Is it safe to remove spots during pregnancy? A Complete Guide to Safe Measures and Skin Care Methods

Many people may be concerned about "blemishes" during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of major changes in hormonal balance, and with this comes a variety of effects on the skin.

In particular, spotting is one of the most common skin problems that many pregnant women suffer from. Furthermore, there are restrictions on the skin care products and treatments that can be used during pregnancy, so you may be at a loss as to how to counteract the problem.

Here, we provide detailed information from a professional perspective on blemish prevention and skin care methods that can be safely undertaken during pregnancy. Get the information you need to properly respond to the skin changes unique to pregnancy, and take care of your skin with confidence.

 

Are spots more likely to form during pregnancy in the first place?

Pregnancy is a special time in one's life. However, during this period, the skin can be affected in many ways due to major changes in hormonal balance. A typical example is "blemishes. Here, we will explain in detail the causes and mechanisms that make spots more likely to appear during pregnancy, as well as the types of spots that can be seen.

Three main causes of spotting during pregnancy

The reasons why blemishes increase during pregnancy are closely related to the various changes that occur in the body. Three things in particular affect the skin during this period: changes in hormonal balance, ultraviolet rays, and increased melanin production. These are intricately intertwined and make the skin during pregnancy more prone to blemishes.

First, the secretion of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone increases dramatically during pregnancy. These hormones promote melanin production, and as a result, skin pigmentation is more likely to occur. This effect is particularly noticeable in areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face and neck, making spots more noticeable.

Second, the effects of UV rays cannot be overlooked. Pregnant skin is more delicate than usual due to hormonal effects, and its defense against UV rays is reduced. Therefore, even a small amount of sunlight can cause excessive melanin production, leading to the formation of spots. Neglecting UV protection can further accelerate the progression of these spots.

In addition, melanin production is increased during pregnancy as a natural defense response. This is the body's attempt to minimize external influences by thickening the skin to protect the baby from ultraviolet rays. However, if this process becomes excessive, melanin accumulates in certain areas, which then appear on the skin surface as spots.

The combination of these three factors increases a pregnant woman's risk of developing blemishes. Understanding the special physical changes that occur during pregnancy and taking measures to minimize this risk is the first step in maintaining healthy skin.

Types of blemishes seen during pregnancy

The two main types of pregnancy spots are

1. Chloasma
   These spots are easily affected by hormones and are especially visible during pregnancy. They often appear symmetrically on the face and are more noticeable under the eyes and around the cheekbones. Melasma may fade after childbirth as the hormonal balance is restored.
2. UV spots
   Inadequate UV protection during pregnancy increases the number of UV-exposed spots. Unlike melasma, these spots are characterized by their tendency to appear irregularly in areas exposed to UV rays.

During pregnancy, the skin barrier function is reduced and the skin becomes more sensitive to dryness and irritation. As a result, irritants that would not normally bother you (UV rays, friction, etc.) can easily become a cause of problems. In addition, the increased blood flow characteristic of pregnancy may cause noticeable redness of the skin and accentuate pigmentation.

 

What are the measures against spots that are safe to do during pregnancy? Three recommended measures!

Now that we understand the causes of spotting during pregnancy, the next question is, "How can we prevent spots from forming and worsening?" Let's consider the following question: "How can we prevent spots from forming and worsening? During pregnancy, in addition to changes in hormonal balance, the skin tends to become more sensitive.

Therefore, it is important to take precautions while choosing safe and skin-friendly methods. Here we will discuss in detail UV protection, lifestyle modifications, and skin care products that can be used during pregnancy.

UV protection｜The most important way to prevent spots, even during pregnancy

UV protection is one of the most effective ways to prevent blemishes during pregnancy. UV rays are a major factor in the formation of blemishes, as they stress the skin and promote melanin production. However, during pregnancy, products should be chosen with careful attention to ingredients.

During pregnancy, it is important to choose sunscreens with ingredients that are less irritating and safer, especially "non-chemical" products containing the following ingredients

• Zinc oxide: an ingredient that physically reflects UV rays and is gentle to sensitive skin.
• Titanium dioxide: does not absorb UV rays and reflects them on the skin surface, making it hypoallergenic.

In addition, selecting products with "SPF 30 or higher" and "PA+++ or higher" will provide sufficient UV protection. If you will be outdoors for a long period of time, remember to reapply frequently.

Improving Lifestyle｜Preventing Blemishes by Approaching from the Inside

The skin is like a "mirror" that reflects the internal health of the body. Hormonal imbalance is one of the causes of blemishes during pregnancy, but you can minimize its effects by adjusting your lifestyle. Be sure to consume nutrients that help skin turnover, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.

nutrient	Foods Containing	function
vitamin C	Citrus fruits, kiwi, bell peppers	Suppresses melanin production
vitamin E	Nuts, avocado, vegetable oil	Prevents oxidative damage to the skin
zinc (Zn)	Seafood, eggs, pumpkin seeds	Supports skin repair

Lack of sleep and stress can further disrupt the hormonal balance, and getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day and consciously making time for relaxation can reduce the negative effects on the skin.

