Skin Care During Pregnancy: What to Ask Your Dermatologist

You want your skin to be healthy and beautiful. When you are pregnant, hormonal changes can promote a healthy glow. Unfortunately, pregnancy can also cause skin issues. Our dermatologist can help. The dermatologists of Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases provide a wide range of medical and cosmetic dermatology services, including skincare recommendations. They have several convenient office locations in Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta. and Cumming, GA, to help you with a pregnancy skincare routine.

What You Need To Know About How Pregnancy Affects Your Skin

Your dermatologist can help you take care of your skin while you are pregnant, but you need to know what to ask. These are some useful questions and answers about skincare and pregnancy:

What causes skin changes during pregnancy?

Shifting hormone levels can often lead to increased blood flow causing the “glow” of pregnancy, acne, and other issues.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are small tears in the skin caused by the skin stretching from the baby, weight gain, and fluid retention. Stretch marks vary from person to person.

What are some other skin conditions I might have?

Other skin conditions you might experience include:

• Melasma, which is darkened skin caused by increased melanocyte activity
• Linea negra, which is a dark line on the center of the belly, caused by increased hormone secretion
• Acne, caused by an increase in oil and estrogen production

What can I do to help prevent skin changes during pregnancy? 

You need to wear sunscreen to help prevent melasma. A sunscreen with an SPF of 50 is ideal. Make sure you stay hydrated to help prevent stretch marks and use moisturizers which contain hyaluronic acid.

What products aren’t safe to use while I’m pregnant? 

Retinol products, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and artificial fragrances are all substances to avoid during pregnancy.

How should I take care of my skin during pregnancy? 

Remember to wash your skin at least once each day with mild cleansers, and avoid soap, which can dry out your skin. Pat, don’t rub, your skin. Leave a thin layer of moisture on your skin, and apply moisturizer over the moisture layer. Use non-comedogenic makeup products to help keep your skin clear, and don’t go to bed with makeup on your face.

Want To Know More?

Call the dermatologists of Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases. You can reach them in:

• Roswell, GA, by calling (770) 751-1133
• Sandy Springs, GA, by calling (404) 252-4333
• Alpharetta, GA, by calling (770) 664-5225
• Cumming, GA, by calling (770) 844-1902

Call today.