Las Vegas Skin & Cancer Clinics

Las Vegas Skin & Cancer Clinics

WestDerm

Come Join Us for our End of Summer Botox Event 🎉

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Don’t be sad summer is almost over! We have an exciting event for you to look forward to. Freshen up for the next season ahead with our End of Summer Botox Event where we’ll be offering special savings on Botox, Filler, and skincare.
Thru SEPTEMBER 13 – 24th, enjoy these special offers:
– $50 off 30+ units of Botox
– $75 off 40+ units of Botox
– $125 off 2 syringes of Filler
– 20% off all skincare
– Raffle prizes
– Refer a Friend: $25 OFF (each) towards your next cosmetic treatment
Get your best look NOW by booking your appointment today!
*valid at participating clinics only, through September 24th. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Understanding Your Skin Type & How To Care For It

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Knowing your skin type is the first step to caring for it. This knowledge lets you put together the skin care routine that’s best for you. So what kind of skin do you have, anyway? A dermatologist can answer that question at your annual checkup. But if you can’t wait until then, here are some guidelines that will help you make an informed guess.
Normal Skin? You’re Lucky  
Are your pores barely visible? Is your skin not too dry or too oily? Do you have almost no skin imperfections? If you answered yes to these questions, then your skin is normal—and we’re jealous. Normal skin is one of the five basic skin types and is characterized by balance. It needs regular cleansing, moisturizing, and a vitamin c serum or a retinoid. Either a chemical or a mineral sunscreen is a good choice for normal skin types.  
Do You Have Oily Skin? 
Oily skin is the type where your pores are large, and your skin is shiny all over. This extends beyond the center of your face and includes your cheeks, too. Oily skin is often acne-prone and needs special care.  
· Cleanse your face morning and night.  
· The best way to moisturize oily skin is with an oil-free product. We recommend you go for a moisturizer with salicylic acid to keep acne under control.  
· A retinoid can help keep pores clear and reduce breakouts. 
· Choose a mineral sunscreen because it won’t clog your pores. 
How To Know If Your Skin Type Is Dry 
You might have dry skin if your pores are almost invisible and you have more lines than other people your age. Other clues that point toward dry skin include red patches and dull, rough skin. Dry skin needs the following hydrating skin care regime: 
· Wash your face at night. In the morning, just splash it with water and gently pat it dry.  
· Reach for a moisturizer that’s oil-based and thick.  
· Add a layer of moisture on top of your retinoid at night. Consider using retinoid every other night to keep your skin from getting too irritated.  
· Use a sunscreen and moisturizer combination during the day. 
You Have Combination Skin If… 
Combination skin means your skin is only shiny in your t-zone (the center of your face) and not along the sides. In this case, your pores will usually look large on your nose and forehead. But your pores will be less visible on other parts of your face.  
· Wash your face morning and night unless it becomes too dry and then you can skip washing it in the morning for a day or two until it regains its balance.  
· Consider using a thicker moisturizer on the dryer parts of your face and an oil-free product in the center of your face.  
· You’ll benefit from a retinoid at night but might need to layer moisturizer on top of the dryer parts of your face.  
· Reach for a non-comedogenic mineral sunscreen. 
Is Your Skin The Sensitive Type? 
Redness, itching, burning, and dryness are all signs that you might have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin needs extra gentle care, so remember to:  
· Use a mild facial cleanser and consider washing your face only at night. 
· It’s helpful to moisturize sensitive skin with a fragrance-free product.  
· Ask your dermatologist before you use retinoid. 
· Sunscreen is vital, so already-sensitive skin doesn’t become even more irritated.  
 
Your Skin Type Can Change 
It’s important to know that your skin type doesn’t always stay the same throughout life. It can change as you age or undergo significant changes like pregnancy or menopause. It can also vary based on the season. For example, most people experience more dryness during the winter. 
Understanding your skin type is the first step to care for it. If you’re not sure what category your skin falls into, schedule an annual checkup with one of our board-certified dermatologists. They’re happy to answer all of your skin care questions.  

5 Ways to Honor Skin Care Awareness Month

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The largest organ in our body, surprisingly, is our skin. This big surface does so much for us: it keeps germs out; it cools; it lets us feel sensations. So, how about treating our skin right this month and celebrating National Skin Care Awareness with these five ideas: 
 
Protect Your Skin 
Old sunscreen that’s expired loses its ability to protect our skin. So, check your expiration date and if it has passed, toss the old bottle and buy yourself a new sunscreen this month. Sunscreen is the most potent product we can use to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging rays and maintain our youthful, dewy glow.  
 
