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Meet Dr. Katherine Unverferth: Maternal Mental Health Advisor to Hizo

Meet Dr. Katherine Unverferth: Maternal Mental Health Advisor to Hizo

by Hizo Skincare in The Hizo Edit

Pregnancy doesn’t just transform the body, it can reshape how women think, feel, and make decisions about even the smallest daily routines. Partnering with experts like Dr. Katie Unverferth allows Hizo to approach skincare from a more holistic perspective, one that recognizes the connection between physical care and emotional wellbeing. As a leading voice in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry, Dr. Unverferth brings critical insight into the anxiety and information overload that often accompany this stage of life, helping inform a more thoughtful, evidence-driven approach to skincare that supports not just the skin, but peace of mind as well.

Dr. Katie Unverferth is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine where she serves as the Director of the UCLA Women’s Life Center and the Medical Director of the UCLA Maternal Mental Health Program. She is a national expert in Women’s Mental Health and regularly lectures on topics such as perinatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopausal mood and anxiety disorders. She is a faculty member of the National Curriculum of Reproductive Psychiatry (NCRP), where she contributes to the development and dissemination of training in women’s mental health across the United States. 

Dr. Katie is a graduate of Duke University where she majored in Chemistry with a Mathematics concentration. She completed research at the Duke Clinical Research Institute with the National Children’s Study. She attended medical school at Georgetown University and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and received the Francis L. Clark, Jr. Award for Excellence in Psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry residency at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience where she served as the Chief Resident in Reproductive Psychiatry and completed a fellowship in Mood Disorders. 

Dr. Katie has appeared on LAist 89.3 NPR and NPR's Life Kit, and her expert commentary has been featured in Women's Health Magazine, the Guardian, the LA Times, The Times (UK), Good Housekeeping, and Parade. Through her media presence and public advocacy, Dr. Katie is helping to shift the national conversation around women’s mental health, making evidence-based understanding more visible and more central to public discourse. 

Why have you decided to work with Hizo? What about the brand speaks to you? What do you hope to help Hizo accomplish in the world of maternal skincare?

"Pregnancy can be a time filled with anxiety and indecision, with worries about the safety of the baby from exposure to various chemicals. With so many different voices out there on social media and online, it can be difficult to find clear, researched, evidence-based information that you can trust. 

Hizo helps by cutting through the noise for pregnant and breastfeeding women, simplifying an already complicated time with data-driven, pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe skincare. As a Reproductive Psychiatrist who regularly treats anxiety and depression in pregnant and postpartum women, I see how having even one less thing to worry about can meaningfully reduce anxiety and improve outcomes in this population. 

Even with the training to critically evaluate primary medical literature and access to clinical databases, determining what is safe for skincare use during pregnancy requires significant time and research, and some of the answers are not intuitive. As a mother of a 2.5 year old, I experienced this conundrum firsthand. I found myself turning to online dermatology influencers in the absence of clear data and spending many hours trying to determine safety. The information gap in pregnancy-safe skincare is real, and it falls on patients to navigate it largely on their own, often turning to unreliable sources as a result.

Hizo addresses that gap directly, bringing the same level of rigor to skincare formulation that we expect from evidence-based medicine. This is a brand supported by physicians and experts in skincare and pregnancy health, and one that women can trust."


