Listen up all, it takes a village to raise a family, be a Mom or get through a pregnancy. We see you, we hear you all and we are here to help! We may not be able to fix all the dermatological conditions during or after pregnancy, but we will for sure try. 

As a Mom to 3 amazing son’s, all of which were breastfed for the first year of life, I can relate firsthand to the beautiful journey of motherhood and the occasional visit to the rollercoaster ride of hormone changes, emotions, sleep deprivation and we can NOT forget the commitment to breastfeeding and pumping. Our bodies undoubtedly take a toll and our skin loves to display this with increased breakouts, cysts, lack of luster, dryness or excessive oil, new wrinkles and so much more!  Most of us need to feel “good in our skin” at every point in our life’s journey. Here is a quick guide to reference including easy steps to follow, so you can continue to love your families and yourSELF. 

Please note, there are varying thoughts and research on this topic. For the purpose of making this an easy guide to follow, I have included the basics. Remember to always ask your physician if you have any concerns or questions. 

Do NOT use the following:

• Retinol - Did you know that retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A? Vitamin A is a fat soluble and an essential nutrient. There are numerous derivatives of Vitamin A found in topical prescriptions, medical grade skincare and OTC products. Most common forms to be aware of include: retinaldehyde, retinol palmitate, retinoic acid, adapalene, isotretinoin, differin, tretinoin. tazorac and many more. 
• BPO - Benzoyl Peroxide is an organic peroxide that works primarily by increasing the skin's oxygen content, which is deadly to the bacteria responsible for acne. 
• Salicylic Acid - is a lipid-soluble ingredient which unclogs pores and helps to keep them free of acne-causing debris.
• Chemical SPF - skin sensitivity increases during pregnancy so we must apply sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens can be endocrine-disrupting chemicals which can interrupt some hormones and their actions. This list details ingredients that some research suggests to avoid: Avobenzone, Benzophe, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Paba, Homosalate, Octocrylene, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
• Hydroquinone -Hydroquinone is a skin lightening treatment that bleaches the skin and helps to treat pigmentation issues including melasma. Also avoid the ingredient arbutin as it breaks down to hydroquinone on the skin. 

Alternatives are available and safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

1. Glycolic Acid, an (AHA)alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and has acne benefits
2. azelaic acid, another acne treatment that contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
3. Lactic Acid, an AHA that induces exfoliation in our skin and accelerates the natural skin cell rejuvenation cycle, an anti-aging benefit while hydrating skin.
4. Mandelic Acid, an AHA exfoliates the skin, effective in treating acne, has antiaging properties, and treats hyperpigmentation. An all-in-one option for those with acne and melasma! 
5. Mineral or Physical Sunscreens- specifically Zinc and Titanium dioxide are hypoallergenic and sit on the skin instead of being absorbed by it. Products should be SPF 30 or higher. 
6. Vitamin C Serums -strong antioxidant that helps to protect skin from environmental toxins and harmful UV rays. It accelerates collagen and elastin production. It inhibits melanin production meaning it can help with fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation and melasma! Wow!
7. Niacinamide-reduces the amount of sebum(oil) your glands produce, thus decreasing the possibility of developing acne during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

In office treatment options:

It’s important to consider skin sensitivity during your pregnancy and when choosing an in office treatment. Always inform your esthetic practitioner that you are pregnant or breastfeeding so they can offer the best advice and apply the appropriate products. 

DO Try:

Signature Facials and Relaxing Facials are excellent, safe options to provide ongoing skin care and help to ward off unwanted conditions. Microdermabrasion and dermaplaning are contenders but remember if you are more sensitive, you may have slight irritation in some areas for 1-2 days following these manual exfoliating treatments. However, these do remain excellent options!

Do NOT Try:

Sadly, injectables including neurotoxins and dermal fillers are NOT an option. Treatments requiring numbing agents are also not allowed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Microneedling RF, manual microneedling, and PRP to name a few must wait! The months will fly by and you’ll be back to your regular skincare routine in no time at all!

As always, our Radiance team is happy to assist in your skin care needs and concerns. Follow the link below to book an appointment or free consultation. 

Disclosure: this article is not intended to replace medical advice given to you by your physician. Your doctor should make all final decisions regarding skincare products and ingredients during pregnancy.

References:

healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hydroquinone

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7353272

https://projectsunscreen.com/blogs/news/pregnancy-safe-sunscreen

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/benzoyl-peroxide

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids

https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health