Rub A New Moisturizer Into Your Skin 
It can be light and thin or rich and creamy. Whatever your preference, the key is to hydrate your skin with something that feels nourishing to you. Go beyond moisturizing your hands and slide lotion all over your body, including your feet. We recommend you try ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10 for intense hydration.  
 
Give Your Skin A Laser Treatment 
Whether it’s wrinkles, sun spots, acne, or unwanted hair, expect all your skin worries to fade when you book yourself in for a laser treatment. Lasers give instant gratification for anyone looking to treat their skin this month. West Dermatology offers laser hair removal and laser skin resurfacing.  
 
Feed Your Skin Antioxidants 
Eat vegetables and fruit to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants. Harmful things like alcohol, fried foods, and inflammation bombard our skin daily from the inside. Air pollution and UV rays bombard it from the outside. Help your skin regain its balance by eating the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day this month. And remember to eat all the other skin-benefiting foods, too. You can go nuts with almonds, spice it up with cinnamon, and amend your skin with avocado. You can also try this Sun ISDIN Softgel Capsules Antioxidant Supplement. 
Take Your Skin To Its Annual Exam 
You’ll be surprised at just how easy it is to get your annual skin check-up. Your dermatologist will start by asking you a few simple questions about your skin. Then, they’ll gently examine it. There are about twenty square feet of skin on your body, and only one square foot of that is on your face. Although your face is the most visible part, other areas are more hidden but still essential to check, like your back. Your dermatologist will pay special attention to the spots and moles on your body. They’re looking for things like the size of moles, irregular borders, and specific colors. Expect them to ask you if you’ve noticed any changes to your moles over time. Our dermatologists can answer any other questions you have about your skin at your annual check-up.  
 
Our skin organ is massive at twenty square feet. All that skin needs protection and nourishment. September is the month to raise our awareness and start taking even better care of our skin. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or treat your skin to one of the fabulous products from our online shop.

The Root of Hair Thinning & Hair Loss

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Do you know the medical term for a hair doctor? If you said ‘dermatologist,’ you’re right! Most people don’t realize that dermatologists are trained beyond skincare and can also help with conditions like hair loss. It may sound strange, but it’s true—a dermatologist is a skin, nail, and hair doctor. Our board-certified dermatologists can diagnose the cause of your hair loss. They can also prescribe the products you need to improve your hair’s follicle growth cycle for better hair. 
How Much Hair Loss is Normal
You have more than 100,000 hairs on your head. They constantly cycle between growing and falling out. Losing between 50-100 hairs each day is part of the normal hair growth cycle. If more than this falls out, your hair is thinning, and it’s time to see your dermatologist. 
Signs of Thinning Hair in —Women 
One of the first things a woman will notice when her hair’s thinning is that her part line seems wider than usual. Women might also see more scalp and less hair than before around the hairline that frames their face. This happens when follicles die. This means her scalp produces fewer hairs per square inch than usual. If this is happening, you need a dermatologist’s help to avoid further hair loss. 
Men Should Look For These Signs
The beginning of typical male-patterned baldness is a sure sign of hair loss. This starts above the temples and circles around the head, leaving only a strip of hair along the bottom. Men might also notice a receding hairline. Both of these signal disruption of the normal hair follicle cycle. 
Causes of Hair Loss
The most common cause of hair loss is the aging process. It’s natural for some follicles to stop producing hair. But hormonal changes experienced in pregnancy and menopause can cause your hair to thin while you’re relatively young. In addition, some people’s hair falls out prematurely because of a medical condition they have or medication they’re taking. Whatever the cause, if your hair loss is distressing to you, there are products your dermatologist can recommend to improve the situation. 
Products For Fuller Hair
The solution to thinning hair is medical-grade products. Our West Dermatology Skincare Shop offers quality brands like Nutrafol. Some of these work from the inside, others work from the outside. Both are effective: the best one for you is the one your dermatologist prescribes for your specific hair-loss condition. 
Hair Growth Serum
You can apply topical products directly to your scalp for ingredients that keep your hair follicle life cycle growing normally. Our dermatologists recommend Nutrafol Hair Growth Serum. This leave-in product contains a blend of antioxidants and minerals to support hair growth. You can massage it into your scalp twice a day.
Products That Work Internally
We also carry products at West Dermatology that help support your hair growth from the inside out. These supplements come in capsule form and are taken orally. They include the following quality products from Nutrafol:
Schedule An Appointment 
Hair loss doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of growing older, pregnancy, menopause, or illness. Our board-certified dermatologists can help you find the products you need to keep the fullest head of hair possible, despite your specific challenges. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and get on the path to better hair health. 