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Pregnancy brings a wave of changes, some expected, others less obvious. Most of us know to avoid alcohol and raw meats. But at that first doctor appointment, many women are surprised to learn that their skincare routine may need a second look. It isn’t always easy to figure out which products are safe and which should be avoided - which is why we created Hizo, so you don’t have to do all that research yourself. But many of your current skincare products may already be safe, so we created this guide to help cut through some of the confusion and help you can feel confident, safe, and stress-free about the products you’re using during this important time. And like all Hizo formulations, this post has been reviewed by Hizo’s medical advisory group – a board certified team of OG-BYNs and Dermatologists - so you can feel confident with the information provided. 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Knowing this can make the day-to-day changes feel a little less stressful. It’s also worth remembering that pregnancy brings positive changes, too. Increased blood flow can give skin a healthy, radiant look—that’s the famous “pregnancy glow.” Many women also notice their hair growing thicker, shinier, and faster thanks to prolonged growth cycles, and their nails may feel stronger as well. These small perks are the body’s way of balancing the more frustrating shifts, and they serve as a reminder that your body is doing something incredible. Ingredients to Avoid Skincare Prescriptions The good news is that doctors will normally directly advise you on prescription skincare so you don’t need to do the research yourself, but here are the most common ingredients to avoid in prescription skincare. Oral and Topical Retinoids – These vitamin A–derived compounds are among the most important to avoid during pregnancy. The most common prescription is Accutane, but other brand name prescriptions include Retin-A, Renova, Atralin, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, Fabior, Claravis, Absorica, Amnesteem, Myorisan, and Zenatane. In addition to prescription, retinoids can also be found in over-the-counter products (more on that below).  Oral Tetracycline Antibiotics – These include tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline. They’re sometimes prescribed for acne or certain skin infections, but they should be avoided during pregnancy. These drugs can affect a baby’s developing teeth and bones, sometimes leading to permanent discoloration or growth problems. Topical Steroids – Topical corticosteroids (such as clobetasol, fluocinonide, or betamethasone) can be prescribed for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. But in high-potency steroids used over large areas or for long periods, there has been links to low birth weight. Topical and Oral Dapsone – This acne treatment works by limiting bacterial growth and calming inflammation—specifically by inhibiting bacterial folate synthesis and reducing overactive neutrophils that cause redness and swelling. While the gel form is absorbed less than oral dapsone, there’s still a theoretical risk of it affecting a baby’s red blood cells, so dermatologists and OBs generally recommend avoiding it during pregnancy. Topical Ivermectin – Commonly prescribed for rosacea under the brand name Soolantra, this medication works by targeting Demodex mites and reducing inflammatory pathways in the skin. At high levels, animal studies have shown that this medicine can cause birth defects. While a topical treatment would have much lower levels than were tested, some absorption into the bloodstream does occur and so most doctors advise avoiding it it pregnant.  Over-the-Counter Skincare  Anti-Aging Retinoids – Even without a prescription, many popular skincare products contain vitamin A derivatives like retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate. These are common in anti-aging creams, night serums, and wrinkle treatments from brands such as RoC Retinol Correxion, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair, Olay Regenerist Retinol24, and CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. While the strength is lower than prescription retinoids, experts still recommend avoiding them during pregnancy. Retinoids can affect fetal development, and because the skin barrier can be more absorbent while pregnant, it’s safest to set aside anything with “retin-” in the name until after delivery and breastfeeding. High-Concentration Salicylic Acid – Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) commonly found in acne treatments, exfoliants, and chemical peels. While low concentrations (under 2%) in topical skincare are widely considered compatible with pregnancy by dermatologists and OB-GYNs, higher-strength treatments—particularly professional peels and intensive leave-on products—are often approached with greater caution due to increased potential for absorption. At Hizo, we believe effective skincare doesn't have to rely on high concentrations of a single active ingredient. Instead, we use a low level of salicylic acid (0.5%) alongside complementary ingredients such as azelaic acid, gluconolactone, niacinamide, and zinc PCA to help support clearer-looking skin while maintaining a barrier-first approach. Benzoyl Peroxide – This is another common acne treatment that can be found in brands like Proactiv, PanOxyl, Neutrogena