We’ve all heard the old adage – your skin glows when you’re pregnant! While this may be true due to increased blood ow throughout the body, there are still a myriad of skin concerns to be wary of while you’re expecting. Many women experience skin conditions such as acne, melasma (brown spots), and stretch marks during pregnancy. Here at Charlotte Skin & Laser, we understand the importance of
feeling condent in your skin (and yourself!) at such a special stage in life. Read on for Dr. Rostan’s expert guide to pregnancy-safe skincare products and treatments that will help you look and feel your best during such unforgettable moments!

Skincare

Rules for skincare use are similar to when we touched base regarding acne products. Most cleansers and moisturizers are safe, as long as they are free from retinoids. Sunscreen is always a good idea! If you are especially concerned about sun exposure, opt for physical sunblock that contains only zinc and titanium and wear protective clothing.

Antioxidants are also a great step to keep in your skincare routine, as they protect your skin from harmful free radicals and have powerful anti-aging benefits. While products containing growth factors and peptides are wonderful, they are not essential when pregnant. Lastly, as mentioned earlier, it is imperative that you stay away from retinoids.

Facials

Facials are a great option to keep your skin happy during those nine months – they’re generally relaxing, non-invasive, and offer a variety of benefits! As noted earlier, just be sure to stay away from ones that utilize retinol.

– Glo2Facial: This revolutionary new facial uses Oxfoliation and detoxification to deliver clean, calm, and hydrated skin.
– Hydrafacial: This fan-favorite facial cleanses, extracts, and hydrates with nourishing serums that will leave you glowing.

Rejuvenation Treatments

Even with your pregnancy glow, we at Charlotte Skin & Laser understand that you still want to do everything you can to look and feel your best! Rejuvenation treatments are great options to treat skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, or unwanted hair. However, Dr. Rostan generally recommends to stick to rejuvenation treatments that do not require numbing, as local anesthetics can cross the placenta quickly and cause toxicity for both the mother and fetus.

– Laser Treatments: Safe laser treatment options include IPL, redness treatments like Vbeam, lighter settings of fractional lasers, Q-switched lasers, and laser hair removal (excluding the abdominal area).
– Neuromuscular Relaxers (Botox): The use of neuromuscular relaxers is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as the toxin may spread beyond the treatment area.
– Dermal Fillers: Similar to the consensus with neuromuscular relaxers, most dermatologists agree that it is generally safest to avoid injectables while you are expecting.
– Waxing & Tinting: Keeping up with your usual waxing and tinting, whether lash or brow, is totally fine!

Acne

Acne is a common occurrence during pregnancy, especially during the first two trimesters when your body produces increased amounts of the hormone progesterone. This can lead to clogged pores and the unfortunate development of pimples and blemishes. However, you may need to change your usual skincare routine while you’re carrying.

– Cleansers: Most cleansers are safe to use during pregnancy and remain an essential step in taking care of your skin and preventing acne.
– Topicals: When dealing with acne during pregnancy, you will have to be mindful about which ingredients to use and avoid.
– Retinoids: It is pivotal that you steer clear of products containing retinoids such as tretinoin, as they can have adverse effects including miscarriage, premature delivery, and birth defects.
– Products Containing Fruit Acids: When treating acne during pregnancy, opt for topicals containing these ingredients instead, as they offer similar benefits without the risk. This includes Azeleic acid, which is anti-inflammatory and targets pigmentation; Alpha hydroxy or Glycolic acids, which aim to exfoliate and brighten the skin; Mandelic and Salicylic acids, which help treat oily-prone skin and clogged pores; and finally Benzoyl Peroxide and Clindamycin, which are great topical treatments to help clear up acne.
– Treatments: When it comes to treatments to treat acne during pregnancy, there are various options!
– Facial Treatments: Consider chemical peels, steaming and extraction, or hydrafacials to help clear up your skin while you’re expecting.
– PDT (Photodynamic Therapy): This non-invasive procedure involving the use of a photosensitizer in combination with a light source
and oxygen is intended to kill acne-causing bacteria.
– Lasers: When used in combination with the right skincare products, laser treatments can help reduce both acne itself and any scarring. Popular laser treatments that are safe to use while pregnant include Vbeam, Blue Light/Red Light, Isolaze, Aviclear, and Smoothbeam.
– Acne Facials: Lastly, facials targeting acne specifically are great treatments to consider while expecting. We’ll touch on this more in a second.

Unexpected Skin Growths/ Changes

Although you may be sick of doctor’s visits, it is pivotal that you do not skip dermatological check-ups while you are expecting. If you are concerned about something growing or changing on your skin, please come visit us to get a professional opinion. We can do a procedure to remove any spot or growth with minimal numbing.

In conclusion, maintaining beautiful skin during and beyond pregnancy is possible with professional guidance and safe products/treatments. At Charlotte Skin and Laser, we understand the importance of these nine months, and we want to help you feel confident every step of the way. The safety of you and your baby are our top priorities, and we are
dedicated to helping you look and feel your best throughout your journey together. So, to all of our expecting mommies: don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us!