Maintaining That Maternity Glow: A Guide to Safe Care During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

"As we prepare for motherhood, our skin, like every cell in our body, writes a new story."
– Pharmacist Berfin Işık

1. Skin: The Silent Witness to the Transformation of Motherhood

Pregnancy is not only the beginning of a new life but also a period of great transformation for a mother's body and skin. During this time, increased hormone levels, circulatory system changes, and immune modulations directly affect the skin. Many women experience skin problems for the first time or see existing problems worsen during pregnancy.

2. What Changes in the Body During Pregnancy, How Does the Skin React?

While these changes are temporary, they can be alleviated with proper care strategies, and long-term permanent damage can be prevented.

3. Most Common Skin Problems & Safe Solutions

- Melasma and Skin Spots

During pregnancy, symmetrical dark spots may appear, especially on the forehead, upper lip, and cheeks. This condition is melasma, triggered by hormonal effects. In melasma treatment, we utilize various active ingredients to both reduce the appearance of existing spots and prevent new ones from forming. Among these, active ingredients such as Alpha Arbutin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and Vitamin C stand out.

🔎 So, can we use Alpha Arbutin during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Whether arbutin use is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a frequently asked question.

Arbutin is an active ingredient that suppresses the tyrosinase enzyme, thereby reducing melanin production. Chemically, it is a glycoside derivative of hydroquinone.

It is true that some views suggest arbutin may convert to hydroquinone during metabolism in the body. However, this effect has not yet been scientifically proven. Moreover, for this conversion to occur, arbutin would need to be ingested orally and enter the digestive system. When applied topically to the skin, due to its molecular structure, such a level of absorption and metabolism does not occur.

As the expert team at Luishe Tokyo, we share the same view as many experts and see no harm in the use of arbutin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, accompanied by scientific evidence indicating that its conversion to hydroquinone is not possible with topical application.

Additionally, hydroquinone is classified by the FDA as pregnancy category C. This class indicates that low levels of risk have been observed in animal studies, but human studies are insufficient. However, considering that arbutin is used only through topical and superficial application, this metabolic pathway cannot be considered a valid reference compared to hydroquinone's risk classification.

✨ Products containing arbutin (e.g., Luishe Tokyo Serum Alpha) can reduce the appearance of existing spots by suppressing melanin production via the tyrosinase enzyme, and when used with regular sunscreen, they provide strong protection against the formation of melasma.

- Pregnancy Acne

• Safe ingredients: Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Azelaic Acid (with doctor's recommendation)
• To avoid: Retinoids, high-dose BHA (salicylic acid)

- Dryness and Tightness

For moisture support: Hyaluronic acid, Beta-glucan, Panthenol, Allantoin

Supportive ingredients: Ceramides, Centella Asiatica, Squalane

- Sensitivity and Redness

Soothing actives: Madecassoside, Beta-glucan, Azulene

Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, hypoallergenic products are recommended.

Luishe Tokyo formulations combine active ingredients that can be safely preferred during pregnancy and breastfeeding with high-quality raw materials, in fragrance-free and vegan formulas, offering an effective and ethical alternative for sensitive skin.

4. Actives to Avoid in Skincare

5. Sample Daily Skincare Routine (Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Compatible)

Morning:

• Sulfate-free gentle cleanser,
• Luishe Tokyo Serum Beta – Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid with barrier support and soothing serum,
• Luishe Tokyo Serum Alpha – Arbutin-containing anti-spot serum (with doctor's approval)
• Luishe Tokyo April Sun SPF 50 – Mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen

Evening:

• Cleanser + rinse
• Luishe Tokyo Serum Beta – Panthenol + Beta-Glucan + Centella soothing serum
• Luishe Tokyo White Cloud Cream – Ceramide-based, barrier-strengthening moisturizer

Weekly:

• Genosys EpiTurnOver Peeling – Non-mechanical enzyme peeling
• Genosys Algae Sheet Mask – Hydrating mask for intense moisture and soothing care at night

6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. I accidentally applied a product containing retinol, what should I do? A single use usually does not cause problems. Cleanse the product off and inform your doctor.
2. Can I use Vitamin C? Yes. L-ascorbic acid form can be used in the 8-15% range.
3. Is Arbutin safe? It is safe for topical application. However, consult a physician.
4. What should I do for acne? Safe ingredients like Niacinamide, zinc, and azelaic acid should be preferred.

Don't Forget Your Own Radiance...

The pregnancy period is one of the most special times for self-care and self-compassion. The connection you build with your skin supports both your physical comfort and your emotional strength.

Every skin is unique. Consulting your skincare specialist or doctor to determine the most suitable approach for your skin's needs during this special period will help you take the most informed and safe step for both your health and your baby's.

Scientific References

1. Murase JE, Heller MM, Butler DC. (2014). Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation: Part I. Dermatologics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(3):401.e1-14. PMID: 24528911
2. Kaplan YC, Ozsarfati J, Etwel F, Goddard C, Koren G. (2015). Pregnancy outcomes following first-trimester exposure to topical retinoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol. 2015;173(5):1132-41. PMID: 26147315
3. Murase JE, Roberts EE, Martires KJ. (2022). Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products During Pregnancy. Dermatol Clin. 2022;40(3):303-312. PMID: 35309882