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

"As we prepare to become a mother, our skin, like every cell in the body, writes a new story."
– Pharmacist Berfin Işık

Volume 1, The Silent Witness to the Transformation that Comes with Motherhood

Pregnancy isn't just the start of a new life; it's also a period of profound transformation for the mother's body and skin. During this period, rising hormone levels, circulatory system changes, and immune modulation directly impact the skin. Many women experience skin problems that may be new or worsening during this period.

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

Change	Effect on Skin
Increased Estrogen & Progesterone	Oiliness, acne, melasma (pregnancy spots)
Increase in Blood Volume	Facial redness, visible veins
Modulation of the Immune System	Eczema, dermatitis attacks
Skin Barrier Weakening	Dryness, tightness, sensitivity
Increased Pigment Production	Darkening around the eyes, cheeks, and lips

Although these changes are temporary, they can be both relieved and prevented from causing permanent damage in the long term with the right care strategies.

3. Most Common Skin Problems & Safe Solutions

- Melasma and Skin Blemishes

During pregnancy, symmetrical dark spots can appear, particularly on the forehead, upper lip, and cheeks. This condition is melasma , triggered by hormonal influences. In melasma treatment, we utilize various active ingredients to both reduce the appearance of existing spots and prevent new ones. Prominent among these are Alpha Arbutin , azelaic acid , niacinamide , and vitamin C.

🔎 So, can we use Alpha Arbutin during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Whether or not using arbutin is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a frequently asked question.

Arbutin is an active ingredient that reduces melanin production by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase. Chemically, it is a glycoside derivative of hydroquinone.

It's true that some suggest that arbutin can be converted into hydroquinone during metabolism in the body. However, this effect has not yet been scientifically proven. Furthermore, for this conversion to occur, arbutin must be taken orally and then incorporated into the digestive system. When applied topically, due to its molecular structure, this level of absorption and metabolism are not possible.

As the L'Adore Tokyo expert team, we share the same opinion as many experts and see no harm in using arbutin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in light of scientific evidence indicating that the conversion of arbutin to hydroquinone is not possible with topical application.

Additionally, hydroquinone is classified by the FDA as pregnancy category C. This classification indicates that animal studies have shown a low risk, but human studies are insufficient. However, given that arbutin is used only via topical and topical application , this metabolic pathway cannot be considered a valid reference for comparing the risk classification of hydroquinone.

✨ Products containing arbutin (e.g., L'Adore Tokyo Serum Alpha ) can reduce the appearance of existing spots by suppressing melanin production via the tyrosinase enzyme. When used in conjunction with regular sunscreen, they provide powerful protection against melasma formation. Their effectiveness is particularly enhanced when used in combination with antioxidants (e.g. , L'Adore Tokyo Serum Vitamin C ) in the morning routine. Alpha Arbutin, found in L'Adore Tokyo formulations, has been developed to be suitable for sensitive skin.

- Pregnancy Acne

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

- Dryness and Tension

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

Supporting ingredients: Ceramides, Centella Asiatica, Squalane

- Sensitivity and Redness

Soothing active ingredients: Madecassoside, Beta glucan, Azulene

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

L'Adore Tokyo formulations offer an effective and ethical alternative for sensitive skin by combining active ingredients that can be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding with high-quality raw materials, fragrance-free and vegan formulas.

4. Actives to Avoid in Skin Care

Contents	Why Should You Stay Away?
Retinoids	Teratogenic (risk of congenital anomalies)
Hydroquinone	High systemic absorption (~40%)
High dose Salicylic Acid (>2%)	Potential for systemic effects
Paraben / Phthalate / Formaldehyde	Hormonal system disruptor potential
Powerful essential oils	May trigger uterine contractions

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

Morning:

• Sulfate-free gentle cleanser,
• L'Adore Tokyo Serum Beta – Serum with barrier support and soothing effect with Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid,
• L'Adore Tokyo Serum Alpha – Anti-blemish serum with arbutin (with physician approval)
• L'Adore Tokyo April Sun SPF 50 – Mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen

Evening:

• Cleanser + rinse
• L'Adore Tokyo Serum Beta – Soothing serum with Panthenol + Beta Glucan + Centella

• L'Adore Tokyo White Cloud Cream – Ceramide-based, barrier-strengthening moisturizer

Weekly:

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

6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. I accidentally applied a retinol product. What should I do? One-time use usually doesn't cause any problems. Rinse the product off and consult your doctor.
2. Can I use vitamin C? Yes. The L-ascorbic acid form can be used in the 8-15% range.
3. Is Arbutin safe? It is safe for topical use. However, a physician should be consulted.
4. What should I do for acne? Safe ingredients like niacinamide, zinc, and azelaic acid should be preferred.

Don't Forget Your Own Shine..

Pregnancy is one of the most special times to care for yourself and show compassion. The connection you form with your skin supports both your physical comfort and your mental strength.

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

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Source

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Skincare in pregnancy: Clinical guidelines . ACOG Publications.

2. US Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Pregnancy and lactation labeling for prescription topical drugs . FDA Safety Guidelines.

3. Bissonnette, R., Zeng, H., & Maari, C. (2020). Arbutin and skin metabolism. Dermatologic Therapy , 33(6), e14000. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14000

4. Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). Skin Deep® cosmetics database. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/