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.”
– Pharm. 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 significant transformation for the 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 an increase in existing ones during this period.

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

While these changes are temporary, proper care strategies can both alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term damage.

3. Most Common Skin Problems & Safe Solution Recommendations

- Melasma and Skin Spots

During pregnancy, symmetrical dark spots can 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. Among these, active ingredients like Alpha Arbutin, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C stand out.

🔎 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 reduces melanin production by suppressing the tyrosinase enzyme. Chemically, it is a glycoside derivative of hydroquinone.

It is true that there are some views suggesting arbutin can convert to hydroquinone during metabolism in the body. However, this effect has not yet been scientifically proven. Furthermore, for this conversion to occur, arbutin would need to be taken orally and enter the digestive system. When applied topically to the skin, due to its molecular structure, there is no such level of absorption and metabolic process.

As the expert team at Luishe Tokyo, we share the same view with many specialists and see no harm in the use of arbutin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, supported 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 local and superficial application, this metabolic pathway cannot be considered a valid reference when 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 provide strong protection against melasma formation when used with regular sunscreen.

- 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 active ingredients: Madecassoside, Beta-glucan, Azulene

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

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

4. Active Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare

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

Morning:

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

Evening:

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

Weekly:

• Genosys EpiTurnOver Peeling – Non-mechanical enzyme peeling
• Genosys Algae Sheet Mask – Moisturizing mask for intense hydration and soothing care overnight

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. Nevertheless, a physician should be consulted.
4. What should I do for acne? Safe ingredients like Niacinamide, zinc, azelaic acid should be preferred.

Don't Forget Your Own Radiance..

Pregnancy is one of the most special times for self-care and showing yourself compassion. The bond you build with your skin supports both your physical comfort and spiritual strength.

Every skin is unique. To determine the most suitable approach for your skin's needs during this special period, consulting your skincare specialist or doctor will ensure you take the most informed and safest 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