Pregnancy Skin Care Guide: The Best Dermatologist Explains What You Can Expect

Calling all moms-to-be, this is for you. If you've been looking forward to that proverbial pregnancy glow but come across dark patches of skin discoloration, you've come to the right place. While stretch marks are an expected side effect of skin care during pregnancy, there are many other side effects that are not. In addition, many of the ingredients that are used to counteract the effects you may experience during this time are just as off-limits as this spicy tuna roll. To learn more about what you can expect and what you should avoid when it comes to skincare during pregnancy, we reached out to board certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert, Dr. Dhawal Bhanusali. 

Change in skin color

“Stretches are extremely common,” explains Dr. Bhanusali. Other effects? “Melasma, also known as the pregnancy mask, is a common condition that occurs on the cheeks, chin and forehead and is characterized by dark patches of pigment. Patients sometimes also notice increased darkening of the nipples, skin warts, and moles all over the body. Some may also develop distinct hyperpigmentation in the middle of the stomach, known as a black line."

Changes in hair thickness

Many women will notice an increase in the thickness and speed of hair growth...everywhere. “While it may be beneficial for bouffant curls in the short term, some patients may suffer from a condition called telogen effluvium after childbirth. This is a rapid hair loss that usually occurs three to six months after childbirth. This is generally considered to be intermittent and most recover within the next few months. This is due to cumulative stress in the body and drastic changes in hormone levels. It should be noted that you can also see this after trauma, surgery, or stressful life events,” says Dr. Bhanusali.

Visible veins

“You can often see more prominent veins, especially on the legs,” he explains. “This is due to the accumulation of blood and can sometimes cause itching and mild discomfort. I generally recommend that patients keep their legs as elevated as possible when they are sitting and moisturize them two to three times a day.”

What Ingredients to Avoid When You Expect

Chances are that the moment you found out you were having a baby, you changed your diet. No more cocktails after work, forget the ham sandwich and, well... soft cheeses, they're officially banned. However, did you know that among this long list of things to avoid during pregnancy, there are some skin care ingredients? Dr. Bhanusali says that retinoids, including retinols, are strictly prohibited, and products containing hydroquinone, which is often found in dark spot correctors, should be stopped immediately. “I usually use a less is more approach with pregnant patients,” he says. Other ingredients to avoid include dihydroxyacetone, which is often found in self-tanning formulas and parabens.

Fluctuating hormone levels can cause the skin to produce excess sebum. Keeping your face clean will help prevent breakouts, but salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two other ingredients to avoid, so spot treatments will have to wait until your baby is born (and after you've stopped breastfeeding). Choose a good cleanser, moisturizer and, as always, sunscreen. “I usually recommend sunscreen – physical ones are better, like Skinceuticals Physical Defense SPF 50,” he says.

What to achieve

Dr. Bhanusali is well versed in skin care from the inside out and recommends that her pregnant patients consume foods rich in vitamin E, such as almond oil, and vitamin B5, such as Greek yogurt.

After giving birth, you can return to your normal skin care routine, unless you are breastfeeding, in which case you should wait a bit. More often than not, the side effects you experienced while waiting for your little bundle of joy will go away on their own. If you're a new mom who's ready to regain her post-pregnancy glow, check out our guide here.!