On-the-Spot, and Clearasil. Benzoyl peroxide is sometimes considered safe in low doses, but because research is limited we avoid it in Hizo formulations out of an abundance of caution and generally recommend looking for an acne treating alternative. Hydroquinone – Hydroquinone is one of the most common ingredients used to treat melasma—the patchy dark pigmentation that often shows up during pregnancy. Ironically, that means it targets a common issue many moms-to-be need help with. But hydroquinone is absorbed through the skin at a much higher rate than most ingredients (up to 40%), and because of that, it’s not considered safe during pregnancy. You might see hydroquinone in creams like Tri-Luma, Eldoquin, Lustra, Esoterica, or Ambi Fade Cream. If melasma bothers you during pregnancy, it’s best to treat it with pregnancy safe mineral sunscreens and less absorptive options like Hizo’s melasma serum. Chemical Sunscreens – Chemical filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate are common in many everyday sunscreens. They work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat to protect the skin. The problem is these chemicals are absorbed by the blood stream and can disrupt hormones during pregnancy. Because pregnancy is a time of extra caution, dermatologists and OBs recommend avoiding chemical sunscreens. Hair, Nail, and Cosmetic Ingredients While Hizo doesn’t currently focus on hair, nails, or cosmetic products, just like skincare, certain ingredients in beauty and personal care products are worth a second look during pregnancy. In particular, formaldehyde (and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives), toluene, and phthalates are often found in nail products and hair treatments and are best avoided due to potential health risks. Strong chemical hair dyes or ammonia-based treatments may also cause irritation or sensitivity, even if not proven unsafe. The dihydroxyacetone in spray tans can be risky because of inhalation during the process. Many doctors also advise expectant mothers to limit chemical straighteners or keratin treatments, which can release fumes that aren’t ideal to breathe in while pregnant. When in doubt, switching to gentler, fragrance-free, or mineral-based options can help reduce both stress and exposure. Fragrance and Essential Oils High-Dose Essential Oils – In concentrated, high-dose forms, some essential oils can be problematic during pregnancy. Some oils to look out for include clary sage, rosemary, sage, pennyroyal, camphor, wintergreen, tea tree, and jasmine. Ingesting essential oils is never advised in pregnancy, and undiluted topical use can trigger irritation. Hizo does use low doses of lavender, grapefruit, and orange essential oils in our stretch cream but these are not considered risky essential oils during pregnancy. Synthetic Fragrance – Fragrance can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, and pregnancy can make skin more sensitive than usual. Many synthetic fragrances also contain phthalates, chemicals sometimes linked to hormone disruption and not always even listed on the labels. Because you can’t always know exactly what’s in a “fragrance” blend, and because irritation risk is higher during pregnancy, many experts recommend avoiding synthetic fragrances. Hizo formulations are either fragrance free or naturally scented with organic fragrance. Safe & Effective Alternatives Rather than go through every pregnancy safe ingredient, we think it may be most helpful to list the issue you may be trying to treat and some pregnancy safe alternatives. Remember, just because a product includes a safe ingredient does not mean that it has excluded all dangerous ingredients. So you should always check all ingredients before using any product. Acne Pregnancy-safe swaps for common acne treatments (like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, high-dose salicylic acid, dapsone): Azelaic Acid – reduces acne-causing bacteria, unclogs pores, and fades post-acne marks. Niacinamide – calms redness, regulates oil production, and strengthens skin barrier. Low-Dose Glycolic or Lactic Acid – gentle exfoliation to keep pores clear. Topical Clindamycin (Rx) – safe antibiotic option if prescribed by a doctor. Melasma (Hyperpigmentation / “Mask of Pregnancy”) Since hydroquinone, retinoids, and chemical sunscreens are off-limits: Strict Sun Protection – daily mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Azelaic Acid – brightens pigment safely and helps prevent darkening. Niacinamide – reduces pigment transfer in skin, lightens spots gradually. Vitamin C – antioxidant support for brighter skin tone. The best thing to do for melasma is to prevent sun exposure, so make sure you’re using a mineral sunscreen. Anti-Aging (Fine Lines, Texture, Radiance) Instead of retinoids, heavy acids, or high-strength chemical peels: Bakuchiol – a plant-based retinol alternative, gentle and safe. Peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Hexapeptides) – support skin firmness and smoothness. Niacinamide – improves tone, texture, and barrier function. Vitamin C – boosts radiance and collagen production. Gentle AHAs (like lactic acid) – mild exfoliation for glow. Dry Skin / Barrier Repair Safe options for replenishing moisture and soothing irritation: Hyaluronic Acid / Sodium Hyaluronate – hydrates deeply. Ceramides – rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier. Colloidal