Q&A with Dr. Emily Yin

Common Skin Changes that Occur with Pregnancy
(and what to do about them!)

The team behind our signature serums at Versine included Dr. Emily Yin, a graduate of Yale Medical School and practicing dermatologist in NYC.

In this blog post we address some of the skin issues that occur for many women when pregnant, and how to take action!

Dr. Emily Yin

The Versine Promise:
Effective Ingredients and Peace of Mind

Versine products are beautiful and made with pregnancy in mind, all without sacrificing active ingredients.

 We carefully select science-backed ingredients with the most demanding safety profiles. Address fine lines, pregnancy breakouts, or dull skin, and relax in the knowledge the products are absolutely safe for pregnancy (and everything else).

Dry Skin

How to combat: 

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Look for thick creams that contain ceramides. Serums with vitamin B12 and hyaluronic acid can also help plump dry, dehydrated skin.

(Versine team note: Our multitasking serums simplify moisturization by packing in ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and a host of other luxury emollients and natural oils!)

Hyperpigmentation / melasma

How to combat: 

When it comes to melasma and hyperpigmentation, prevention with SPF and sun avoidance is more clinically effective (not to mention cost effective) than any treatment!

Apply a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide every morning. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.  Wear photoprotective attire, including wide-brimmed hats and UPF-rated clothing.

Products containing azelaic acid or Vitamin C (like Versine's Gentle Actives Clarity Crème-Serum + Azelaic Acid) can help with hyperpigmentation by inhibiting overactivity of pigment-producing cells.

Following pregnancy, hyperpigmentation may improve as hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, though pigmentary changes can be persistent.

Pregnancy Acne

How to combat: 

Azelaic acid doesn’t just address  hyperpigmentation – it can also help fight acne!

Azelaic acid can reduce acne during pregnancy  by inhibiting microbial growth and enhancing skin cell turnover. Using a gentle cleanser twice daily can help remove pore-clogging materials from the skin, too.

It is also highly recommended that any patients with acne use a mineral sunscreen daily to prevent hyperpigmentation.

(Versine team note: Just saying - azelaic acid is a pregnancy-friendly superstar active ingredient. See more about our formulations here.)

Stretch Marks (Striae)

How to combat: 

For many, stretch marks are an inevitable part of pregnancy, and some individuals may be genetically predisposed to more apparent stretch marks.

You can minimize the risk of stretch marks with frequent moisturization with thick creams, emollients, or oils in areas where there is significant skin stretching (including arms, torso, buttocks, and thighs).

Ensure that you are gaining a healthy amount of weight by following up with your doctor regularly. 

Spider Veins (Telangiectasias) and Varicose Veins

How to combat: 

Wearing compression socks can help prevent or delay the onset of varicose veins.

Tiny “spider” veins can be treated with sclerotherapy or lasers.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the veins that disrupts the walls of the veins. Depending on the size of varicose veins, sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, or surgical phlebectomy can be used to treat these.

Note that these are significant procedures that are generally avoided during pregnancy. You should speak with your doctor about whether these treatments may be appropriate for you. 

Nipple Dermatitis and Dryness

Not strictly pregnancy - but often follows soon after!

How to combat: 


Moisturizing treatments such as Vaseline, coconut oil, or lanolin-based ointments can be helpful to prevent dryness and cracking of the nipples.

Those with more significant nipple rashes should see a dermatologist, as topical steroids may be needed to help reduce inflammation and irritation.

See more in our Skin Health 101 Blog

See Dr Yin's list of  common skincare ingredients to AVOID while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Shop Versine's luxe, pregnancy-safe facial serums -- Peace of Mind included

Brightening serum for all skin types
Luxe and pregnancy safe
Target dry and dull skin and decrease the look of fine lines with our original serum, packed with Kakadu Plum Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Squalane. This worry-free, pH-balanced serum is designed to give you a smooth and healthy glow.

Brightening serum for acne-prone skin
Luxe and pregnancy safe
Calm oily skin and target pregnancy breakouts and dark spots with our 10% concentration azelaic acid formula. This multi-tasking formula also includes Kakadu Plum Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Squalane.

Disclaimer: This website is not a substitute for independent professional advice, and the content of this site is purely for educational and entertainment purposes. Though Versine and Dr. Emily Yin have exercised diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the content, nothing contained herein is intended to be used as medical advice. Versine, Caper x Pi, Inc., and Dr. Emily Yin do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.