Pregnancy is a time of excitement and change…but do you know what changes to expect with your skin? Some women may experience the “pregnancy glow”, but others may deal with acne, melasma, and stretch marks. Read on to learn what to anticipate, how to treat current concerns, and what to avoid during this exciting time in your life!


Problem: Acne

During pregnancy, progesterone (a female hormone) levels are elevated. This often results in acne breakouts, and is even more likely if you tend to break out during your monthly cycle. Acne is typically worst during the first trimester because this is when progesterone levels are most elevated. The good news is that after giving birth, the acne problems tend to go away.

Solution:

Get in the habit of cleansing every morning and night for at least 1 minute. Avoid cleansers that are formulated for acne, as they often contain Salicylic Acid and other ingredients that are not recommended during pregnancy. Because many acne solutions (like Vitamin A derivatives and Benzoyl Peroxide) should be avoided, your focus should be on keeping your skin as clean as possible. A healthy diet can also benefit skin.
Special Cleansing Gel is a great option for all skin types…it will deeply cleanse the skin without stripping moisture.


Problem: Dry Skin

Since your body is essentially “stretching” during pregnancy, your skin is expanded beyond its normal capacity. The result is often dry, itchy skin (especially around the belly). Hormonal changes can also deprive the skin of oils and elasticity.

Solution:

Use non-soap cleansers on the face and body to avoid stripping the skin of any more moisture. For the face, try Special Cleansing Gel or UltraCalming Cleanser. For the body, Conditioning Body Wash is a great option that will hydrate the skin.
Keep skin moisturized! Ultra Rich Body Cream is a great option for the belly. Try Skin Smoothing Cream or Intensive Moisture Balance for the face.
While dry skin is perfectly normal, let your doctor know if it is accompanied with nausea, fatigue or loss of appetite.

Problem: Stretch Marks

Stretch marks may be the result of skin not wanting to “bounce back” to its original state after rapid growth.  More commonly, however, they are caused by glucocorticoids (a hormone that can break down the materials in the dermis that support the skin). Pregnancy causes glucocorticoids to circulate in higher concentrations. The majority of women will experience stretch marks, and we know that genetics often plays a role in determining the degree of severity. They typically begin with a red or purplish color, and can turn silver and/or white over time.

Solution:

It is generally recommended not to treat stretch marks until after pregnancy, as many treatments penetrate the skin and could lead to birth defects. After breast feeding, Vitamin A creams, Mederma®, and laser treatments are options to explore.
Ultra Rich Body Cream is safe to apply to stretch marks during pregnancy, and can help decrease the severity of marks.

Problem: Melasma (“Mask of Pregnancy”)

Melasma is a common concern, and is characterized by dark spots on the forehead, nose, upper cheeks and lips. While the precise cause is unknown, it is believed that excess estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy may stimulate pigment-producing cells to create more melanin. Although it is an annoyance, melasma is typically just a cosmetic concern and not a health issue.

Solution:

We do know that the sun can make melasma much worse, so it is VERY important to wear an SPF 15 for daily use (and an SPF 30 if you will be outside for extended periods). It is much easier to prevent pigment problems than it is to treat them! Be sure that your sunscreen has UVA and UVB protection. Try Sheer Tint Moisturizer SPF 15 (for oily to normal skin), Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 30 (for normal to very dry skin) or Pure Light SPF 30 (for normal to dry skin).
Many “lightening” ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy, especially Hydroquinone (which is not used in any Dermalogica products) and Vitamin A products. Remember, melasma often gets much better after giving birth. To be safe, save any skin lightening treatments until you are done breast feeding. At that time, you can try chemical peels, Lactic Acid products (which are probably safe during pregnancy) or laser treatments.


Problem:  Dark Eye Circles


Dark circles under the eye are typically the result of blood leaking from the capillaries around the eye. The hemoglobin (which makes blood red) eventually degrades, resulting in the blue/red color we see under the eye. When you are pregnant, the skin often becomes more pale, which can make the dark circles appear to be more prominent. Contrary to popular belief, lack of sleep is rarely the cause. Hereditary, however, does play a big role. The sun can also make problems worse.

Solution:

Apply Total Eye Care SPF 15 around the eyes. It has a reddish tint, which helps cancel out dark colors. Lactic Acid will help smooth the eye area, and the SPF 15 helps prevent problems from getting worse. Concealer can also temporarily help. There are no permanent solutions to eye circles, but remember…this is typically a problem that goes away after giving birth.


Problem: Varicose Veins

While varicose veins can be the result of many factors, it is believed that they appear during pregnancy due to female sex hormones weakening the walls of veins and making them lax (which causes them to swell with blood). Sudden weight gain may also be a factor.

Solution:

During pregnancy, walking and exercising can help prevent varicose veins. Avoid standing for long periods, and keep legs elevated when lying down. A low-sodium diet can also be beneficial.
Treatment of veins should be avoided until after pregnancy. If you feel the need for serious treatment, injections (sclerotherapy) and laser treatments are popular options.


Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy


Vitamin A products (Retinoids)
Avoid all forms, which may include Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Retinoic Acid, Retinol, Tazorac, Retinyl Palmitate, etc. High doses may be harmful to a baby. Commonly found in acne and anti-aging products.

Salicylic Acid
Also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid, it is part of the aspirin family, and therefore best avoided. Commonly found in exfoliating and acne products.

Soy
May be listed as Lecithin or Phosphatidylcholine. May make melasma symptoms worse.

Benzyl Peroxide
While no tests have been done on pregnant women, we do know that it penetrates the skin and has caused birth defects when given in high doses to animals. To be safe, we recommend avoiding during pregnancy.

Hydrocortisone
This topical cream is sometimes used to treat acne and to calm skin. More studies are needed, but it may be toxic to the fetus. To be safe, we recommend avoiding.

Essential Oils
There are essential oils that are ok for use during pregnancy, but there are many that can have dangerous side effects. Definitely stay away from oils that are energizing or detoxifying. As a general rule, we feel safer avoiding essential oils altogether. If you have questions, consult your doctor.