Q:I recently learned that I'm pregnant, and now I'm afraid to use any skin care products! Can you give me a quick rundown of the do's and don'ts?
A: Congratulations! My first suggestion is that you raise specific questions with your doctor.
That being said, I can give you a few general guidelines:
Don't use retinoids . Accutane is a pregnancy no-no and it's use during pregnancy leads to birth defects.
Don't use salicylic acid. Instead, substitute products with lactic or glycolic acid.
Do pay attention to changes in your skin's pigmentation. Melasma, a type of estrogen-influenced hyperpigmentation that manifests as brown patches on the upper lip, nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead, is so common during pregnancy that it's often called ''the mask of pregnancy.'' Hydroquinone, a powerful skin-lightening ingredient, is safe to use during pregnancy, but many women prefer to avoid it. DDF Intensive Holistic Lightener is an effective, hydroquinone-free alternative.
Don't use chemical sunscreens Instead, try physical sunscreens -- those that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, like Blue Lizard Suncream -- which remain on the skin's surface and protect it by reflecting UV rays.
Do slather cocoa butter or shea butter lotions on your tummy! As skin expands, it's important to keep its proteins lubricated to minimize stretch marks.
Dr. Leslie Baumann is a board certified dermatologist at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. E-mail: drb@drbaumann.com