What are Antioxidants & Why They Are Great For Your Skin ✨

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Let’s bask in the knowledge that summer is a great time to add an antioxidant serum to our skincare routine to neutralize the free radical mayhem caused by sunlight. The sun causes about 90% of skin damage. And because UV rays are most intense during summer, it’s peak season for free radical injury.  
 
The Origin Of Free Radicals
The sun is a major source of skin-hurting free radicals, but it’s not the only thing we need to consider. Our bodies make free radicals naturally. They’re a byproduct of metabolism (oxidation). The bigger problem is that we’re also exposed to a barrage of free radicals through air pollution, pesticides, smoking, ionizing radiation, inflammation, fried foods, and alcohol. Add intense UV rays to the list of sources, and it’s easy to see we have a lot of skin-harming free radicals to deal with this summer.
 
What Is A Free radical?
A free radical is a molecule with unpaired electron that scavenges our body looking for an electron to bind with. If it pairs with a regular electron, it oxidizes, and causes damage. Just as a freshly cut apple oxidizes and browns, our skin oxidizes and ages from free radicals. Oxidation breaks down our vital dermal proteins—collagen and elastin. The result is damaged skin that sags, wrinkles, discolors and ages prematurely.
 
Antioxidants Neutralize Free Radicals
The exciting thing is that nature gave us “radical” protection in the form of the amazing antioxidant. An antioxidant can bind harmlessly with a free radical’s unpaired electron. This pairing neutralizes the free radical and stops (or slows) the threat of skin damage. Adding an antioxidant serum to your skin care routine can go a long way to protect you from free radical damage. Plus, antioxidants have the added benefit of reducing inflammation. So, if you have acne or rosacea, massaging an antioxidant serum into your skin will calm the redness. 
 
Type of antioxidants: 
There’s a variety of anti-oxidant topicals to choose from but our board-certified dermatologists tell us the best type of antioxidants contain vitamins A, C, or E. The high quality, medical-grade products we recommend are SkinCeuticals – C E Ferulic, Phloretin and Silymerin.
 
Can’t You Just Get Antioxidants From Food
It’s true that food, especially fruits and vegetables, are filled with skin-benefiting antioxidants. But when you consume antioxidants through food, you share them with your entire body. Topical antioxidants, on the other hand, protect the skin where they’re applied. This lets you direct your protection to the places on your body where you need it most—like the face, neck and chest and back of the hands.
 
Summer is the most impactful time of year to add antioxidant topicals to our skin care routine. Just knowing we have this extra protection makes us feel like we’re glowing inside. Actually adding the protection to our skin means we’ll glow on the outside, too. Our staff and dermatologists are always here to help you find the right antioxidant for you and answer any questions you have. Reach out to us today if you’d like to schedule an appointment and come in for a visit. 

How to Manage Oily Skin in the Summer

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If you’ve noticed your skin has a little extra shine, then it’s likely that you have what’s classified as oily skin. While it’s true that everybody has oil in their skin (after all, it’s what helps keep it hydrated!), too much oil can cause breakouts and too much shine. If this sounds like you, then you’ll be happy to know that there are some dermatologist-approved tips for how you can help your oily skin, especially during the warmer weather of summer.
 
What Causes Oily Skin Anyway?
Under each pore of your skin is something called a sebaceous gland that produces sebum. Sebum helps keep your skin hydrated. However, if your sebaceous gland happens to produce a bit too much sebum, then that’s what leads to oily skin. You may be curious about why some people may produce more sebum than others. The causes for oily skin may be linked to:
 
·      Genetics
·      Your location
·      The season
·      Age
·      Enlarged pores
·      Using the wrong skincare products
 
Understanding why you may be producing more oil can help you correct the issue or find the appropriate treatment plan.
 
Warmer Weather Means More Oil
Summer is upon us, and while that usually means more time at the beach, it also means more oil on your skin. In the summer months, we all sweat more. This means that people who have oily skin tend to see even more shine, and people who don’t typically have oily skin may start to see signs of it. Therefore, it’s important to evaluate your skin so that you know what kind of skincare you should be doing to protect your skin.
 
