Hi!

Thank you so much for your question! As mentioned in the previous answer, hormonal acne in general can be very tricky to treat, as it's not the same hormonal imbalance for every client experiencing hormonal breakouts. Working with a Dermatologist, getting bloodwork done to identify specific imbalances, and potentially working with a holistic practitioner are all steps you can recommend your client take in addition to receiving regular treatments from you. This would likely provide the best result, so that they can target they exact imbalance they have, as well as work on the issue both internally and externally.

There are indeed many varying opinions about what ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy, specifically in regards to Salicylic Acid and brightening agents, and it is always best to refer them to their doctor to verify what ingredients they deem safe for the client to use while pregnant. The scope and liability of those recommendations is best handled with the doctor's licensure. That being said, there are some natural ingredients that can be used on hormonal acne that target the imbalances topically, as well as brighten hormonal pigmentation or scarring .

• Phytoestrogen containing plants such as Red Clover, Chasteberry, and Yucca have the ability to balance estrogen and prevent excess androgen hormones from "parking" into the cells, leading to excess oil production and breakouts. These ingredients can also help with hormonal pigmentation or Melasma, and could be found in a serum or masque your clients can use regularly.
• African Potato and swiss alpine plants, such as peppermint leaf, yarrow, and mallow flower have natural brightening properties for hyperpigmentation, similar to hydroquinone, but without the associated toxicity. Bearberry contains a naturally occurring chemical called arbutin that that also brightens pigmentation without side effects or toxicity. All of these ingredients could also be found in a masque, serum or moisturizer your client can use regularly.

Some additional tips with hormonal pigmentation that I have are:

• Making sure that your clients wear their sunblock/sunscreen daily, use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours. 
• Limiting heat and sun exposure, including taking cool or lukewarm showers. 

Those these don't seem as relevant to hormonal pigmentation, they are essential as both sun and heat exposure can make the condition worse through inflammatory response. 

I hope you found this information useful, and good luck with treating your clients! - Brian Goodwin

Hello, 

Thank you for reaching out with your question! Skin can change while pregnant or nursing to do the influx of hormones and it can present differently for each individual. Often times there will be an increase in oil production as well as the possibility of Melasma (sometimes referred to as "Pregnancy Mask") During pregnancy and nursing your skin care routine may differ from your regular day to day.

There are several different ingredients and treatments that you can receive while pregnant to help treat some of these more concerning issues. When you reach out to the esthetician or service provider be sure to mention you are pregnant and state your current concerns. Most professionals will be able to customize a treatment plan for you and be transparent about what you can and cannot receive. 

Number one, be sure to communicate with your Dr. or health care provider. There are many varying opinions out there on what is considered "safe" during pregnancy. As a professional it's important to work within your Dr's guidelines and your client's personal beliefs as well. Everyone is going to approach this in their own unique way. 

Some general tips to consider:

• Skin during this time can be more reactive or sensitive to products that normally are not an issue. This is due to the increase of hormones and the effect they have on the skin's barrier. If you find you are more sensitive I suggest cutting back and starting simple, slowing introducing your products back to see which one is causing sensitivity during this time. 
• If you are experiencing more oil which can lead to more breakouts you can look into different exfoliation methods and ingredients either in a cleanser, exfoliant, or mask. Incorporating a gel cleanser if you aren't currently using one is a great start. Kaolin clay for oil control in a mask is wonderful, so is lactic acid to provide exfoliation while also nourishing the skin. 
• There are lightening ingredients that can be used while pregnant. Hexylresorcinol, Azelaic acid, Niacinamide are great options is. It's important to remember that the hyperpigmentation that can occur during this time is also from the hormones so it may be more persistent. Protecting yourself in the sun is going to be key as well. Vitamin C is a great ingredient as well to help support the skin during this time. 

Warmly, 

Rebecca