Dry Skin

How to combat: 

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Look for thick creams that contain ceramides. Serums with vitamin B12 and hyaluronic acid can also help plump dry, dehydrated skin.

(Versine team note: Our multitasking serums simplify moisturization by packing in ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and a host of other luxury emollients and natural oils!)

Hyperpigmentation / melasma

How to combat: 

When it comes to melasma and hyperpigmentation, prevention with SPF and sun avoidance is more clinically effective (not to mention cost effective) than any treatment!

Apply a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide every morning. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.  Wear photoprotective attire, including wide-brimmed hats and UPF-rated clothing.

Products containing azelaic acid or Vitamin C (like Versine's Gentle Actives Clarity Crème-Serum + Azelaic Acid) can help with hyperpigmentation by inhibiting overactivity of pigment-producing cells.

Following pregnancy, hyperpigmentation may improve as hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, though pigmentary changes can be persistent.

Pregnancy Acne

How to combat: 

Azelaic acid doesn’t just address  hyperpigmentation – it can also help fight acne!

Azelaic acid can reduce acne during pregnancy  by inhibiting microbial growth and enhancing skin cell turnover. Using a gentle cleanser twice daily can help remove pore-clogging materials from the skin, too.

It is also highly recommended that any patients with acne use a mineral sunscreen daily to prevent hyperpigmentation.

(Versine team note: Just saying - azelaic acid is a pregnancy-friendly superstar active ingredient. See more about our formulations here.)

Stretch Marks (Striae)

How to combat: 

For many, stretch marks are an inevitable part of pregnancy, and some individuals may be genetically predisposed to more apparent stretch marks.

You can minimize the risk of stretch marks with frequent moisturization with thick creams, emollients, or oils in areas where there is significant skin stretching (including arms, torso, buttocks, and thighs).

Ensure that you are gaining a healthy amount of weight by following up with your doctor regularly. 

Spider Veins (Telangiectasias) and Varicose Veins

How to combat: 

Wearing compression socks can help prevent or delay the onset of varicose veins.

Tiny “spider” veins can be treated with sclerotherapy or lasers.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the veins that disrupts the walls of the veins. Depending on the size of varicose veins, sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, or surgical phlebectomy can be used to treat these.

Note that these are significant procedures that are generally avoided during pregnancy. You should speak with your doctor about whether these treatments may be appropriate for you. 

Nipple Dermatitis and Dryness

Not strictly pregnancy - but often follows soon after!

How to combat: 

Moisturizing treatments such as Vaseline, coconut oil, or lanolin-based ointments can be helpful to prevent dryness and cracking of the nipples.

Those with more significant nipple rashes should see a dermatologist, as topical steroids may be needed to help reduce inflammation and irritation.