To be honest, there are of skin care treatments and products that should be avoided while pregnant and nursing, but there are also a lot of ways to take care of your skin safely:
Ingredients To Avoid While Pregnant & Nursing
- Retinoids (Retinol, Trentinoin, Retinoic acid, Retinyls, Tazorac, & Avage)
- Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid)
- Hydroquinone
Safe Treatments While Pregnant & Nursing
- Papaya Enzyme Facial
- Glycolic & Lactic Acid Resurfacing Facials
- SilkPeels
- Dermaplaning Facials
How To Care For Your Skin While Pregnant & Nursing:
- To avoid discolorations- I recommend leaving the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser on like a mask. The Agera Vitamin C Mask and CE Ferulic by Skin Ceuticals are also effective and safe.
- For acne, use a 2% (or less) salicylic acid cleanser, but always check with your OB/GYN before beginning anything new. I usually recommend the Clean Zyme mask and Bioglycolic cleanser by Jan Marini because they work!
- Most importantly, wear 100% physical (mineral) UVA / UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 everyday and reapply in the afternoon. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, I recommend the Physical Fusion SPF 50 by Skin Ceuticals; for normal to dry skin, I recommend Elements by Elta MD.
- Stay hydrated and rest!
This isn’t an exhaustive list, and I will be able to give you more personalized information during your skincare consult. Also, its really important to have a doctor approve the use of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs while you’re pregnant or nursing. Here in our office, Drs. Lieberman & Parikh oversee all of patients, treatments and skincare regimens.
I hope this helps! Feel free to call our office – (650) 327-3232 – or leave a comment below if you have other specific questions about skincare during pregnancy.