullness and discoloration. Benzoyl peroxide is a keratolytic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent (be sure to rinse thoroughly because it can bleach your towels!).
4) Bakuchiol - a retinol-like agent that is safe in pregnancy.
A best practice is to talk to your dermatologist prior to pregnancy and to create a targeted, effective routine. This will help prevent any lapses in your skincare and minimize initial breakouts.
Dry and itchy skin in pregnancy
Dry and irritated skin is a common. With pregnancy, you have muliple factors at play. There is greater skin distension and increased swelling (especially in the legs). A few best practices:
1) Grab a thicker moisturizing agent! Vaseline, Aquaphor, or any gentle cream (over a lotion) is best.
2) Decrease the temperature of your showers and moisturize immedaitely after bathing.
3) For those with lower leg swelling and dryness, compression stockings are amazing! They can be challenging to put on, but, if manageable, they can make a world of difference in preventing dryness, spider veins, and swelling.
Stretch marks in pregnancy
I had a mentor once tell me, “if there are over 15 treatments for something, then none of them work well.” Sadly this is the world of stretch marks. As a dermatologist, I have tried it all: microneedling with radio frequency, pulse-dye laser for redness, ablative laser, retinoids, lightening creams, vitamin C serums (note: we started these treatments postpartum). Really, the improvement is lackluster at best - though, we all have that ‘one patient’ it worked great for. For my patients that are bothered and motivated, I think trialing a treatment, especially something easy like retinol, is reasonable. It becomes more challenging when we try an expensive laser or device and it does not work. Again, these are treatments that can help - but evaluate your budget and expectations.
Why are my moles darker? What is that rash?
Just like a baby grows during pregnancy, so too can moles and other benign skin lesions. We believe this is driven by higher levels of estrogen and growth hormones in circulation. Many women will notice darkening and growth of moles and rough, bumpy spots called seborrheic keratoses. Stretch marks can be another ramifications of this. Lastly, some women may develop itchy rashes during their pregnancy - polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, eczema or atopic dermatitis, pemphigoid gestationis, and others. If you notice new or changing skin lesions or rashes, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible. We can help to evaluate the condition and provide treatment.
Where Should you Start?
As a new or soon to be mom, your life is busy! Dapper Dermatology is happy to be a resource in your journey. Let us help you create a skincare regimen that is effective, safe, and healthy for you and your little one! Book an appointment here.
