Pregnancy is a beautiful time for a woman, your whole world changes. So do your skin and hair. This brief guide helps you to keep unwelcome changes at bay (according to a dermatologist.)

Skin and Hair Changes During Pregnancy

Some lucky women hardly notice any change in their skin or hair throughout their pregnancy. But many experiences at least one less favorable change or worsening skin disorder at some point. These pregnancy woes are related to the female hormonal roller coaster (estrogen and progesterone). The surge of hormones greatly affects pigments, blood vessels, glands, and the immune system. As a result, dry skin, dark skin & hyperpigmentation skin (a condition called melasma), and acne are more common during pregnancy. Women with preexisting skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may also experience a change in symptoms. Conversely, as the skin retains more moisture which helps smooth out fine lines & wrinkles and boosts blood flow, skin looks radiant. People may comment you have a ‘pregnancy glow.‘

Pregnancy hormones usually speed up hair growth. The increased estrogen supports the natural hair cycle and lengthens the active phase giving visibly thicker hair. Unfortunately, the increased hair is shed after delivery. Sometimes these hormones change the shape of follicles, and hair becomes curly or switches its texture entirely. In addition, unwanted hair growth is also common in pregnant women—many notices excessive hair on the face, back, and legs.

Pregnancy-Safe Skin and Hair Care

Discuss the safety of your current skin and haircare regimen with your dermatologist and OB/GYN, especially if you’re taking prescription-strength medications or are concerned about a preexisting skin condition.

Avoid following controversial “pregnancy-unsafe” ingredients and treatments.
  • All retinoids, including retinol, retinal, and retinyl palmitate linked with congenital disabilities
  • Due to the high absorption rate, skin-lightning hydroquinone for melasma, which can be brought on by pregnancy
  • Phthalates are linked to severe reproductive and hormone dysfunction. Diethylphthalate (DEP) is the most common phthalate in beauty products.
  • Formaldehyde-a known cancer-causing agent and can increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage. Now it is rare to use formaldehyde as a preservative. But formaldehyde-releasers such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, hydroxymethylglycinate, imidazolidinyl urea are commonly found in cosmetics with a similar potentially dangerous effect. For example, keratin smoothing treatments release unsafe levels of formaldehyde.
  • Oxybenzone and its derivatives in sunscreens, a known endocrine-disrupting chemical that could disrupt hormones and cause permanent damage to mother and baby.
  • Take a break from hair dyeing, highlights, perming, and straightening treatments.
  • Don’t use over-the-counter hair treatments ex. Minoxidil during or post pregnancy.
  • Shampoos for dandruff that use salicylic acid should be avoided.
  • Avoid chemical and laser removal during pregnancy.Oxybenzone and its derivatives in sunscreens, a known endocrine-disrupting chemical that could disrupt hormones and cause permanent damage to mother and baby.
Use pregnancy-safe ingredients to reverse an unwelcome change brought on by pregnancy.
  • Acne: If you’re prone to breakouts, use AHA-based products, including mandelic acid and glycolic acid, for safer alternatives to using retinoids while expecting. Azelaic acid is also safe for treating acne during pregnancy.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Azelaic acid can be used to treat “pregnancy mask,” a dark blemish that can appear on cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Slather a broad-spectrum SPF 50 mineral sunscreen containing Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to prevent darkening of existing melasma condition
  • Dry skin & stretchmarks: Hormone changes lead to dry skin. Drinking plenty of water, apply moisturizing products that contain coconut oil, cocoa butter, peptides, and hyaluronic acid (HA) to improve hydration and prevent stretchmarks.
  • Antioxidant protection: Add products containing Vitamin B3, C, E and botanical extracts like green tea to fend off free radicals and preserve the younger-looking skin.

Sunscreen: Use 30+ mineral sunscreen liberally to reduce sunburn even if you are not suffering melasma.