Did you just receive the good news that you’re pregnant? Or, perhaps you just had your baby. Either way, your skin may have drastically changed during pregnancy and even in the months after the birth of your child. You might see acne, the pregnancy mask on your face, and other skin abnormalities.
It’s a good idea to take a proactive approach to these unfortunate skin conditions. While changes in your skin are very common during pregnancy and in the months after childbirth, there are some things you can do that are safe during pregnancy and while you’re breastfeeding.
Continue to Use Sunscreen
One of your best tools against wrinkles is sunscreen.
What’s more, your skin may be more prone to melasma and discoloration during pregnancy. Melasma is the brown or gray-brown patches that may show up on your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin during pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Sunscreen is important always but also during pregnancy to help combat discoloration.
It is generally recommended that pregnant and nursing women use 100% mineral or physical sunscreens with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These sunscreens are chemical-free and offer you physical protection from damaging UV rays. As always, please check with your obstetrician when choosing sunscreen.
Control Hyperpigmentation
Another byproduct of pregnancy is hyperpigmentation where your skin becomes darker such as with the pregnancy mask or melasma we just mentioned.
A majority of women develop this, but it usually clears up on its own. If it doesn’t clear up in a few months after the birth of your baby, ask your doctor if it’s okay to use the Obagi Nu-Derm® System. While you shouldn’t use these products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, you can use them afterwards to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and sun damage. The Nu-Derm System can be a great option once your physician has given you the go-ahead post pregnancy.
Manage Acne
Acne is frustrating at any age, but it is especially bothersome when you’re pregnant or celebrating the birth of a new little one.
While you enjoy the glow of pregnancy and motherhood, your body is pumping more blood and increasing hormone production during pregnancy. This leads to that rosy glow, but on its heels is oily skin and acne.
To manage your acne during pregnancy and after, use mild cleansers to keep your skin clean and a daily regimen to keep the acne under control. We’re excited to carry iS CLINICAL® products that are all safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They don’t penetrate through the skin, into the blood stream, and to other organs such as the uterus and breasts, so they are considered safe to use on your face. (Please consult your obstetrician and follow the recommendations of the provider.)
What Not to Use During Pregnancy
We’ve looked at some of the products you can use during pregnancy, and here’s a list of products that are not suitable. Once your baby is born, and you’re no longer nursing, these products fall back on the list of great products.
- Hydroquinone is a skin lightening treatment and sometimes used for acne. Because it’s absorbed deep into the skin, it is unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Retinoids are great for collagen build-up and for anti-aging. You might know these products by the name of Retin-A. Do avoid these until after your baby is born, and you’re finished breastfeeding.
- Salicylic acid and Benzoyl Peroxide are go-to treatments for acne, but you’ll also need to wait to use these products.
- Botox and fillers for anti-aging, and the HydraFacial for the best skin of your life, are three of our favorite treatments, so do come back for these incredible services once you are finished breastfeeding.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy and childbirth are wonderful moments, but you don’t have to suffer with skin problems during one of the happiest times in your life.
Show your children the importance of self-care so they learn to value and care for themselves, too. Taking care of your skin and looking and feeling great sets an example for your little ones.
So, check in with the skin care team at PSC Aesthetics. We can help create a safe and manageable skin care plan for you during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and when you are finished. Skin care is lifelong, and we are here for you every step of the way.
The team at PSC Aesthetics and the Plastic Surgery Center are here to help. Call us at 316-688-7500 for more information or visit pscwichita.com to request your appointment.
Article by Bruce Ferris, MD, Amy Sprole, MD, and Nataliya Biskup, MD
Photo by Andreas Wohlfahrt from Pexels
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