The Pregnancy Glow...or Not??

Pregnancy is an incredible journey. Some people are even lucky enough to experience that elusive "pregnancy glow," but for others, those massive hormonal shifts might wreak havoc on your skin. 

From unexpected breakouts to new sensitivities, it may start to seem as though your complexion has a mind of its own. But don't worry - you can absolutely navigate these changes and keep your skin healthy and happy throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

First and foremost however, you need to understand why your skin might be acting differently, and then we can arm you with safe, effective strategies and products to support it, both at home and in the clinic.

Understanding Pregnancy Skin: Hormones & Sensitivity

Those hormones surging through your body are working wonders for your baby, but maybe not for your skin. Increased hormone levels (like progesterone and estrogen) can lead to:

• Acne Flare-Ups: Often deeper, more cystic breakouts, particularly around the jawline and chin.

• Increased Sensitivity: Skin can become more reactive, irritated, and prone to redness, even to products you've used for years.

• Hyperpigmentation: Melasma (the "mask of pregnancy") is common due to hormonal influence on pigment-producing cells, often worsening with sun exposure.

• Dryness or Oiliness: Hormonal fluctuations can throw your skin's oil production off balance, leading to unexpected dryness or excessive oiliness.

• Stretch Marks: As your body grows, the skin stretches, making it susceptible to stretch marks.

It's important to note, yes your body is pulling off miracles every day to grow your baby, but it's okay to be less than pleased about these skin changes. Sure they come with the territory, and of course yours and baby's health are most important, but these physical changes can mess with your confidence and emotional well-being. So while this may not be your first read after getting a positive test, it's okay to care (and maybe even worry!) about your skin. 

What to AVOID During Pregnancy

With your skin naturally becoming more vulnerable and prone to reactions, certain ingredients and treatments are best avoided to prevent potential harm to you or your baby, or to simply prevent unnecessary skin irritation.

This means it's crucial to hit pause on aggressive treatments and focus on gentle care, hydration, and maintaining a strong skin barrier. Save the intense "revision" for after pregnancy!

Some products to put in the drawer until after your baby arrives:

• Retinoids (including prescription Retin-A and high-strength over-the-counter retinols): This is a big no-no, and for very good reason. Oral retinoids, like Isotretinoin (Accutane), are known teratogens, meaning they can cause severe birth defects. While topical retinoids are absorbed in much smaller amounts, there is still a potential for systemic absorption. Because of the serious risks, it's a general consensus among doctors and skincare professionals to completely avoid all forms of retinoids during pregnancy.

• High-Concentration Benzoyl Peroxide (over 2.5%): While some doctors may clear low concentrations in a wash-off formula, it's generally best to avoid higher percentages. The concern here is a lack of research on the widespread absorption and long-term effects of high-concentration benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy. Given that pregnant skin is already more prone to irritation, using a potent acne treatment like this could lead to unnecessary redness, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier.

• Salicylic Acid (especially in high concentrations/peels): Just like with retinoids, the risk here is tied to the potential for systemic absorption. While a mild, wash-off formula might be considered safe by some doctors, widespread or high-concentration use (like in peels) is generally discouraged. This is because Salicylic Acid is chemically related to aspirin, and high doses of aspirin are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential complications.

• Lasers & Advanced Energy Treatments: Most laser treatments, microneedling, and other energy-based devices are not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data and the potential for increased sensitivity or pigmentation issues. The hormones surging through your body can make your skin more prone to hyperpigmentation, and the heat or trauma from these treatments can easily trigger melasma or other dark spots that may be difficult to treat later. For a treatment like microneedling, your body is already redirecting a significant amount of its healing energy and nutrients to the baby, which could reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

• DMK Alkaline Wash: This professional treatment is highly alkaline and designed for significant skin alteration and remodeling. By raising the skin's pH, it effectively softens and dissolves dead skin cells on a deeper level. While this is a powerful and effective method for skin revision, its aggressive nature makes it unsuitable for pregnant skin, which is already in a state of heightened sensitivity and reactivity. 

