Pregnancy is a time where a multitude of changes of happening in the body and can result in significant changes to the skin as well. From dry skin to stretch marks, acne, and rashes the hormones in pregnancy can cause many different skin conditions even if the patient had never experienced them before.
It is important to see a medical provider if you experience skin changes during pregnancy. Many common medications may be unsafe for use during this time. Many patients will schedule a consultation when they start the family planning process or become pregnant to review all of their current skin treatments and products to be sure they are those which are safe and effective.
We currently have two “Zel Babies” on the way. Read on to see how Lindsey Paulsen, Esthetician and Brooke Moss, PA-C have been treating their skin during pregnancy.
Lindsey Paulsen
“I have been using Ela MD AM Therapy and I love this product so much! It’s a great lightweight moisturizer that contains Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate my dry pregnant skin. I also like the addition of Willow Bark which helps to stimulate cell turnover and keeps my skin smooth. Obagi Hydrate has also been a go-to and is my all-time favorite skincare product. I recommend it most to all my clients! The cream helps reduce water loss to maintain hydration all day, which I can really use in this dry winter weather. I’ve been using Revision Finishing Touch about once a week to help keep my skin smooth — it’s like microdermabrasion in a bottle. I love how my skin feels after and how products and cosmetics go on perfectly.
Last but not least, I’ve loved using SkinMedica Lumivive day and night serum. I love how the product protects my skin from free radicals during the day, and detoxes overnight. Being pregnant, I really miss some of the treatments that aren’t safe to use but using this product duo helps me feel like I am still getting a light daily treatment on my skin”. – Lindsey Paulsen, Esthetician (Plymouth Office)
Brooke Moss
“When I learned I was pregnant I knew I would have to change my skincare routine pretty drastically. I was using several products that were unsafe to continue using such as topical retinoids and certain acids. Botox and Filler treatments were off limits as well. During my pregnancy, I’ve used tried and true ingredients and products to protect and rejuvenate the skin, as well as those that have helped protect against some pregnant skincare woes like excess dryness and stretch marks.
On a daily basis, I use Elta MD UV Daily to offer sun protection. This is an essential part of preventing melasma – aka the mask of pregnancy. I have also been using SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 which offers tranexamic and phytic acids to keep the skin exfoliated, bright and free of pigment. Pregnancy hormones caused me to have a small amount of acne during my second trimester. During this time I used a prescription topical lotion which is safe while pregnant or breastfeeding.
For stretch mark prevention – hydration is key! While some stretch marks are genetic, keeping the belly moisturized can help accommodate the stretching it has to do. The Elta MD Ceramide Body Creme has been fantastic at relieving dryness and itch and providing tons of moisture.
I’ve tried to incorporate treatments that still combat the signs of aging. Most of the typical treatments such as Botox, Fillers and even certain lasers are not recommended. NeoCutis MicroFirm has been my go-to for neck and decolletage firming. I’ve also used Revision Revox 7, which is a peptide rich serum that helps reduces the appearance of fine lines. Regular dermaplaning and glycolic acid chemical peels have helped to keep my skin smooth and glowy.
I would encourage anyone who is family planning or currently pregnant to check in with their dermatology provider to be sure they are on a pregnancy safe skincare routine as early as possible and to come see us in clinic if they notice any new moles, freckles, or rashes during their pregnancy.” -Brooke Moss, PA-C, MPH (Edina Office)
