Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care: What to Use and What to Avoid

Newborn Photography, Pregnancy Photoshoot, pregnancy tips, Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care

Welcome to the world of pregnancy-safe skin care!

Pregnancy is an incredible time for you and your body goes through a tremendous period of change over the duration of your pregnancy. Throughout your

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pregnancy journey, your skin will change and as a result, your skincare routine may need to be adapted.

To ensure that you and your baby remain safe during your pregnancy you may need to remove products from your skincare setup. You may also find that your skin texture or pH changes during your pregnancy and requires a completely different set of products.

In this article, we will guide you through the ideal pregnancy-safe skincare products to use during your pregnancy and which products you should avoid until after your baby arrives.

The Importance of Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can change the appearance of your skin and how it reacts to certain skincare products. A product you may have used for years may leave your skin feeling dry or lead to breakouts. Knowing what ingredients are in your skincare and how to care for your skin during pregnancy will keep both you and your baby safe during pregnancy.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Changes to your skin during pregnancy are common and quite frequent. Changes in hormone levels are responsible for this, along with changes to your cardiovascular system and immune function during pregnancy.

While some women experience 9 months of pure complexion perfection and “pregnancy glow”, others experience at least one less favorable new or worsening skin issue – which makes a good skin care routine all the more important.

The most common are:

• Dry skin
• Darkening skin (a condition called melasma or chloasma)
• Acne

People with pre-existing skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, may also experience a change in their symptoms (for better or worse).

Safe Skincare Ingredients During Pregnancy

Let’s begin our journey through pregnancy-Safe Skin Care products with an overview of ingredients that are considered safe to use.

Cleansing

Cleansing is an important part of any skincare routine, however, you may need to adapt what you use during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your skin will be more sensitive so opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid any harsh ingredients and abrasive exfoliants.

Sunscreen

Sun protection is paramount, especially during pregnancy when your skin can be more prone to pigmentation changes. Using a high SPF is important to protect the skin, however, the type of sun cream is also important. Chemical sunscreens can be harmful during pregnancy so choose a natural zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based sun cream instead.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a wonder ingredient that plumps and hydrates the skin and helps to retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid is a safe ingredient to use during pregnancy and can greatly help if your skin is feeling dry. It can be used anywhere on the body, and for best results use on damp skin before your moisturiser.

Natural Oils

Next in our list of Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care ingredients: natural oils.

Natural oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil can be great for the skin and safe to use to moisturise your body. Natural oils in virgin or cold-pressed forms are free from harmful chemicals and can be very beneficial to your skin, especially during pregnancy, to help reduce stretch marks and combat dryness.

Fragrance-Free Products

Products that contain fragrance can be irritating to the skin and increase the chance of an allergic skin reaction. Fragrances are unnecessary in skincare and synthetic fragrances can cause skin sensitivity which is the last thing you need during your pregnancy. Choose instead fragrance-free products that are natural and minimise the risk of irritation.

Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

Before using your favourite skincare or beauty product it is worth checking that it is safe to use during pregnancy.

Some products can be irritating to the skin whereas others can include hormone-disrupting chemicals so it’s a good idea to review all your beauty products before using them during pregnancy, this includes everything from face cream to nail polish, hairsprays, and shampoos.

Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids are a favored ingredient in skincare however, high doses of retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy, as they may be associated with birth defects. Avoid products containing tretinoin (Retin-A), and high levels of retinol.

Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in many cleansers and generally is safe during pregnancy as long as it is used in low percentages. However, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before using salicylic acid, either on the face or on the body.

Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is used to lighten the skin and dark spots, however, it is advised to avoid the use of this ingredient during pregnancy due to concerns about possible impacts on fetal development.

Parabens: Parabens are used as a preservative in skincare and beauty products such as shampoos and conditioners. Parabens are known as endocrine disruptors and should be avoided during pregnancy. There are many brilliant paraben-free products on the market and many are clearly labeled as paraben-free.

Chemical Sunscreens: During pregnancy, your skin absorbs any product you place on it which in turn enters your bloodstream. Some chemical sunscreens are not advisable to use during pregnancy because the chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream. However, sun protection is important so choose natural-based sunscreens to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Essential Oils: It is unsure whether essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy. Essential oils containing phthalates have been known to have endocrine-disrupting potential, and studies on animals have shown that phthalates have had an impact on fetal health. So it is safer to steer clear of essential oils during pregnancy.

*If you are having a massage during your pregnancy, check if the masseuse is using pregnancy-safe oils or ask to provide your own natural oils such as almond oil.

Consult with Your Healthcare Provider

If you have any concerns about the types of products that are safe to use during pregnancy it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.

A pharmacist will also be able to give good advice on products that are safe during pregnancy. However, if you notice any major differences in your skin such as the sudden appearance of a lesion or rash you should consult your doctor immediately for advice.

Final thoughts on Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care

It is good to remember that every pregnancy is different and what works for you may not be the same for someone else. When it comes to skincare during pregnancy you may need to go through a period of trial and error to find products that work for you and your skin. As long as the products that you are using are safe for pregnancy.

It is always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are using safe products during pregnancy. However, the tips we have given above are great starting points for conducting your own research on the products on your beauty shelf, to ensure that the products you use are safe for you and your baby.