Written by Founder, Amir Karam MD
Pregnancy and postpartum are beautiful yet challenging periods that bring about profound changes in a woman's body, including the skin. During this time, the skin often becomes more sensitive due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. I get asked so often by my patients can I still continue my skincare routine during pregnancy or breast feeding? It’s a great question and an important one to get right so let’s take a deeper dive.
When you're pregnant, everything that goes into and onto your body is now shared with your baby, making it crucial to reevaluate your skincare routine. Pregnancy, with all its hormonal swings, can affect your skin in unpredictable ways. For some, it can lead to a radiant glow, while for others, it might bring on unexpected skin issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity.
In addition to Retinoids and Hydroquinone, which are now commonly cautioned to steer clear from during pregnancy, there are several other ingredients that you need to be aware of when selecting your skincare.
High doses of Salicylic Acid have been shown in studies to cause various pregnancy complications. It's best to avoid products that contain a high concentration of salicylic acid, often found in products for acne treatment.
Essential oils like rosemary, clary sage, and others have been known to trigger uterine contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Sunscreens that use chemicals like Oxybenzone and Avobenzone to filter UV rays can potentially interfere with hormones. Opt for mineral sunscreens instead.
These are often used in cosmetics as preservatives and fragrances, respectively. Some studies suggest that they may disrupt the endocrine system, so it's best to use products that are 'paraben-free' and 'phthalate-free'.
While it may seem like there are countless ingredients to avoid, there are plenty of safe and beneficial alternatives to incorporate into your skincare routine.
As hormonal changes may cause your skin to become more sensitive and prone to breakouts, it’s important to keep it clean. Opt for a gentle cleanser that will remove impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with a physical (or mineral) sunscreen. Ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safe and create a barrier to protect your skin.
Antioxidants like Vitamin C can help protect your skin from environmental damage. They're also great for brightening the skin, which can be beneficial if you're dealing with pregnancy-induced hyperpigmentation.
Keep your skin hydrated with a quality moisturizer. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and peptides, which help maintain your skin's moisture barrier. If your skin is extra dry, you might also want to incorporate products with Glycerin, Shea Butter, or oils like Jojoba, Sesame, Baobab, Maurla, and Rosehip.
If pregnancy brings on breakouts, don't despair. Some ingredients, like Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid, can help control acne and are widely considered ingredients that you can use throughout pregnancy. However, as with any new product, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
While you may be overjoyed at the arrival of your new baby, postpartum hormonal changes can take a toll on your skin. This period could bring about various skin issues, including acne, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and the appearance of stretch marks. Thus, adjustments to your skincare routine are often necessary.
Once you've given birth, many of the skincare restrictions from pregnancy are lifted, but there are still some considerations, especially if you are breastfeeding.
While some studies suggest that topical retinoids might be safe during breastfeeding, the research is not conclusive. Retinol is an active form of Vitamin A, and excessive amounts can potentially harm a nursing infant. Consult with your healthcare provider before reintroducing it into your routine.
If you're dealing with hyperpigmentation or melasma from pregnancy, you might be considering Hydroquinone. It can be an effective treatment, but its absorption rate into the bloodstream is quite high. As with Retinoids, it's best to discuss using Hydroquinone while breastfeeding with your healthcare provider.
Maintaining good skin care habits postpartum is crucial, and some new practices may be beneficial.
Keep up the habits mentioned above regarding cleansing, hydration and moisturizing. If hormonal changes are causing breakouts, continue with a gentle cleanser. Additionally, Your skin may become more dry and sensitive after giving birth. Continue to use a hydrating moisturizer, and consider adding a hydrating serum into your routine.
Even though pregnancy is over, sunscreen is still a must (it really should always be a priority)! Protecting your skin from sun exposure can help reduce postpartum hyperpigmentation and melasma.
If you're dealing with postpartum acne, you can now safely use products containing Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid. However, remember to start slow and monitor your skin for any signs of irritation.
For new stretch marks, keeping the area well-moisturized is key. Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, and Centella Asiatica are known to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time. There are also specialized creams and oils available that are designed, and there are tons of natural oils that will keep your skin supple. I recommend consulting with your doctor, and conducting some of your own research prior to integrating these products into your routine.
