Skincare for Two
By: Dr. Rhonda Klein + Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson – Board Certified Dermatologists and Co-Founders of Modern Dermatology in Westport.
Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson and Dr. Rhonda Klein are the cofounders of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT. Modern Dermatology is a full service, comprehensive Dermatology practice that serves all ages and provides medical, surgical and cosmetic care. They also happen to each be a mom to 4 kiddos – so from all sides of the conversation, we knew they were the perfect resource to talk to about skincare during pregnancy.
While pregnancy hair and nails may have never looked better, many expecting mamas come to us struggling with their skin. It’s common for pregnancy related skin issues to arise during those first few months as hormones ramp up and adjustments to diet and lifestyle settle into place. We’ve summarized here some of the most common questions and concerns as it relates to pregnancy + skincare!
Routine Revamp
If you’ve been taking great care of your skin, chances are some of the products in your routine will need to be swapped out while you’re pregnant (and nursing).
Skip: Retinols/Retinoids
Safe swap: try Bakuchiol, which is a plant-based retinol alternative that works amazingly. Layer a dime-sized amount of Alastin Restorative Skin Complex overtop to nourish with peptides that help stimulate collagen + elastin production to plump fine lines.
Skip: Hydroquinone
Safe swap: try a Vitamin C antioxidant serum, which can lighten and brighten hyperpigmentation, while protecting the skin from further UV or environmental damage. We love SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF and ISDIN’s Flavo-C ampoules.
Skip: Chemical SPFs (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone)
Safe swap: Physical/Mineral SPF, such as Skinbetter Science Sun Better Compact, ISDIN Eryfotona, and Alastin HydraTint.
Hormonal Acne
Even women who have never been bothered by acne before may notice breakouts during pregnancy. This can be frustrating since unfortunately some of our go-to acne treatments aren’t safe during pregnancy. Overall, it’s a great reason to audit your skincare and makeup bag – be sure to toss out anything that contains oils and isn’t explicitly labeled as noncomedogenic. It’s also a great time to try a HydraFacial, which is pregnancy safe and provides instant results. The gentle suction clears out pores, while infusing a customized cocktail of goodies for the skin. It’s the perfect way to pamper and get great results.
While it’s advised that expecting moms avoid Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid there are two cleansers we really love for gentle, but effective, cleansing: CLn Facial Cleanser and Alastin Gentle Cleanser.
Hyperpigmentation
Melasma appears when the underlying hormone called Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSG) goes overboard and increases production of melanin – more melanin = darker skin. This same hormone is responsible for the linea negra -- that dark line running down the beautiful baby bump of many pregnant women.
Hormones + sun (and heat) exposure are what trigger Melasma to flare. It’s critical to shield your face from the sun with a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and physical sunscreen 30+. Melasma can lessen once your hormone levels return to normal, but depending on how severe it is, many patients opt for some help from us to reverse it.
The Skinbetter Science EVEN Tone Correcting Serum has a safe, non-hydroquinone brightener and moisturizing serum, which can help brighten and even out hyperpigmented skin.
Changes
Both pregnancy and new mom life can bring about new skin conditions or trigger old ones. Due to the surge of hormones in pregnancy it’s often a time when patients will notice new or changing skin lesions; growing moles, new skin tags and lipomas are very common. Sometimes new skin sensitivities also arise, presenting as atopic dermatitis. Moving into post-partum and the early years, sleep is low and cortisol levels high, which can trigger acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.
Post-partum hair loss is another concern that brings us many worried patients. This hair loss usually peaks about four months after giving birth and for most moms they see their normal hair growth by their child’s first birthday. If your hair does not regain its normal fullness after one year, we suggest you come in and be seen to rule out an underlying thyroid or autoimmune condition that might be at play.
Overall, any time you notice something new or changing, we would like to see you. Furthermore, regular skin cancer screenings are recommended, the frequency will be something discussed based on your lifestyle and family history. Read more about what to expect at a skin cancer screening on our website.
We’re here for post-partum pick-me-ups too! We are proud to offer what we like to call “Tweakments;” small enhancements to our patients’ natural features. The most common tweakments for women 30+ include:
Injectables: We go for fresh, not frozen, when it comes to Botox and dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation and sculpting. With little to no downtime, these non-surgical solutions can be customized for your individual concern.
Laser + Light + Energy: Laser, light and energy-based treatments address issues of pigmentation, collagen loss and skin texture. We also offer vaginal rejuvenation which is a non-invasive laser-based treatment that helps to restore vaginal health by tightening and toning the vaginal tissue with minimal discomfort. Most laser, light and energy- based treatment plans will require multiple sessions and will be determined after your consultation with your doctor.
Body Sculpting: Dr. Robinson is fellowship trained in body sculpting therapies such as liposuction, Cellfina and hair transplantation. In addition, Dr. Klein and Robinson both offer non-invasive options such as Coolsculpting, Emsculpt, and Sculpsure.
Aesthetician Services: Our office also has two experienced onsite aestheticians, which rounds out our offerings with specialty facials chemical peels, waxing and tinting, dermaplaning and microdermabrasion.
Last, but not least, we can also treat your kiddos. While there are some skin conditions more common in children, any skin condition that affects adults may also affect children. Modern Dermatology is proud to be a one-stop practice for the entire family's care.
Follow along on our Instagram for more tips and information about our treatments and services: @moderndermct, @deannemrazrobinsonmd and @rhondakleinmd.