Tips for Oily Skin During the Summer Months
As the temperature rises, it’s a good idea to make sure that your skin is ready for this season. Here are a few skincare tips to keep in mind if you have oily skin.
 
Deep cleanse: It’s important to go the extra mile when cleaning your face. Dermatologists suggest doing a deep cleanse, especially during the summer months, to help your skin properly hydrate and moisturize your skin. This helps reduce the appearance of oil and the likeliness of breakouts. We recommend SkinCeuticals Replenishing Cleanser Cream.
 
Wear sunscreen: You should always wear sunscreen, but it’s especially helpful for people with oily skin. Slathering on a healthy amount of sunscreen helps control oil and shine. Shop sunscreens here.
 
Skip the makeup: Help your pores out by going foundation-free this summer. Doing so could help keep your pores clear and less oil buildup on your face.
 
Remember to exfoliate: Exfoliating is an important part of your skincare routine, but especially so if your skin is oily. Exfoliating allows you to slough away dead skin and other buildups of product on your skin. We recommend SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub.
 
Don’t forget to moisturize: It may feel counterproductive to moisturize oily skin, but it is absolutely necessary. You must keep your skin hydrated if you want to achieve balance. We recommend SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer.
 
If you’re dealing with oily skin this summer, know that you’re not alone! There are plenty of people just like you who are definitely working through the struggle. The important thing to remember is to keep your skincare routine a priority, and remember to give your skin a break by protecting it from the sun and skipping makeup when you can.
 
This summer is sure to be the best one yet–let’s make sure your skin is ready for it! And as always, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment.

The Key Factors that Cause Psoriasis

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Psoriasis is a multifactorial, auto-immune disease. The exact reasons behind psoriasis are still unclear.
The condition has a strong genetic background. Research suggests that an interaction between genetics and the immune system is one of the primary reasons behind the condition. Some common triggers can worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. The impact of these triggers varies from one person to another. 

The Link Between Psoriasis and Genetics

Having a family member with psoriasis enhances your level of risk for the condition. However, people with no family history of psoriasis can still be diagnosed with the disorder. Research conducted on psoriatic skin shows the presence of gene mutations (called alleles). 
However, the presence of alleles alone cannot cause a person to develop the condition. Genetic studies have identified 25 gene variants that can increase the risk of psoriasis. The studies indicate a person’s risk level in developing psoriasis. 
  • If one parent has psoriasis, then there is a 10% chance for the child to have the condition. 
  • If both parents have psoriasis, the risk is over 50%. 
  • If you have a relative with psoriasis, then the chances of being diagnosed with the condition are over 30%. 
The specific method through which psoriasis passes from the parent to the child is not entirely understood. 
The Interplay between Genetics and the Immune System
When the immune system encounters a foreign body such as a virus or bacteria, the T cells respond. The body builds proteins that are involved in the identification of molecules called antigens. 
When a person has psoriasis, the gene mutations cause the T cells to identify their skin cells as foreign and attack them incorrectly. The body makes new cells more often than required. The additional skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin and thus cause psoriasis. 

Other Contributing Factors of Psoriasis

The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) has revealed that at least 10% of people inherit genes that can cause psoriasis. But only 3% of people develop the condition. When external triggers combine with genetics, the chance of developing psoriasis is high. Some of the external factors are, 
Stress
The connection between stress and psoriasis is like a loop. Psoriasis causes stress. Stress causes inflammation and increased activation of the immune cells. This results in a psoriasis flare-up. 
Skin Injury
Bruises, bumps, and other forms of injuries can irritate your skin and set off the immune system. As a result, the injured portion of the skin becomes the site of a psoriasis flare-up. 
Weather
The National Psoriasis Foundation suggests that cold and dry weather can trigger psoriasis. Some studies support the intake of Vitamin D supplements to regulate the immune system during winters. 
Drugs
Certain drugs like antimalarials, aspirin, beta-blockers can aggravate psoriasis.
Gut Health
When the bacterial ecosystem in your gut is dysregulated, “leakiness” in the gut can be observed. This triggers inflammation through the entire body and causes the development of psoriasis. 
Infections
Infections such as COVID 19 can trigger psoriasis through systemic inflammation. The most common infectious trigger of psoriasis is strep throat. 
Lifestyle Habits
Smoking is said to flare up psoriasis by over 60%. The nicotinic receptors in the T cells of the immune system regulate cell activity. The nicotine present in cigarettes can interfere with the functions of the receptors. 

