Navigating the world of skincare during pregnancy and the postpartum period can feel like an overwhelming task. Many mothers find themselves staring at products they have used for years, suddenly wondering if those familiar formulas are safe for their changing bodies. This confusion is often fueled by the rise of “clean beauty” and a market that thrives on maternal uncertainty.
Dr. Aegean Chan, a board-certified dermatologist and mother of three, offers a refreshing and grounded perspective on this common anxiety. After a decade of balancing her professional expertise with her personal experience through multiple pregnancies and breastfeeding journeys, she has observed a troubling trend: the skincare industry frequently profits from the fears of new parents. According to Dr. Chan, the “clean beauty” movement is often more rooted in marketing than science, leading many women to overcomplicate their routines with unnecessary products.
As she launches her own minimalist skincare line, More Than Nine, Dr. Chan’s primary goal isn’t just to sell products—it’s to simplify the conversation. She wants to help mothers understand why their bathroom cabinets became so crowded and why the most effective solutions are often the most straightforward.
The Link Between Motherhood and Skincare Over-Complication
Many women find that their interest in skincare peaks during motherhood, yet this is also when routines become most burdensome. Skincare can easily turn into another item on an exhausting “to-do” list. For some, the obsession with finding the perfect, safest routine leads to skin issues like inflammation or eczema rather than the glowing results they were promised.
Dr. Chan notes that many of her patients and peers feel overwhelmed by the “homework” of vetting their products. The irony is that much of this effort is spent on steps that are entirely unnecessary. When routines become too complex, they often do more harm than good, irritating the skin and causing more stress for the mother.
The Scientific Reality Behind “Clean Beauty” Marketing
The beauty industry has largely adopted fear-mongering as a standard marketing tactic, particularly when targeting pregnant and postpartum women. The “clean beauty” label, Dr. Chan argues, lacks a standardized scientific definition. There is no empirical evidence to suggest that “natural” products are inherently safer than traditional, well-formulated ones. In toxicology, the safety of an ingredient is determined by the dose, yet many brands use fear to drive sales.
A prime example of this is the demonization of parabens. While “paraben-free” is a popular marketing claim, dermatologists often recognize parabens as some of the safest and most effective preservatives available, with very low rates of allergic reactions. In contrast, many natural alternatives used by “clean” brands have higher rates of contact dermatitis. Dr. Chan frequently treats patients with skin irritation caused by essential oils in natural deodorants, often recommending a switch back to simple, sensitive-skin conventional products.
This cycle of misinformation also affects sunscreen choices. Despite a lack of data suggesting chemical sunscreens are harmful during pregnancy, the push for mineral-only options can be problematic. Mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast that is not inclusive of all skin tones. When women with deeper complexions feel their only “safe” options don’t work for them, they may stop wearing sunscreen altogether, which poses a genuine health risk. Dr. Chan believes the solution is transparency and empowering women with the facts to make their own choices.
Navigating Real Ingredient Safety During Pregnancy
While some precautions are necessary—such as avoiding retinoids and hydroquinone during pregnancy—Dr. Chan emphasizes the difference between evidence-based safety and marketing-driven caution. Since it is unethical to perform clinical trials on pregnant women, most “pregnancy-safe” claims are based on conservative assessments of ingredient profiles.
To address this information gap, Dr. Chan advocates for accessible, vetted resources where mothers can look up ingredient safety without having to decode complex clinical databases. When it comes to effective ingredients, she champions classics like glycerin. Often overlooked in favor of trendier ingredients, glycerin is highly effective for hydration, especially during the postpartum period when skin tends to become drier and more sensitive.
Dr. Chan also suggests that some popular ingredients, like Vitamin C, may not be essential for every mother. While the antioxidant benefits are real, the lack of immediate results and the difficulty of maintaining a multi-step routine during a chaotic morning can make it more of a burden than a benefit. Consistency with a few core products is more impactful than an inconsistent, complex regimen.
A Streamlined Daily Regimen Recommended by a Pro
Reflecting her minimalist philosophy, Dr. Chan’s personal skincare routine is remarkably simple. Her morning consists of a cleanser used in the shower, followed by a moisturizer and a high-quality sunscreen. Occasionally, she incorporates a serum for hyperpigmentation. In the evening, she cleanses again, applies an over-the-counter retinoid a few times a week, and finishes with moisturizer.
This approach focuses on high-impact basics rather than an array of specialized treatments. By sticking to a routine that is easy to maintain, she ensures her skin gets what it needs without adding to her daily stress.
Practical Results from a Minimalist Skincare Trial
Adopting a simplified routine can yield positive results for even the most “opinionated” skin types. Products designed with the motherhood arc in mind—such as gentle foaming cleansers, adjustable powder exfoliators, and versatile moisturizers—offer a way to care for skin without the tight, stripped feeling often caused by more aggressive products.
For example, a gentle cleanser can effectively remove SPF and makeup while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. A powder-based exfoliator allows the user to control the intensity, avoiding the harshness of traditional scrubs. A well-formulated moisturizer should be light enough for summer use but substantial enough to provide protection during colder months. These types of products support the skin through various phases without requiring a total overhaul every time a woman moves from pregnancy to postpartum.
Final Thoughts on Simplifying Motherhood Skincare
The journey of motherhood is long, and the various stages—pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding—often overlap. Dr. Chan’s philosophy highlights that mothers do not need to constantly reinvent their skincare routines as they move through these phases. By focusing on science-backed ingredients and moving away from fear-based marketing, women can find a sustainable and effective way to care for their skin. Simplifying skincare is a practical step toward reducing the mental load on mothers, allowing them to focus on what truly matters while still feeling cared for and confident.
