Monday, August 23rd, 2021
by Mary-Kate Ellis, PA-C
One of our sweet Aestheticians, Morgan, is about to have her baby girl, so I thought it would be appropriate to talk about skincare and injectables during pregnancy. Your body goes through so many changes every single day when you’re pregnant, and those changes include your skin! There is no “one-size-fits-all” for your skin during pregnancy, and that can be extremely frustrating! Not only is your skin changing, but the products you’re able to use during pregnancy are different too. Our recommendations follow the same guidelines as The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, but we also recommend discussing any skin care treatments or procedures with your OBGYN.
Skin Changes to Expect When You’re Expecting
Many pregnant women experience melasma, dark spots or brown patches that typically appear on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. These are caused by an increase in melanin from hormonal changes during pregnancy. Melanin is a natural substance that gives color to the skin, hair and eyes. Melasma usually fades after you give birth, but some women can have dark patches that last for years. UV exposure can cause melasma to reappear, which is why it is so important to apply your daily SPF.
Many women experience acne during pregnancy, especially during the first and second trimesters. Increased androgens (male sex hormones like testosterone) cause your skin to produce more sebum, clogging pores and causing breakouts. Ingredients that can help with pregnancy induced acne include:
- Salicyclic Acid (<2%)
- Glycoloic Acid (usually less than 10% is advised)
- Lactic Acid
- Azelaic Acid
Also, don’t be discouraged if your melasma or acne worsens in the weeks after you’ve given birth. Your body is still experiencing hormonal changes, and if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need to keep using products that are pregnancy-safe to protect your baby.
