SKIN CARE DURING PREGNANCY

So many things change during pregnancy, including your skin, hair, and nails! Hormonal changes can mean necessary adjustments in your daily skin care routine. Here are 3 of the most common skin conditions that can occur with pregnancy and our recommendations for pregnancy-safe dermatologic care:
Hyperpigmentation
During pregnancy, there is an increase in melanin production, the natural substance responsible for pigment in our skin and hair. As a result, you may notice the development of darker patches on the skin. Melasma, sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” is a very common skin condition during pregnancy in which brown patches appear on the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
All hyperpigmentation becomes darker with exposure to sunlight. To prevent melasma from getting worse, ensure you are wearing a mineral sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, regardless of weather or cloud-cover, and be ready to frequently reapply throughout the day. Ensure your mineral sunscreen contains at least 5% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It is also so important to wear sun-protective clothing, like a broad-brimmed hat, to provide physical shade for the face.
Dark spots and melasma usually fade on their own after giving birth, but if darkened spots persist, there are prescription-strength treatment options you can explore with your dermatology provider after pregnancy.
Stretch Marks
As the abdomen expands to accommodate the baby’s growth, stretch marks can develop on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and buttocks. These linear marks can vary in size and color.
While there are many products out there that claim to entirely prevent or erase stretch marks, there is no proof these treatments actually work. Moisturizing your skin every day can help keep your skin soft and supple, but it will not actually get rid of stretch marks.
Stretch marks usually fade after baby is born, but they may not resolve completely. Following pregnancy and breastfeeding, there may be some topical prescription medications or laser treatment that may reduce the appearance of some types of stretch marks.
Acne
Fluctuations in hormones can impact oil production in the skin, which can lead to either worsening or improvement of acne during pregnancy. Using a gentle cleanser twice daily, avoiding picking or manipulating pimples, and using oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers, sunscreens, and cosmetics can help manage mild acne in pregnancy.
Because researchers don’t give medications to pregnant women, we do not have formal studies specifically done on what products can safely treat acne in pregnancy. What we have learned comes from animal studies and from women who have reported using acne medications during pregnancy.
The following medications are considered safe in pregnancy according to both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):
- Topical azelaic acid
- Topical benzoyl peroxide in limited amounts
- Topical salicylic acid in limited amounts
The AAD would also include topical clindamycin on their list of pregnancy-safe medications, while the ACOG lists over-the-counter glycolic acid to be another pregnancy-safe option.
Before using any topical or oral medicated products for acne management, whether over-the-counter or prescription-strength, it is very important to consult with your dermatology and OBGYN providers. There are ingredients in certain over-the-counter and prescription treatments that are considered dangerous in pregnancy, so it is best to get your regimen approved by a medical professional.
While pregnancy brings about a lot of change in the skin, it’s a time to be celebrated and to prioritize caring for yourself and your baby! Book an appointment with one of our dermatology providers for any of your skin care questions in pregnancy- we would love to help!