There are several myths around pregnancy safe skincare. Before becoming pregnant, you may believe you’ll be graced with a pregnancy glow and won’t have to give the items you use a second thought. Sadly, nothing could be farther from the truth than that. Pregnancy hormones may cause a number of skin issues, necessitating a total redesign of your daily skincare regimen, so if you’re expecting, you’ll probably find yourself thinking about what you put on your face and body in a whole new manner.
The biggest organ in the body, the skin, is capable of quickly absorbing substances into the circulation. The majority of these potentially dangerous substances are chemicals in action. Retinols, hydroquinone, aluminum chloride, formaldehyde, whitening creams, sulfates, perfumes, and other substances fall under this category. While there are certain substances you should absolutely avoid, there is still a lot we don’t know. Because no one wants to do trials on pregnant women, there are still relatively few studies testing the safety of numerous skin care products. The best course of action is to be extra careful. You may avoid future tension by being cautious and getting rid of pointless items. Get ready as we re-examine everything from your anti-aging routine to your go-to acne products as we take a deep dive into the do’s and don’ts of implementing a pregnancy safe skincare routine.
Skin Problems During Pregnancy
While “pregnancy glow” is real, some women may have other skin problems throughout their pregnancies. Many of the women I work with report not experiencing the fabled “pregnancy glow.”
Melasma and hormonal acne are just two examples of the skin problems that might arise during pregnancy; fortunately, they are both transitory.
Brown or tanned spots appear on the face in people with melasma, a kind of hyperpigmentation. It’s common throughout pregnancy and usually goes away once the baby is born because of hormonal shifts. Melasma pigmentation may be lightened or even prevented using one of the various over-the-counter topical treatments available during pregnancy and lactation. Products like kojic acid and licorice root extract may be applied topically or used in chemical peels.
Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to the body, and one of them is the increased risk of stretch marks. Caused by rapid and extreme skin stretching, stretch marks are a common cosmetic complaint.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause acne, especially in the early stages. When your levels of androgens are elevated, that’s the case. Another side effect of fluctuating hormone levels is dry skin. It’s possible that this is only transient, but many women report lasting effects.
Ingredients to Avoid
When you’re pregnant, there are several common substances you should stay away from using in your skincare regimen. Salicylic acid, Retin-A, retinol, retinyl palmitate, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, and several prescription acne medicines may all be dangerous to a growing fetus. Additionally, you should stay away from professional procedures like laser treatments, Botox, and chemical peels with salicylic acid.
What Kind of Skincare Routine Should You Follow During Pregnancy?
You must have the term “gentle” in mind. Use mild products and regularly schedule pregnancy-safe facials as your best course of action. Your therapy should be thoroughly personalized to incorporate components that are safe for you and your baby while being administered by a qualified, licensed practitioner. Make sure they don’t use electrical modalities and that they only use plant-based products.
Every woman has a different optimal skincare regimen during pregnancy. Even if you’ve already given birth, your skin may respond quite differently the next time! As a result, this is the ideal time to give your skin extra tender loving care since you may be through changes like acne, excessive dryness, and irritation.
Additionally, exfoliate delicately two to three times each week. This prevents skin-clogging surface particles from amassing and leading to outbreaks. Additionally, it aids in reducing dryness, which may be made worse by dead skin that prevents products from penetrating correctly.
The list of pregnancy-safe skincare products are below:
1. Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
The Youth To The People’s Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser is one of the greatest value options you’ll discover and one of the most refreshing cleansers you’ll ever use. In addition to having kale and green tea as active components (thus the term superfood), it also has a pump that is reasonably sized for the price.
2. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
You need to know about the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration, so let’s do that now. A large tub (perfect for dry skin, in particular) can be had for less than $40. It’s also fantastic for sensitive skin and skin that is prone to eczema.
3. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum is a pleasant potion-like container to fill up on for a cosmetic buy under $20. Your skin becomes more supple thanks to the hyaluronic acid in this vegan formulation.
4. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant is less than $35 and is great for all skin types. Better yet, it helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles and has a lightweight finish.
5. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF
The Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen, which costs about $15, is a popular choice and ought to be used every day. It’s perfect for use when traveling and is safe to use while breastfeeding or pregnant.
FAQs
Q: Can you use AHA BHA when pregnant?
A: It is generally recommended to avoid using products containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHA (beta hydroxy acids) during pregnancy. While topical use of these acids is considered safe in small concentrations, the safety data specifically for pregnant women is limited. To err on the side of caution, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before using products containing AHA or BHA during pregnancy.
Q: How much vitamin C is too much when pregnant?
A: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for both you and your developing baby. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C during pregnancy is 85 milligrams for adult women. While it is unlikely to overdose on vitamin C from dietary sources, excessive intake of vitamin C supplements (more than 2000 milligrams per day) may have potential risks. High doses of vitamin C during pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and other complications. It is important to discuss any supplements or high-dose vitamin C regimens with your healthcare provider to ensure you are within the safe range.
Q: Can I use glycolic acid when pregnant?
A: The safety of glycolic acid during pregnancy is uncertain. While some healthcare professionals consider it safe to use low concentrations of glycolic acid topically, it is generally recommended to avoid it during pregnancy due to limited data on its effects on fetal development. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before using glycolic acid or any other skincare product containing this ingredient while pregnant.
Q: Is collagen safe for pregnancy?
A: Collagen is a protein found in our bodies and is generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy when obtained from natural food sources like bone broth or through a well-balanced diet. However, when it comes to collagen supplements or topical skincare products containing collagen, limited research exists on their safety during pregnancy. It is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before using collagen supplements or skincare products to ensure you make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.
Please note: The information provided here is for general guidance only and should not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Every pregnancy is unique, and individual factors may influence the recommendations for skincare and supplement use. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding your specific situation.