Get Help with Treating Psoriasis 

Appropriate treatment measures can control the symptoms of psoriasis.
At West Dermatology, we are profoundly aware of the physical and psychological impact of psoriasis. We offer customized treatment plans to relieve patients from their discomfort and to get clearer skin. Contact us today if you notice any signs of the condition. 

How To Get Rid of Melasma Spots for Good

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It’s so frustrating to stare into the mirror at a dark spot on our face and feel helpless to do anything about it. We try to cover it up, but no amount of make-up can force the dark spot on our face—and self-esteem—to disappear for good. What we need is a dermatologist-approved solution strong enough to fade the blemish so we’re not forced to live with it. We can help with that!
What Exactly is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition. Areas of concentrated pigmentation leave dark spots on the face. Although women get it the most, it also affects men. It often begins during middle-age and has many causes. 
Blame The Sun 
Radiation from the sun damages skin and makes it overproduce pigmentation in select areas on the face, especially the cheeks and forehead. These spots are typically darkest during the summer. They fade as sun exposure decreases in the winter, although they never completely vanish without treatment. 
Hormones Play a Role, Too
Hormones are responsible for some types of melasma, especially in expectant mothers who can develop “pregnancy mask.” These blotchy patches of color are usually symmetrical and most commonly found on the cheeks. In addition to childbirth, melasma can also be caused by hormonal birth control and hormone replacement therapy.
Melasma Is Not Dangerous
We don’t need to worry about melasma developing into cancer. Fortunately, this skin condition needs medical attention for aesthetic reasons only. It requires medical-grade products that can fade the pigmented areas, so they blend in better with our natural skin and give us a more even complexion. 
There’s Hope For Dark Spots
Melasma fades under the guidance of West Dermatology’s board-certified doctors. They can prescribe the top-of-the line skincare products and high-tech lasers we need for blemish-free skin.
Skin Care Products That Lighten Melasma
A real improvement from melasma symptoms comes from using medical-grade products. Our shop carries West Dermatology Skin Tone Enhancement Therapy Pads, Skinceuticals Discoloration Defence, and SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum. It’s important to get a dermatologist’s professional opinion on which of these products is most effective for our skin condition. 
It’s a Stubborn Skin Condition
Skincare products are the first recommended treatment for melasma. This skin condition is known to be stubborn and often takes several rounds of treatment before patients see the dramatic results they hope for. It’s important to stay motivated and committed to the treatment plan your dermatologist prescribes. 
Dermatology Procedures Also Fade Dark Spots
Our skin experts at West Dermatology offer procedures to lighten melasma spots. These include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, light-based procedures and lasers. 
Melasma Is High-Maintenance
Once your skin spots lighten, you’ll need to keep up with the skincare or procedure regimen your dermatologist recommended. There is, unfortunately, no cure for melasma. This may sound disappointing, but the good news is that this skin condition can be improved and kept in check with regular maintenance. 
The best thing you can do for your melasma is to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly dermatologists. They’ll take a look at your skin and recommend the best melasma-fading products our shop has to offer, and fill you in on the latest in-office procedures for even-looking skin.

Your Guide to Melasma

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Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown patches to appear on people’s faces. While it’s not a serious medical issue, it can certainly be a cosmetic issue that many people would like to treat. Here we will discuss what causes melasma and the possible treatment options.
Causes of Melasma
Unfortunately, there is no single cause for melasma, but rather it is a combination of things that occur at one time. Typically, melasma appears after excessive sun exposure, changes in hormones, and a person’s genetics. It’s not unusual for melasma to appear after a woman starts taking birth control or at some point throughout her pregnancy because there are significant hormone shifts that occur. For these reasons, melasma is also known as a “pregnancy mask.” Sometimes it simply occurs after ongoing sun exposure or if there is a family history of the skin condition. 
 
Treatment Options
It’s important to understand that melasma doesn’t fade completely, but it can be lightened in some cases that it is virtually non-existent. There are some ways that you can reduce the appearance of it and keep the condition more contained. Here are some treatment options to keep in mind:
Limit Sun Exposure
 
Help stop the spread of melasma by protecting your skin from the sun. You should always wear high SPF sunblock, proper clothing, and a hat when outdoors. Not only can sun exposure lead to melasma, but it can also aggravate an existing condition of it. 
Retinol-Based Creams
Retinol works to increase your skin’s cell turnover. As the pigmented skin exfoliates after the use of retinol, the faster the dark areas begin to fade. Be mindful of using this type of product, as it can be harsh for some people’s skin types. Talk to your dermatologist about the type of creams you should use. 
 
