Hormones are famous for playing havoc with our skin throughout our lives, however they can often cause the most destruction during pregnancy. Of course, many women are lucky enough to get the famed pregnancy ‘glow’ but sadly some are not and have to handle the perils of adult acne, heightened sensitivity, and skin pigmentation all during a time that is supposed to be ‘beautiful’ and ‘ethereal’. This is made worse by the fact that some skincare ingredients and treatments are completely off limits; due to the risk they pose to the foetus.

Thankfully Dr Tina Meder - dermatologist, cardiologist, and founder of Meder Beauty Science - has provided essential information on what products, ingredients, and treatments should be avoided throughout the months of pregnancy. Working within cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine since 1995. Dr Meder specialises in the development of topical solutions for aesthetic concerns, as well as theoretical research of their safety and effect. Read on for her detailed guide of what to be mindful of during pregnancy .

Pregnancy Skincare - The Dont’s

Photo by TolikoffPhotography/iStock / Getty Images

Systemic retinoids (particularly Roaccutane) used in acne treatments are strictly forbidden during pregnancy, so much so that dermatologists advise women not to plan a pregnancy for the whole duration of therapy.

Injectables will have to wait too. Botulinum toxin, fillers, and bio revitalisation are officially forbidden from being administered to pregnant women in all countries of the world.
Machine treatments, whether high-intensity or energy-assisted methods, should be avoided. Laser resurfacing, RF liftings, and, of course, cryolipolysis, should also be avoided during pregnancy.
Skincare products formulated with retinol derivatives are not recommended. There is no definitive proof of any negative effects yet, however it has been suggested that retinol derivatives may pose a risk of harm, however minor, to the embryo.
Whitening and brightening solutions with hydroquinone are safe to use during pregnancy and won’t harm the foetus. However, skin can become more sensitive during pregnancy, increasing the risk of side effects and complications from these treatments.
Salicylic acid is also safe to use during pregnancy and won’t harm the foetus. However, like hydroquinone, salicylic acid is not recommended either, for the same reason. Salicylic acid can be found in many skincare products, including body care, so be sure to read a product’s ingredients list before use.
The jury is still out on glycolic acid, with some dermatologists recommending it be avoided during pregnancy. However, this doesn’t mean all AHAs need to be avoided! Citric and lactic acids, for example, are safe to use during pregnancy.
Although natural, there are several essential oils that should be used with caution during pregnancy. The agents they contain have small molecular weight and high volatility, so they may affect the body as a whole. Many essential oils increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV, which isn’t great considering the risk of pigmentation is higher during pregnancy.
Camphor, peppermint extract, and mint oil are also not recommended during pregnancy, especially for those late in pregnancy or those with an increased risk of miscarriage. These ingredients are perfectly safe for use outside of pregnancy, however pregnant women should ensure skincare products are free of these ingredients before using them.

Pregnancy Safe - Meder Beauty Science

Gentle Cleansing

Fluctuating hormones can led to increased skin sensitivity. Pregnant and breast feeding women often overlook their choice of cleanser falling at the first hurdle when trying to adopt a more restorative skincare regime. Dr Meder recommends Net-Apax Prebiotic Cleanser (£39) which is specially designed for thin, traumatised, irritated and sensitive skin. The extract of Silver Mallow soothes the skin, eases the discomfort and suppresses inflammation. The unique Prebiotic BioEcolia® ingredient rebalances, maintains and stimulates the skins ecoflora, strengthening its own natural protection.

Treating Breakouts

If you have a problem with blemishes, they may become more pronounced during pregnancy. The extra hormones in a pregnant or breast feeding woman’s body causes oil glands to secrete more, which can increase breakouts. Dr Meder recommends Equa-Derm Cream (£74) a prebiotic face cream that reduces sebum production by 30% in the first few weeks of use. Equa-Derm Cream helps decrease hormone-related skin sensitivity, tightens pores and reduces the redness and swelling associated with spots.

Understanding Melasma

About 70 percent of women experience melasma, a patchy darkening of the face that happens during pregnancy. Estrogen stimulates an increase in pigment production leading to darker freckles, worsening brown patches on the face, and even darker moles. Tranexamic acid provides a powerful and specific anti-inflammatory action and stops pigmentation from forming under the skin. At the same time, it blocks the transfer of pigment, while also calming the skin and helping to restore the skin barrier. You can find this ingredient in Meder Beauty’s Hydra-Fill Sheet Masks, (£61) which have the added benefit of offering the user some much needed R&R.

For more information about Meder Beauty Science please visit www.mederbeauty.com

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