Millia, Minoxidil & Pregnancy-Safe Skincare (aka the tea you asked for!)

🌟TL;DR

This week’s Skin Deep MDs is all about your questions — millia mysteries, pregnancy-safe skincare, collagen scams (or not?), minoxidil hacks, and whether your IUD is actually behind your breakouts. We’re spilling it all, derm-style, with zero fluff and lots of real talk.

🎉Your Questions, Answered

We asked, you delivered — and oh my gosh, did you bring the good ones. From “Can I really use tretinoin forever?” to “Why the heck am I getting millia on my eyelids?” we’re diving into your most asked (and sometimes awkward) skincare questions. Consider this your derm BFF hotline, podcast edition.

🎙️Key Takeaways

✨[03:15] Tretinoin Forever?

Yes, you can (and should) use tretinoin long-term for acne, sun damage, and wrinkles.
Skip it during pregnancy — but as soon as baby arrives, game on (just not on your nipples if you’re breastfeeding!).

🧴[08:40] Dry Skin + Comedones Combo

Best bet: adapalene (gentle but effective).
Hack: Retinoid sandwich = moisturizer → retinoid → moisturizer.
Bonus: Niacinamide + hydrating cleansers with ceramides are your friends.

💊[15:25] Collagen: Scam or Secret Weapon?

Oral collagen: Verisol collagen has the best evidence (especially for joints + maybe skin).
Topical collagen: Large molecules hydrate, small peptides may stimulate collagen… but don’t expect miracles.
Verdict: Nice to have, not your holy grail.

⚪[22:10] Millia Madness

Those tiny white bumps? Usually caused by heavy/occlusive products on delicate skin.
Fix it: Gentle exfoliation + retinoids.
Fastest solution: Professional extraction (so satisfying).

🤰[29:40] Pregnancy-Safe Skincare

Avoid: Retinoids + high % acids.
Safe bets: Vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, gentle moisturizers.
Rule: Keep it simple, keep it soothing, listen to your skin.

💇[38:15] Minoxidil Hacks for Hair Growth

Must use at least 5% strength — ignore the pink “women’s” version, it’s the same stuff.
Foam > solution (less irritation).
Hack: Apply with a makeup brush for precision (bye messy fingers).
Dermaroller combo? Legit, but sanitize like crazy.
Side note: Keep it away from pets — it’s toxic to them.

😬[50:20] IUD & Acne

Progesterone-only IUDs can trigger hormonal acne.
Topicals won’t cut it — systemic help like spironolactone may be needed.
OBs may downplay it, but derms see it all the time.

🌸[01:01:10] Natural Deodorant Truth

The aluminum-breast cancer/Alzheimer’s link? Debunked.
Natural ≠ better. Many cause rashes + do zilch for odor.
Hack: Use benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid washes on pits if you’re anti-aluminum but still want odor control.

💕Wrap-Up

From tretinoin truths to minoxidil hacks, this AMA-style episode is packed with derm-approved advice you can actually use. We love answering your questions — so keep them coming, babes!

Watch Now

🎧 Listen Now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

📝 Love this episode? Forward it to your skincare-obsessed friend before they try SPF contouring.

Until next week, stay glowy,
—The Skin Deep MDs 💖