Pigment Blockers
 
Pigment blockers are used to lighten the skin and can be used in conjunction with your sunscreen. Talk to your dermatologist about the pigment blockers that work best for you. 
 
Laser Treatments
 
There are a variety of lasers that can be used to break up the pigmentation of melasma. The severity of your melasma will determine if this is the right treatment option for you
Other Considerations about Melasma
 
It’s important to know that melasma won’t completely go away on its own, but treatments can help. While this condition is sometimes referred to as a “pregnancy mask,” it doesn’t only impact women. Men can also be affected by melasma, especially if they have a family history or have excessive sun exposure. People at higher risk are women and individuals with darker skin pigmentation. 
 
Discuss Your Options
 
At West Dermatology, we are committed to providing our patients with the information they need to make treatment decisions. While melasma may be something you’ll have to manage throughout your entire life, there are effective ways to lighten your skin and protect it from future damage. To learn more about melasma and the treatment options we provide, contact our office today. We are here to provide the guidance you need to achieve healthier skin. 

A West Dermatologist Dishes Her Pregnancy Skincare Tips

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Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your skin with hormonal acne, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. Plus, pregnancy skincare has its own set of rules—like no retinol and retinoids. We talked to our very own board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Jessica Riley to sort out what is and isn’t allowed during pregnancy. She also let us in on how she expertly cared for her own skin before, during, and after pregnancy. 
 
What did you change about your routine once you found out you were pregnant, and why?
Dr. Riley said removing retinol was the number one change she made to her skincare routine. Retinols are known to harm a growing baby. She erred on the side of caution with all other skincare products. “We have to be so careful in pregnancy because most skincare products are not studied in pregnant women, so it’s hard to know what is safe to use,” Dr. Riley said.
 
What did your skincare routine look like before pregnancy?
AM routine: 
·      Skinceuticals gentle cleanser – is great for sensitive skin
·      Skinceuticals C E Ferulic – is a powerful antioxidant to combat aging and protect the skin from sun damage
·      Skinmedica Lytera 2.0 – helps with pigmentation and evening out skin tone
·      Isdin Ageless tinted sunscreen – is lightweight, easy to apply, and blends evenly with most skin tones
 
PM routine:
·      Retinol three times weekly, alternated with Skinceuticals Glycolic 10 – it gives skin a nice glow
·      Isdin’s Melatonik – is a serum that acts like a retinoid but doesn’t cause dryness or irritation
·      Skinmedica Lytera 2.0
 
What was your complete skincare routine while you were pregnant?
AM routine: 
·      C E Ferulic
 
PM routine: 
 
What about pregnancy acne?
Pregnant women may experience hormonal acne because androgen levels are higher than usual. Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide washes are safe to use in pregnancy. 
 “Once I found out I was pregnant, I switched to using the Skinceuticals glycolic acid wash,” she said. This wash helps with keeping pigmentation under control and fights acne, too. Dr. Riley said topical prescription options are available, so consult with your dermatologist if over-the-counter glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide wash is not working.
 
What about sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a must because too much sun exposure can contribute to pregnancy mask, also called melasma. You can manage these brown and tan patches of hyperpigmentation by wearing zinc oxide sunscreen. Dr. Riley said she was especially careful not to use chemical sunscreen while she was pregnant.
 “There was a study that came out a few years ago showing that chemical sunscreens can be absorbed systemically, even though the absorption is minimal,” she said. Dr. Riley stuck with Isdin Ageless sunscreen because it’s pure zinc oxide, without any chemicals.
 
Anything else you would like to include? 
“I went full-force after pregnancy to get my skin back into shape by using a prescription lightening cream called hydroquinone and retinol, in addition to the products I mentioned above,” she said. Dr. Riley said adding on the SkinMedica instant bright eye cream was helpful to mask the effects of sleepless nights after her baby was born. 
 
Partner with a dermatologist if you’re pregnant
Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your skin, but partnering with a dermatologist to help you through pregnancy and afterward can be helpful. If you have acne or rosacea during pregnancy, please make sure to talk to one of our board-certified dermatologists about treatments that you can use safely in pregnancy. Reach out for an appointment or if you have any questions for us.