Hey there gorgeous mama-to-be! Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but along with the joy of expecting, you might be noticing some changes in your skin. As your body goes through all these amazing transformations, it’s important to pay extra attention to your skincare routine. Pregnancy-safe skincare is crucial, as some common skincare products may not be safe for you and your baby.
To make things easier, I’ve put together a guide to the top 8 pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients. That will keep your skin glowing and healthy, while keeping your baby safe.
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about a lot of hormonal changes, and these can affect your skin in different ways. Some women find their skin glowing and clear, while others experience:
With all these potential changes, it’s essential to tweak your skincare routine to address these concerns, while making sure the products you use are safe for you and your baby.
Why You Need to Avoid Certain Skincare Ingredients During Pregnancy?
While most skincare ingredients are harmless, some can be absorbed into your bloodstream, cross the placenta, and potentially affect your little one’s development.
While it’s tempting to stick to your tried-and-true products, it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid ingredients that may be linked to issues such as birth defects, hormone disruption, or skin sensitivity.
Don’t worry though, there are plenty of safe alternatives to keep your skin looking its best.
Top Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
1. Retinoids (Retinol, Retin A): found in many anti-ageing products, retinoids can speed up cell turnover but are linked to birth defects and should be avoided.
2. Hydroquinone: used to lighten dark spots and melasma, hydroquinone is absorbed into the skin at a higher rate, so it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy.
3. Chemical Sunscreen (Oxybenzone): some chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone, are known to disrupt hormones, so it’s better to switch to a physical sunscreen.
4. Salicylic Acid (High Concentrations): while small amounts (like in face washes) are generally considered safe, high concentrations of salicylic acid (such as in peels) should be avoided. As they may pose a risk during pregnancy.
5. Essential Oils: some essential oils like rosemary and jasmine, can trigger contractions. So, it’s best to consult with your doctor before using any.
Now, don’t panic if you’ve used any of these! Just switch to pregnancy-safe alternatives moving forward.
Top 8 Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ingredients
Onto the good stuff! Let’s talk about what you CAN use to keep your skin glowing and healthy without compromising your baby’s safety. Here are 8 of the best:
1. Hyaluronic Acid
A superstar for hydration. Hyaluronic acid is safe in pregnancy and works wonders for keeping your skin moisturised. It combats dryness and gives your skin a dewy glow.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant. It helps brighten your complexion and reduces the appearance of dark spots. It’s safe in pregnancy and can help boost collagen production.
3. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is perfect for calming irritated skin, reducing redness, and improving uneven skin tone. It is gentle, non-irritating, and safe to use during pregnancy. Plus, it helps regulate oil production.
4. Azelaic Acid
A great alternative to harsher acne treatments like retinoids. Azelaic acid helps clear up breakouts, brighten skin, and can even reduce inflammation.
5. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
These minerals are key ingredients in physical (mineral) sunscreens. They provide broad-spectrum protection against UV rays without being absorbed into the skin. Making them safe for both you and your baby.
6. Glycolic Acid (Low Concentrations)
An excellent exfoliant, glycolic acid can help with acne and improve skin texture. Stick to lower concentrations (under 10%) to keep it pregnancy safe.
7. Shea Butter
Shea butter is packed with fatty acids and vitamins that deeply nourish the skin. It can help soothe dry, itchy skin and even aid in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredient. It’s great for calming irritated skin, healing inflammation, and adding moisture. Making it ideal for sensitive pregnant skin.
A Simple Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine
Now that you know which ingredients to look for, here’s a simple pregnancy-safe skincare routine you can follow:
Morning Routine
1. Cleanse: use a gentle, pregnancy-safe cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt.
Try: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.
2. Vitamin C Serum: apply a vitamin C serum to brighten your skin and protect against free radical damage.
Try: Mad Hippe Vitamin C Serum or SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic.
3. Moisturise: follow with a hydrating moisturiser that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
Try: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer or First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.
4. Protect with Sunscreen: finish with a mineral sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
Try: Olay Regenerist Mineral SPF 30 or eltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
Night Routine
1. Cleanse: double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to remove sunscreen and make up.
Try: CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
2. Azelaic Acid Treatment: apply an azelaic acid treatment to help with acne and pigmentation.
Try: Naturium Azelaic Acid Serum 10%.
3. Moisturise: Use a rich moisturiser to hydrate and repair your skin overnight.
Try: Derma E Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Tips
- Patch Test: your skin might be more sensitive now, so introduce new products slowly and patch test everything.
- Don’t Forget Your Body: moisturise your belly, thighs, and breasts with safe, nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, shea butter to help prevent stretch marks.
- Hydrate from Within: drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
- Consult Your Doctor: if you have concerns about specific ingredients or skin concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Final Words, Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
There you have it mama! A guide to keeping your skin happy and healthy during pregnancy. With these pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients, you can keep your skincare game strong, while keeping your little one safe.
Pregnancy-safe skincare is all about finding that sweet spot between taking care of yourself and your baby.
