In pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes. From your wonderfully growing bellies to midnight food cravings- it is 9 months of finding the new you in eating, exercise and skin care!  Dr. Wright has a list that she provides her expecting mothers and many ingredients that may not be safe for pregnant women.

Read on to find out more!

Dr. Wright’s Tip:

During pregnancy, many women can experience acne or increased acne. From fluctuating hormones, your skin can experience an increase in oil production as well as pigmentation and texture changes. Consider these Do’s and Don’ts for your pregnancy skin care regimen:

1. Salicylic Acid (as well as BHA or Beta Hydroxy Acid) is NOT recommended for pregnant women. Most acne skincare has salicylic acid so it is important to look for a good alternative, such as lactic of glycolic acid (also known as AHA), which work similarly. My BP SCRUB with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide  is safe for pregnant women and cleanses without those harmful ingredients.
2. Do NOT use any retinoids as well as over-the-counter retinol products (like Retin-A, Retinaldehyde, Retrinal, Retinyl Palmitate).  Although studies have shown that the oral kind of retinoids, like Accutane, is more harmful than topical creams, it is best to just avoid them.  As an alternative my REFINING CREAMS and LOTIONS with 10-20% glycolic are a great remedy for your acne.
3. Although some products have “natural” ingredients and may seem harmless, ingredients like soy or bergamot oil can actually worsen skin pigmentation issues like Melasma. Other herbs and plants may also be unsuitable for pregnant women, so make sure to educate yourself on natural ingredients.
4. Wear your sunscreen! Although sunscreens may have many chemicals in them, it is still important to be aware of the right kind to use. My Matte Finish and Chemical Free SPF 30 Sunscreen is safe for even the most sensitive skin.

But if you realize you have used a product that contains one of the potentially harmful ingredients noted above, don’t panic. Simply stop using the product now and pick one with known-to-be-safe ingredients.
If you are applying these products to less than 10 percent of your total skin surface, the risks of systemic effects are very low.