Continue to include Antioxidants in your routine. Vitamin C, for instance, is excellent for brightening the skin and combating any pigmentation issues that might have arisen during pregnancy.
Navigating the world of skincare during pregnancy and postpartum can be a delicate dance. Hormonal changes can impact your skin in unpredictable ways, and harmful ingredients for developing babies make it necessary to reevaluate your skincare routine. While some adjustments may be necessary, including potentially giving up certain beloved products like our Quench and Illuminate, which contain cautionary ingredients for expectant mothers, there's still a world of skincare to embrace. Emphasizing gentle cleansers, such as our Rinse, can help you maintain a fresh and clean complexion while ensuring the safety and well-being of both you and your precious baby. Ample hydration, sun protection, and antioxidants will all be beneficial for those pregnancy-induced changes, and it's all about making informed choices to nurture your skin and body during this remarkable time in your life.
As a reminder, defying skin aging and embracing lifelong youthful-looking skin is a marathon, not a sprint. Your lifelong habit of using a comprehensive and effective skincare routine will make a world of difference, even when making modifications throughout pregnancy.
My key tips are to:
1) continue to create a habit of consistent skincare.
2) incorporate the Trifecta back into your routine when you safely can, and
3) practice could sun protection throughout
4) don't sweat temporary modifications you make during this season!
Remember, every woman's journey through pregnancy and postpartum is unique, and so are the changes in their skin. The key is to listen to your body, consult with your healthcare provider when in doubt, and make appropriate adjustments in your skincare routine.
While the journey may seem overwhelming, it's also an extraordinary period of change, transformation, and beauty. Through mindful skincare practices, you can confidently embrace these life-altering experiences while taking care of your skin's health.
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8 comments
Emily Bercow
Is it okay to use polish and quench during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. I have eliminated the illuminate but wasn’t sure about those other two. Thanks! Also do you recommend a healthy tinted sunscreen during and after pregnancy that is safe? Thanks
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KaramMD Skin replied:
Hi Emily—Thanks for your comment! We know that navigating self-care during pregnancy and breastfeeding can be a challenge and everyone’s experience is unique. While our products are formulated without parabens, GMOs, chemical dyes, phthalates, harsh sulfates, alcohol or other harmful ingredients, we recommend that you discuss your skincare regime with your physician and follow their guidance. Here is a guide that Dr. Karam wrote about how you can adjust your skincare routine during pregnancy, and postpartum: https://karammdskin.com/blogs/expert-advice/adjusting-your-skincare-during-pregnancy-postpartum?pos=1&_sid=77d21adb5&ss=r Hopefully that helps with some more information you can take into account as you make your decision.
Marla
Perhaps you can make another version of quench and illuminate adjusted for pregnancy. Would be amazing to adjust them with alternative ingredients but still functioning the same
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KaramMD Skin replied:
Hi Marla—Thanks for reading the Journal and sharing your feedback! We’re so glad you’re thinking about skincare during such an important time. Quench is perfectly safe to use during pregnancy, and for those looking for a powerful anti-aging option without Retinol, we highly recommend Enrich instead of Illuminate. Enrich features Bakuchiol, a natural retinol-alternative that delivers similar anti-aging results, like smoothing fine lines and improving skin tone and texture, without the risks associated with Retinol. We won’t be adjusting the formulas within the Trifecta because the products were designed with specific intention behind each ingredient, and balanced perfectly to be the optimal anti-aging combination as it is, but for those who can not use Retinol, we already have a great solution for you! Simply use Rinse and Quench, and skip Illuminate but substitute with Enrich during pregnancy or postpartum. You’ll still get incredible hydration, improved skin tone and texture, and a beautifully smooth complexion—all while staying pregnancy-safe. We hope this helps, and we’re here if you have any more questions!
Romy
How can one reverse the “streched” skin on the abdomen after childborth. Not stretchmarks but skin looks wrinkled.
Suzy
Can I use the Trifecta while breastfeeding?
Customer Support Team
Hi Ambreen,
We know that navigating self-care during pregnancy and breastfeeding can be a challenge and everyone’s experience is unique. While our products are formulated without parabens, GMOs, chemical dyes, phthalates, harsh sulfates, alcohol or other harmful ingredients, we recommend that you discuss your skincare regime with your physician and follow their guidance.
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