Oatmeal / Oat Extract – calms itchiness and dryness.Shea Butter, Squalane, Plant Oils (like Marula, Jojoba, Grapeseed) – rich emollients for lasting moisture. Panthenol & Allantoin – soothing, barrier-supporting ingredients. Stretch Marks No ingredient can guarantee prevention, but safe options support elasticity and comfort: Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Mango Butter – rich moisturizers to keep skin supple. Oils like Rosehip, Almond, Grapeseed, or Marula – help maintain elasticity. Centella Asiatica Extract (Cica) – supports collagen and skin strength. Hyaluronic Acid – keeps skin plump and hydrated, which may reduce severity. Sensitive / Itchy Skin Pregnancy can make skin more reactive and prone to irritation. Harsh actives and fragrances are best avoided; instead, reach for calming and barrier-supporting ingredients. Colloidal Oatmeal / Oat Extract – soothes itching and irritation. Aloe Vera – lightweight, cooling relief. Chamomile & Centella Asiatica (Cica) – reduce redness and calm sensitive skin. Panthenol & Allantoin – gentle hydrators that repair the barrier. Fragrance-Free Formulas – reduce risk of flare-ups. Sun Protection (Photosensitivity / Melasma Prevention) Pregnancy hormones can make skin more sun-sensitive and more prone to melasma, so daily sunscreen is essential. Mineral Sunscreens (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide) – safest UV filters, sit on top of skin and aren’t absorbed. Tinted Mineral Sunscreens – add protection against visible light, which can worsen pigmentation. Niacinamide + Vitamin C – support even tone alongside SPF. Physical Protection – hats, shade, and avoiding peak sun hours. Eczema / Dermatitis Flares Some women notice eczema worsening in pregnancy, or new patches of irritated skin. Strong steroid creams should be avoided unless prescribed, but safe relief options exist. Ceramides – strengthen and repair the skin barrier. Colloidal Oatmeal / Oat Extract – reduces itching and inflammation. Shea Butter, Squalane, Plant Oils – rich emollients for barrier repair. Fragrance-Free Moisturizers – reduce triggers for flare-ups. Skincare While Breastfeeding Using the same skincare routine you created during pregnancy is a great place to start as a safe baseline while breastfeeding. However, most topical treatments have low enough absorption rates into breastmilk that they can be reintroduced on a case-by-case basis. The shift in safety focus is from fetal exposure to contact transfer—what might rub off on your baby during feeds or cuddles. Prioritize gentle, fragrance-free products on areas your newborn will touch (face, neck, chest, arms), let any application of potentially harsher acids or chemicals fully dry before picking up your baby, and keep anything medicated away from the nipple/areola. In addition, you’ll want to continue to avoid most oral or injectible treatments for skin until after you’re done with nursing. Ingredients From Pregnancy Anything you were safely using during pregnancy, you can continue to use while nursing: azelaic acid, glycolic/lactic acids (AHAs), ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acids, and mineral sunscreen. They have minimal systemic absorption and are well tolerated in lactation. However, you’re going to want to make sure you’re not applying these to your chest and areolas so that your baby doesn’t accidentally ingest any. And when applying to your face, make sure to let the application fully dry and wash your hands before picking up your new born. The risk postpartum is less about what your baby will get from your breastmilk and more about what may transfer skin to skin. Ingredients You May (Re)introduce Postpartum You may consider adding back ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, high-dose salicylic acid, topical antibiotics, and chemical sunscreens while breastfeeding. Use them mainly on the face and keep leave-ons away from areas your baby will touch. To be extra cautious, use these ingredients in moderation, like for spot treatments versus part of your daily routine. Ingredients to Be Cautious About Topical retinoids are dangerous during pregnancy but are considered much lower risk postpartum and while breastfeeding. Still, they are a harsh skincare treatment that can be very irritating to your new born if there is any retinoid that touches your baby’s skin. If you choose to reintroduce retinoids while breastfeeding, make sure to avoid application on our near your chest, only use the retinoid at night after the last feed, and let any product fully absorb before bed. Some parents prefer to pause retinoids until after your newborn is sleeping through the night to further reduce the risk of exposure. That’s a reasonable, extra-cautious choice. Ingredients to Avoid Through Nursing There are some ingredients that are worth avoiding until your baby is done nursing. Some of these are known to be harmful, but many just don’t have enough research done and so in an abundance of caution physicians recommend waiting. Skip oral retinoids (isotretinoin, acitretin, alitretinoin) because they enter milk and aren’t compatible with nursing. Avoid topical tazarotene, the strongest topical retinoid. Steer clear of topical dapsone (Aczone) due to limited data and a rare infant hemolysis risk, and avoid hydroquinone given higher absorption with sparse lactation data. Don’t use high-dose salicylate rubs (methyl salicylate/wintergreen) or