What to Know about Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
Experts get real about how to curate your skincare routine during pregnancy.
Pregnancy brings a series of changes to the woman's body which, eventually, can also mean the appearance of skin problems such as acne and melasma. Although maintaining your usual skincare routine seems like the ideal solution to bring good results, when it comes to pregnancy and skincare, there are a number of precautions that need to be taken to avoid causing problems for the mother and baby. L'OFFICIEL answers some of the most common questions among pregnant women about the dos and don'ts of skincare during pregnancy.
What should not be used on the skin during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a phase of major changes in a woman's body and baby formation, so some ingredients are not safe to use during this phase. Among them are aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which is often present in antiperspirants, and parabens.
Other ingredients are actually banned for pregnant women because they pose risks to the development of the fetus. According to dermatologist Dr. Roberta Zaffari Townsend, restricted ingredients are:
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Salicylic acid—commonly used to treat acne—in concentrations more than two percent
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Urea—used to care for dry skin—above three percent
What ingredients are safe to use while pregnant?
Among the substances that are safe for pregnant women are oils such as coconut, almond, grape seed, and shea butter, which increase the skin's elasticity and help fight stretch marks.
Lactic acid, which provides hydration, rejuvenates and lightens the skin; azelaic acid is recommended for the care of rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and acne; and moisturizing creams that feature elastin and collagen can also be used.
What are the best ways to treat acne during pregnancy?
The strong hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy can cause the appearance of acne. To combat this, Dr. Zaffari Townsend usually bets on the union of light acids such as glycolic and azelaic. Formulas with the use of these ingredients are indicated to find the ideal composition for each case.
Is it safe to get botox?
Dr. Zaffari Townsend reveals that during pregnancy the use of botulinum toxin is not recommended. Receiving botox while breastfeeding, however, is considered controversial and should be discussed with the dermatologist. Studies show that the dose used for aesthetic purposes has minimal elimination in breast milk, which would justify its use for this purpose. However, it's best to consult a professional for seeking if seeking this type of treatment.
How do you prevent melasma from developing?
The appearance of melasma is one of the recurrent complaints among pregnant women. Dark spots begin to appear because of the increased production of melanin in the skin as a result of hormonal changes. To take care, the best tip is to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater in order to avoid or alleviate the pigmentation disorder.
Please note that it is important to understand the composition of sunscreen. Look for products that have mineral components in the composition such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens should be avoided given the skin's ability to absorb, which can affect the fetus. Minerals tend to offer greater protection and cause less skin irritation.
How do you treat melasma that has already formed?
According to Dr. Zaffari Townsend, the best actives for the treatment of melasma in pregnant women are glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and vitamin C. These products are capable of helping to lighten the skin and, consequently, alleviate hyperpigmentation.
