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Contributed by UVA Community Health
Pregnancy transforms nearly every part of daily life for women, from nutrition and exercise to the products they use on their bodies and around the house. Skincare is no exception. Pregnancy-related hormone changes can cause breakouts, increased sensitivity, or dark spots, and now, that go-to cream or serum may no longer be the safest solution.
Eugene Louie-Ng, MD, an OB-GYN with UVA Health Obstetrics and Gynecology Gainesville, says that with a better understanding of these hormonal changes and potentially harmful ingredients, as well as some simple substitutions, women can feel confident about taking care of their skin and their growing baby’s health.
Ingredients to Avoid
Knowing what to avoid makes it easier to build a pregnancy safe routine. Ng shares several ingredients to watch out for, including:
- Hydroquinone – Often used as a skin lightener, hydroquinone cream can be effective in treating
melasma – brown or gray patches that usually appear on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip – or other types of hyperpigmentation. However, there is limited research about its safety for expectant mothers, so Ng suggests waiting to give it a try until after delivery, especially since many dark spots tend to fade postpartum. - Phthalates – Phthalates are a family of chemicals that are in hundreds of household items, from cosmetics to cleaning supplies. Research shows that regular exposure to these chemicals can negatively impact several organ systems, reproductive health, and child development. Because phthalates are so prevalent, particularly in scented products, it is difficult to avoid them entirely. Ng
says to start by choosing fragrance-free options and be mindful when choosing other common beauty products like lotions and hairsprays. - Retinoids – Anti-aging, night repair, and wrinkle-prevention products often include vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol, tretinoin, and retinyl palmitate. “You ultimately want to avoid things that have retinoids, for example, which can cause birth defects,” he advises.
- Tranexamic Acid – Tranexamic acid is an effective and typically safe treatment for dark spots and rosacea, but there is not enough research to confirm its safety for pregnant women. As oral tranexamic acid can increase the risk of blood clots, Ng suggests avoiding both oral and topical forms as a precaution while pregnant.
Though there are a handful of products that may pose a risk, there are still plenty of effective, pregnancy-safe options. In fact, Ng says that pregnancy can be a great time to simplify skincare routines, and often, a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser and basic moisturizer are enough to keep skin healthy.
“For regular skincare, it is important to hydrate. There are some good moisturizing drug store brands that are safe during pregnancy. Most doctors can offer advice on high-quality, cost-effective brands that are widely available,” he says.
When unsure of a product’s safety, he suggests bringing in copies of its packaging to review during an appointment. Providers can help make sure there aren’t any unsafe ingredients hiding under different names.
Managing New Skin Challenges
Pregnancy-related changes in hormones, metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure can all contribute to a variety of new skin challenges, from acne to melasma. Ng shares his guidance on a few of the most common:
- Acne – While many pregnant women experience breakouts, experts recommend avoiding several common acne treatments like hormone therapy, doxycycline, minocycline, adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin. “Benzac AC, at low concentrations and in limited use, is safe in pregnancy. However, if it’s painful acne, it could be infected,” he cautions. “Clindamycin is safe, and that’s something we would prescribe for painful cystic acne.”
- Linea Nigra – Up to 80 percent of women develop a dark line that runs from the upper abdomen to the pubic bone, known as linea nigra, when pregnant. Folic acid, commonly taken to support healthy fetal development, may also help reduce this pigmentation.
- Melasma – Pregnant women are extra susceptible to getting melasma. The good news is that it usually fades after pregnancy, and sunscreen can prevent it from getting darker in the meantime.
- Sun Sensitivity – Another common concern is increased sensitivity to the sun. Mineral-based sunscreens, which aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream and are gentler on sensitive skin, are a smart choice. “Chemical-based sunscreens have the potential to cause problems in pregnancy, and for the developing fetus,” Ng explains. Use an SPF 30 mineral sunscreen for short outings and SPF 50
for extended time outdoors.
To learn more about skincare and other healthy habits during pregnancy, talk with your OB-GYN or dermatologist. For more information to help navigate the first few weeks of pregnancy, from lifestyle changes to important appointments and more, contact your physician.
