With all the amazing changes happening to your body, from that beautiful pregnancy glow to the occasional breakouts or dryness, your skin might need a little extra TLC right now. One way to keep your skin smooth, radiant, and healthy is by exfoliating in pregnancy. But with so many products out there – and certain ingredients to avoid – you might be wondering how to safely exfoliate while pregnant.
In this post, we’ll cover why exfoliating in pregnancy is beneficial, what ingredients you should avoid, and how to safely exfoliate when you’re expecting. Plus, I’ll share some pregnancy-safe exfoliating product recommendations to help you keep your skin glowing!
Why Exfoliate During Pregnancy
Your body is working overtime, and your skin is along for the ride. Here’s why exfoliation can be super helpful:
- Your skin may experience increased blood flow leading to oil production changes. So, regular, safe exfoliation can prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
- Hormonal changes might cause decreased skin cell turnover leading to dead skin build up and dull skin. Regular, safe exfoliation can keep your skin glow going strong.
- You might be experiencing dry patches or uneven texture, and regular exfoliation can improve the effectiveness of your moisturiser.
- Regular exfoliation can also help manage melasma and hyperpigmentation.
What to Avoid When Exfoliating in Pregnancy
While exfoliation can be incredibly beneficial in pregnancy, it’s important to choose the right products. Certain ingredients which may be found in typical exfoliants are not considered safe for pregnant women and should be avoided. Here’s what you should steer clear of:
- High Concentration Salicylic Acid: while low concentrations (like those in cleansers) are considered safe, high concentrations (often found in peels) should be avoided as they may pose risks during pregnancy.
- Retinoids: retinoids are popular for treating acne and promoting cell turnover but they’re a no-no during pregnancy due to risk of birth defects.
- Chemical Peels: strong peels that contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in high concentrations should be avoided. These can be too harsh and cause irritation or even scarring on your sensitive pregnancy skin.
- Physical Scrubs with Harsh Particles: some physical scrubs contain large particles like walnut shells or apricot seed, which can cause microtears in your skin and irritate sensitive areas.
How to Safely Exfoliate During Pregnancy
The key to exfoliating in pregnancy is being gentle. Here’s how to safely incorporate exfoliation into your pregnancy skincare routine:
Gentle Physical Exfoliants:
- Soft wash cloths
- Muslin cloths
- Rice powder scrubs
- Oat-based scrubs
- Jojoba bead scrubs
Safe Chemical Exfoliants:
- Lactic acid (in low concentrations)
- Glycolic acid (less than 10%)
- Salicylic acid (less than 2%)
- Mandelic acid (in low concentrations)
- Gentle poly hydroxy acids (PHAs)
- Enzyme exfoliants (papaya or pineapple-based)
Safe Exfoliation Tips
For Your Face:
- Exfoliate once or twice a week.
- Use light pressure – let the product do the work.
- Avoid your eyes.
- Follow with a pregnancy-safe moisturiser and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day.
For Your Body:
- Pay attention to dry areas like elbows and knees.
- Use gentle circular motion and be extra gentle on your growing belly.
- Avoid areas with stretch marks that feel tender.
- Keep the water lukewarm, not hot.
Pregnancy-Safe Exfoliating Product Recommendations
Face Exfoliants:
- Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant
- Pixi Glow Tonic (5% Glycolic Acid)
- Tatcha The Rice Polish: Classic
Body Exfoliants:
- Necessaire The Body Exfoliator
- Herbivore Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub
Remember:
- Patch test new products.
- Don’t overdo it.
- Always follow with a moisturiser.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day.
The Bottom Line:
Keep it gentle, keep it simple, and pay attention to how your skin responds. Pregnancy is a time to nurture yourself and your growing baby, so be flexible with your skincare routine.
Looking for a super simple way to start? Try using a soft washcloth with your regular cleanser – sometimes the simplest solutions are the best!
