Poovamma A S

About

Navigating skin changes during pregnancy and after delivery isn’t as glamorous as Instagram makes it seem. I’m a dermatologist and a new mom, so I know firsthand how confusing and overwhelming it gets. I’ve tried a lot, messed up a bit, and learned what actually works. Let’s skip the myths and get to the stuff that’s safe and actually helps.

What’s Safe and What’s Not

• I never recommend retinoids, oral isotretinoin, or tetracycline antibiotics during pregnancy or breastfeeding. These can cause harm to your baby.
• For acne, I stick with safer basics: azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide (max 5%), and sometimes oral antibiotics like erythromycin, but only with close supervision.
• Some in-clinic stuff like glycolic acid peels are ok, but I’ll always talk you through what’s right for you.

Common Issues I See

• Hormonal acne during pregnancy usually pops up in the third trimester. It’s annoying, but we can manage it safely.
• Stretch marks? If your mom had them, there’s a good chance you will too. Early care can help, but don’t expect miracles. We can chat about microneedling after delivery.
• Treating melasma after childbirth (the “mask of pregnancy”) takes patience. Sunscreen is your best friend, and I’ll help with safe topicals like niacinamide or vitamin C.

Real Talk

There’s no “instant fix.” Skincare is slow, and every mom’s skin is different. I’ll walk with you, so you feel confident and cared for on this journey.