The overarching rule - avoid anything that may be harsh or aggressive. Your skin, just like you, needs TLC, not a fight.

Gentle & Effective Options 

During pregnancy, the focus shifts to nourishing, protecting, and balancing your skin with gentle yet effective ingredients. Here are some trusted products we recommend:

For Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatment:

• Mandelic Acid-based products: Mandelic Acid is a fantastic, gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that's considered safe during pregnancy. It's antibacterial and helps to exfoliate the skin's surface to prevent clogged pores without causing excessive irritation. Often found in cleansers or serums – book a consultation with me to see which one is best for you! 

• Sulfur: I’m always recommending Face Reality’s Sulfur Spot Treatment and GlyMed Plus Sulfur Masque for pregnancy acne. It's naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, helping to dry out blemishes and reduce redness without the harshness of other acne ingredients.

For Essential Hydration & Barrier Care:

• GlyMed Plus Cell Protection Balm: This balm is a true skin savior for dry, compromised, or irritated skin. It creates an incredible occlusive barrier, locking in moisture and protecting your skin from environmental stressors. It's also fantastic for soothing sensitive or stretched skin on the body.

• GlyMed Plus Comfort Cream: When your skin is feeling extra sensitive, red, or itchy (which can happen a lot during pregnancy!), this cream is a lifesaver. It provides rich hydration and uses ingredients like amino acids, beta-glucan (known for intense hydration), and soothing aloe vera to calm inflammation and support healing.

• Face Reality HydraBalance (for oily/combination skin) or HydraRemedy (for drier skin): These provide tailored hydration without any fuss. HydraBalance is a lightweight, water-based gel perfect for balancing hydration in oilier skin types, while HydraRemedy is a richer serum packed with different types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump drier, sensitive complexions.

For Stretch Marks (Proactive & Reactive Care):

• DMK Seba-E Oil* & DMK Moisturizer (Maximum Moisture* or Hydroloc*): The key to managing stretch marks is keeping the skin elastic and hydrated as it stretches. DMK Seba-E Oil is a rich, skin-mimicking oil designed to restore the acid mantle and provide essential fatty acids. Applying it with a DMK moisturizer over top like Maximum Moisture (for rich hydration) or Hydroloc (for intense barrier protection), creates a powerful occlusive layer that deeply nourishes and supports the skin's elasticity, helping to prevent and improve the appearance of stretch marks.

  ^{*Available only to existing clients}

• In-Clinic Enzyme Treatments: DMK also offers specific in-clinic enzyme treatments that can be done both during and after pregnancy. These treatments work to strengthen and rebuild the skin at a cellular level, enhancing its elasticity and regenerative capabilities, which can significantly help in managing and improving the appearance of stretch marks.

Mindful Supplementation During Pregnancy

Nutrition is foundational during pregnancy, and prenatal vitamins are essential. However, the world of additional supplements can be tricky, especially when it comes to skin-focused ingredients.

• Perelel Prenatals: When choosing a prenatal, it's vital to select one that is third-party tested and transparent about its sourcing. Perelel offers an excellent option, is acne-friendly by avoiding excessive amounts of Biotin or Vitamin B (which can sometimes trigger breakouts in acne prone skin). Always consult with your OB-GYN or healthcare provider about your prenatal and any additional supplements.

By combining these gentle, effective products with mindful supplementation, you're taking a comprehensive and proactive approach to supporting your skin throughout your pregnancy.

Your Best Guide: Always Consult Your Doctors & Esthetician

Navigating skincare during pregnancy requires extra caution and a personalized approach. Please remember this crucial disclaimer:

 * I am not a medical doctor or an OB-GYN. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

 * Always consult your doctor or OB-GYN before starting any new skincare products, supplements, or treatments during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider knows your specific medical history and can advise on what's safest for you and your baby.

 * While I, as your esthetician, can guide you on safe topical routines and treatments, I will always recommend you get clearance from your doctor. No pregnant woman should test products on herself without medical guidance.

Prioritizing safe practices, choosing gentle yet effective products, and always consulting your healthcare team, will set you up for a healthy, radiant, and confident pregnancy journey.

Best,

Maria