Choosing skin care products for use during pregnancy

In choosing skin care products during pregnancy, the safety of the ingredients is paramount. Pregnant skin tends to be more sensitive due to hormonal effects, and the products you normally use may no longer be suitable. Therefore, it is important to choose products that are non-irritating and contain ingredients that are safe to use during pregnancy.

For example, "niacinamide" is one of the recommended ingredients for skin care during pregnancy. This ingredient is a type of vitamin B3, which helps prevent blemishes by suppressing melanin production. It is also expected to strengthen the skin's barrier function, thereby protecting the skin during pregnancy, which tends to become dry. Furthermore, it also helps to keep the skin bright, making it ideal for times when dullness is a concern.

Another ingredient of note is vitamin C derivative. While direct vitamin C may irritate the skin, vitamin C derivatives are less irritating and can be used safely during pregnancy. This ingredient inhibits melanin production and has a preventive effect on skin spots. It also has antioxidant properties, which can be expected to prevent skin aging.

When choosing a product, it is safe to choose one that is labeled for sensitive skin, such as "alcohol-free," "paraben-free," or "fragrance-free. Products with these features listed are less likely to irritate skin during pregnancy and are more likely to prevent problems. It is also important to perform a patch test before using any new skin care products. Apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your arm and make sure there is nothing wrong with your skin before using it on your face.

 

Blemish Treatment and Precautions to Avoid During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the skin becomes more delicate and at the same time, the available skin care and beauty treatment options are limited. We have discussed safe blemish control measures in the previous section, but here, on the other hand, we will take a closer look at treatments and ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy. It is very important to know what to avoid in order to protect your body and your unborn child during pregnancy.

Laser treatment｜Why it should be avoided during pregnancy

Undergoing laser treatment during pregnancy is generally discouraged. Although laser therapy is known to be a highly effective method of improving blemishes, there is insufficient research data on the effects of laser therapy on the skin and body during pregnancy, so it should be carefully evaluated from a safety perspective.

Since the body is more sensitive during pregnancy due to hormonal imbalance, it is wise to avoid it, especially if there is concern about risk to the skin or to the fetus.

Risk to skin

Skin during pregnancy is more delicate than normal. The hormonal balance during this period makes the skin more sensitive and reactive to external stimuli.

Laser treatment uses heat and light, which increases the risk of causing inflammation and worsening pigmentation. In particular, it is not recommended to perform this treatment during pregnancy, as it may cause new skin problems in an attempt to improve blemishes.

Safety to the fetus is unknown

There is no clear evidence that laser treatment itself has a direct effect on the fetus. However, the stress and pain felt by the mother during treatment may indirectly affect the mother and the fetus.

Considering that this is a time when the health of the fetus should be a top priority, it is wise to avoid treatments that cannot be completely ruled out as potentially risky.

Reasons to avoid the use of strong whitening ingredients

Skin care during pregnancy requires careful attention to the ingredients used. In particular, some of the most effective whitening ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy. This is because of concerns about the effects of these ingredients on the fetus and the possibility of strong irritation to the skin.

hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a leading whitening ingredient and is widely used to treat blemishes. However, due to its high absorption rate, it cannot be completely ruled out that trace amounts may enter the bloodstream and affect the fetus.

During pregnancy, the safety of mother and fetus is paramount and products containing this ingredient should not be used. For temporary skin problems during pregnancy, it is recommended that a safer, more established method be chosen.

Retinol (Vitamin A derivative)

Retinol is an ingredient that promotes turnover and improves spots and wrinkles, but should be used with caution during pregnancy. High concentrations of vitamin A have been identified as a risk to the fetus, and its use should be avoided even for topical applications. It is important to consult with a physician before making a prudent decision regarding any product whose safety is not fully guaranteed during pregnancy.

Cautions for esthetic and cosmetic procedures

During pregnancy, you may be tempted to go to an esthetic salon for relaxation, but you should avoid using harsh treatments. The skin during this period is more sensitive than usual, and overzealous care may cause skin problems.

Peeling and radiofrequency treatment

Chemical peels and radiofrequency treatments are not suitable for pregnant skin. These procedures can easily irritate the skin and cause inflammation and dryness. For sensitive skin during pregnancy, it is important to avoid these irritating procedures and choose gentle skin care.

Strong Massage

Blood flow is altered during pregnancy, and a strong massage may be too much for the mother. In particular, lymphatic stimulation and strong pressure should be avoided.

If relaxation is your goal, choose a facility that offers gentle treatments for pregnant women and be sure to take safety precautions.

 

summary

For those suffering from pregnancy spots, the most important thing is to choose a safe and reasonable method. Skin problems caused by hormonal imbalance are often temporary, and with continued proper care, significant improvement can be expected.

Careful skin care during pregnancy will also help improve your skin after delivery. By taking a long-term viewpoint and not rushing, we can work hard to prevent blemishes while protecting healthy skin. We hope that we can support you in taking one step at a time toward a beautiful future while taking care of your own skin and body.

At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.

Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.