Pregnancy and Your Skincare What Google Doesn't Tell You, Pamela Will…
While the internet has a superabundance of information on pregnancy, the problem with that information is that it comes with unsaid biases. Any expert on there giving advice will always say not to do something to avoid liability – which I completely get, but sometimes the common sense factor gets lost.
One of the perks of seeing clients for a living is that you get to talk to many different people daily. And with that, you pick up a ton of life information – and that’s why much of what I learned about pregnancy came from my clients. Women who had already been through what I was going through (and many of them multiple times!). Who better to learn from?
But when it comes to skincare, I see many clients giving up almost all of their products and skipping professional treatments because they are afraid to use “the wrong thing.” Even my first prenatal appointment nurse perpetuated this fear and told me only to use Cetaphil on my skin. I almost threw up – and not from the morning sickness. Seriously, is this the advice the medical field is giving when it comes to skincare?!
So what do you need to give up when it comes to your skin?
While this research is limited, we still have to recommend pausing your retinoids. Regarding products from us, this means Derm-A-Gel, Exfol-A, Exfol-A Forte, Clear Body Therapy, FF3 Triple Repair Cream, FF3 Biointensive GF. And this also extends to vitamin A products from other brands and, of course, prescription topical retinoid creams like Tretinoin.
Some doctors are starting to okay the use of vitamin A products during pregnancy. But ultimately, in my opinion, it comes down to how much you need your retinoid. My skin was clear, and I could skip it without missing it too much. I continued using alpha hydroxy acids like mandelic and glycolic acid without any concerns. I also continued using salicylic acid and then jumped back on Exfol-A immediately after delivery and through breastfeeding. Trust your gut on what you feel is right for you though!
What about sunscreen?
You obviously have to wear sunscreen, even more so if you use active skincare (AKA acne and anti-aging treatments) – this requires extra sun protection because your skin is more exfoliated and sensitive to sun exposure. You cannot let yourself get sunburnt, so wearing whatever sunscreen you are willing to use is a great choice! Also, such a small amount of sunscreen goes on your face; therefore, the risk of whatever fear-mongering thing you’re trying to avoid is even smaller.
It takes work to navigate the great sunscreen debate, though. More and more fear-mongering continues to come out, and I won’t dig into it too much. But tons of safe, everyday chemicals are dangerous in very high doses, just like sun and water are also chemicals that can be dangerous in too high of a dose. I love mineral sunscreens like TiZO, so that’s just what I’ve always used.
Remember, even “natural” things like eggs, lavender, and soy have endocrine disrupting properties. And, if you are anything like me, your Instagram is filled with chemical fear-mongering – I finally had to restrict my scrolling because it made me anxious about EVERYTHING. And we know that stress is actually problematic to pregnancy! That said, though, nutrition continues to be my big passion – and eating healthy is so important while pregnant!
Will my acne get worse?
Some skin suffers while some skin shines. People blame hormones for acne when it is their prenatal vitamins, lack of a skincare regimen, and excessive sugar intake that could break them out. Still, it is possible to see breakouts from the pregnancy hormones in the first and third trimester.
In my experience with clients, if their skin is stable going into pregnancy, it usually stays there – and mine did. If you are considering becoming pregnant in the next few years, look for an aesthetican to partner with now!
Many women get more radiant skin due to all the estrogen hormones and extra blood flow, giving truth to the pregnancy glow. But, testosterone and androgens may also rise, which we know triggers acne. Many women also feel crappy, though, typically leading to dull, dry, and sometimes congested skin.
What are other skin conditions to watch out for during pregnancy?
Pregnancy and nursing will often trigger melasma and unwanted hyperpigmentation. Our hormones significantly contribute to our melanin production, so birth control and pregnancy are the most common melasma triggers outside of sun damage. Melasma is hard to treat. The most important thing is avoiding heat and sun and working with an aesthetician. Wear hats!
Dermatitis or rashy, irritated skin is common because pregnancy hormones do weird things to your body and immune system, which can flare skin rashes and conditions like dermatitis and eczema. Make sure your makeup and makeup brushes are clean, not expired, and switch to free and clear laundry soap.
Autoimmune skin conditions are tricky, but in summary, look for lots of hydration, gentle exfoliation, and a good cleanser and moisturizer when anything odd is flaring. Limit what is going on your skin. Ice and use cryosculpt wands to keep the skin cool to help with rosacea and heat rash.
What did you say about prenatal vitamins causing acne?
They can! Most prenatal vitamins contain high amounts of biotin, iodine, and B12 – and those vitamins in high doses cause acne. Even an excellent skincare regimen with professional extractions cannot counteract that. Most doctors may not know, but we know it to be true. Likely, your doctor will still be 100% comfortable with you finding a prenatal with little or even no biotin in it and trying to stay under 100 mcg or close to that 100% mark of B12.
You may need to be pickier or spend more on your prenatal, but you will save in acne or scarring. Check with your medical provider to see if you can use one of these so that you won’t have to worry about it:
New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin – It comes from whole food sources and has lower quantities of acne-triggering vitamins
Garden of Life Prenatal Multi + DHA – This formulation has no biotin
My final thoughts and recommendations on skin and pregnancy…
I did not love being pregnant, but I was pleasantly surprised with how well my skin did – even with tired nights and late mornings sometimes getting the best of me. While I had no problem using my Vivant Skincare staples, I did lean on Arcona masks like The Solution Pads and Raspberry Resurfacing Peel because the ingredients are pregnancy-safe and help to replace the absence of your vitamin A serum. All the Dr. Esthe serums are also practical because they nourish the skin and are non-comedogenic.
The most common side effect to your skin will be dryness because that baby is taking all the hydration and life you have. Peptide Eye Serum was also a favorite to revitalize my tired under eyes and de-puff. On the bright side, pregnancy gave me lots of free time to mask and apply serums. And LED light is safe and a great way to help treat your skin as well.
Most importantly, do not fall off your treatments.
We are happy to be a part of every stage of your life! Remember, your skin isn’t going anywhere. There are many things you don’t fully understand until you have a baby, and one is that it is impossible not to let yourself go a little, but don’t give up on your skin! On top of that, don’t worry about what you put on your skin if you are working with an expert. You are still you, after all – just pregnant.