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