camphor-heavy balms—especially on the neck or chest—because of toxicity/irritation if a baby contacts or licks the skin. Lastly, defer deep or medium chemical peels (phenol, high-strength TCA, Jessner) until after breastfeeding due to greater systemic exposure. As a simple rule: if a product is potent, medicated, or could be harmful if licked, don’t use it—particularly anywhere your baby’s face or mouth might touch. Practical Contact-Transfer Tips Your baby will often be tucked against your face and torso, so reserve anything “harsher” (strong acids, leave-on salicylates, retinoids, spot treatments) for your night routine after the last feed, give products time to dry, and avoid the chest entirely. If any medicated cream is prescribed for the breast, use a water-miscible product and wipe off visible residue before feeds. Going fragrance-free where baby makes contact can reduce irritation for both of you. Myths & Marketing Claims Here are some common myths, marketing claims and misconceptions around skincare while pregnant. The list of marketing claims and myths go on and on, so if you have one you think should be added to this list, let us know. “You have to overhaul your entire routine.” The truth is that many staples are fine, but you should research all the ingredients on any product you are using. Just because it includes safe active ingredients doesn’t necessarily mean it excludes all risky ingredients. “All acids are unsafe during pregnancy.”Azelaic acid and moderate use of glycolic and lactic acids are generally acceptable. “Mineral sunscreen nanoparticles are risky.”Current evidence supports their safety on intact skin, but it is best to choose a non-spray lotions because the sprays can risk accidental inhalation of the particles. Mineral sunscreen is considered a great alternative to chemical sunscreens. “OTC retinol is mild, so it’s okay.”This is important – avoid all retinol during pregnancy. Even low concentration OTC retinol can be risky to your baby. “Natural/organic = safe.”This is not necessarily true. Some essential oils can be harmful and many others can be irritating, especially while pregnant. Further more, some brands may call hydroquinone relatives, kojic acid, and animal derived retinols “natural” or “organic” and these are not considered safe while pregnant. “Fragrance-free and unscented mean the same thing.”Unscented can still contain masking fragrances; fragrance-free is the stricter label. If you are experiencing irritation, look for fragrance free. “Breastfeeding has the exact same rules as pregnancy.”While there is some overlap, your skincare routine has more options while nursing.  The safety emphasis shifts to contact transfer (what baby’s skin/mouth can touch). “You must ‘detox’ from sunscreen/makeup while pregnant.”There is no medical basis for this claim. Daily SPF is one of the best things you can do for skin health, just find a non-spray mineral sunscreen. “Patch testing isn’t necessary if you used it before.”Hormonal shifts may lead to new sensitivities and so it is best to patch test all products when you find out your pregnant and introduce one at a time. Safety Notes & When to See a Doctor This guide is educational and while reviewed by our advisory board of doctors, every individual is different and every pregnancy is different. Nothing can replace personalized care with your OBGYN and dermatologist. Talk to your doctor before starting prescription treatments, strong peels, or if you’re considering reintroducing actives you avoided during pregnancy (e.g., retinoids). Share your full medication list—including supplements and fertility or postpartum meds—to check for interactions or lactation considerations. If you have chronic skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, melasma), ask your clinician for a pregnancy/breastfeeding-specific plan that covers safer alternatives, application sites to avoid, and what to do during flares. Seek care promptly if you notice any of the following: rapidly spreading rash; hives with swelling of lips/eyes/throat; painful blisters; signs of infection (pus, warmth, fever); sudden severe itching of palms/soles; new or changing moles; or any reaction that worsens after you stop the product. If you’re breastfeeding, also call your pediatrician if your baby develops facial or body rash after routine skin-to-skin, or if they lick/touch an area recently treated with a medicated product. Hizo wants to empower you with information, education, and pregnancy safe formulations to take the stress out of skincare during pregnancy. But we aren’t a replacement for your doctor – so always talk to them. tl;dr You have a lot of skincare options while pregnant, but you need to review all the ingredients. If you want something that uses only ingredients considered safe while pregnant and with formulations that are reviewed by board certified dermatologists and OBGYNs, try Hizo’s line of products, launching soon. We know this is a lot of information all in one place. But our site is full of more specific information about every question you may have about skincare during pregnancy. The Hizo Edit is full of concise, dermatologist- and OB-reviewed tips tailored to pregnancy and breastfeeding, plus practical routines, ingredient explainers, and early access to new launches. No spam—just clear guidance you can use the same day.  

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