A Full Guide to Pregnancy Safe Skin Care

AcneLauren Petrullo
Pregnant Woman
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Congrats, mama! Now that you're pregnant, you may be wondering what kind of skin care products are safe to use *because, yes, you have to change your skincare routine a little*. But with so much information out there about pregnancy safe skin care, it can be hard to know where to start. 

Worry not! In this post, we'll give you a must-read guide on skin care during pregnancy. We'll cover everything from face wash to sunscreens, so you can feel confident knowing that you're taking the best possible care of your skin during this special time. 

Keep reading to rock that pregnancy glow!

Skin care during pregnancy: Why is it so important? 

Pregnancy is a time of drastic change for a woman's body, and the skin is no exception. For some women, pregnancy is a time of radiant skin and strong nails. However, for others, it can be a time of breakouts, dull skin, and even stretch marks. Many women notice that their skin becomes more sensitive, dry, or oily during pregnancy. Some may also experience dark spots, uneven skin tone, or stretch marks. Understanding these changes can prepare expectant mothers for a more comfortable journey.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the rise in estrogen and progesterone, are largely to blame. During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of these hormones, which can lead to increased oil production and breakouts. At the same time, the extra weight from pregnancy can cause stretching and irritation of the skin, leading to stretch marks. Acknowledging these changes can pave the way for effective skin care.

It's crucial to tailor skincare routines during this unique time. Change in skin type—whether becoming oilier, drier, or more sensitive—demands personalized solutions. Consulting with a dermatologist can provide personalized recommendations based on individual skin needs. 

While maintaining a good skincare routine is essential to minimize the effects of pregnancy on your skin, using the same products you did before is not always advisable. Avoid certain ingredients like retinoids and salicylic acid, which could pose risks to fetal development. Look for products labeled as pregnancy-safe, as they are free of harmful chemicals that can affect you or your baby.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great pregnancy-safe skincare products available, allowing you to maintain your beauty routine without compromise. These products are formulated to be gentle and effective for both mom and baby.

Beyond product choice, adopting a holistic approach to skincare during pregnancy can be beneficial. This includes staying hydrated, consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and managing stress through techniques such as yoga or meditation. These lifestyle choices can enhance skin health and overall well-being during this transformative period.

So, even though these changes are part of a healthy pregnancy, you can still take care of your skin concerns with the right products and practices. Don’t panic!

7 skin concerns to expect while you’re expecting

Pregnancy can be a beautiful time in a woman's life. But it can also come with some not-so-fun side effects, like skin problems. Here are 7 of the most common skin issues that pregnant women experience:

1. Melasma

It's estimated that melasma affects up to 70% of pregnant women, making it one of the most common skin conditions during pregnancy. 

While the exact cause of melasma is unknown, it's thought to be related to hormonal changes and increased sun exposure during pregnancy. Using a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher can help protect against further pigmentation. Though most cases of melasma resolve postpartum, some women may experience prolonged effects. Incorporating gentle exfoliation with products containing niacinamide may help lighten patches without irritation.

2. Stretch marks

One of the most common questions people ask about pregnancy is "why are stretch marks so common?" While the answer may seem obvious - the skin stretches as the baby grows - various contributing factors like genetics and weight gain come into play. Moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid can help improve skin elasticity and may reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

3. Sensitive skin

For many women, the skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, making everyday activities like cleansing and shaving a bit more challenging. Hormonal changes can heighten oil production and sensitivity, necessitating the use of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products to minimize irritation. Wearing loose-fitting clothing can also help provide comfort.

4. Dark spots

Dark spots are a common phenomenon during pregnancy, primarily caused by increased melanin production influenced by hormones. Using sunscreen and including antioxidant-rich products in your routine can help keep skin tone even. Consult a dermatologist for targeted treatments if dark spots persist postpartum.

5. Acne

Pregnancy can trigger existing acne or introduce new breakouts due to hormonal shifts and oil production changes. Opting for gentle cleansers and avoiding harsh scrubs can help manage acne without exacerbating irritation. Non-comedogenic products are a must for expectant mothers.

6. PUPPP rash

PUPPP is an acronym for pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. It's a harmless yet itchy rash that typically arises in the third trimester. To alleviate discomfort, applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may provide relief. It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider before using any treatment.

7. Dry skin patches

Many pregnant women encounter dry skin patches as their body undergoes changes. Hormones can exacerbate dryness, making hydration critical. Regularly applying a thick moisturizer after bathing can lock in moisture; consider using natural oils like almond or coconut oil for added nourishment.

List of chemicals to avoid during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of joy, but it's also a time when moms-to-be have to be extra careful about the products they use. That's because many common skin chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and end up in the bloodstream, where they can cross the placenta and potentially cause birth defects. 

So what's a pregnant woman to do? Here's a list of skin chemicals to avoid during pregnancy:

  • Retinoids. These vitamin A derivatives are commonly found in anti-aging and acne products. They can be absorbed through the skin barrier, and large amounts of retinoids have been linked to birth defects.
  • Parabens are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products. But they can also mimic estrogen in the body, which can disrupt hormonal balance. So it's best to avoid them during pregnancy.
  • Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid that is commonly found in skincare products. It's an effective acne treatment, but it can be too strong on sensitive skin, so it’s recommended to avoid it or use products with less than 2% of the acid. The same applies for lactic acid and glycolic acid! 
  • Phthalates are another group of chemicals to avoid during pregnancy. They're often found in perfumes, lotions, and hair products. Like parabens, they can disrupt hormonal balance and may be linked to birth defects.
  • Benzoyl peroxide is an amazing acne treatment, however, it can also be drying and irritating

Want to know more about the do’s and don’ts of skincare ingredients during pregnancy? Are you dying to discover if aloe leaf juice, azelaic acid, or vitamin c are safe for you? Read this!

Top 15 pregnancy skin care products you need to try ASAP

As any pregnant woman will tell you, pregnancy comes with its fair share of skin changes. Some women glow with good health, while others find their skin breaks out or becomes dry and irritated. Thankfully, there are now a number of pregnancy skin care products on the market that can help expecting mothers feel more comfortable in their own skin.

From our fave gentle cleanser to the best sunscreen, here is our list of goodies to build the best pregnancy skin care routine: 

1. Pregnancy safe face wash

Packed with macadamia, coconut, and grapeseed oil, this gel-type oil gently removes makeup and sunscreen while also taking care of dry patches and sebum excess!

Want to get a deep cleanse without having too many products? Then Benton’s Tea Tree Cleansing Water is a must-have that works as a makeup remover and a first cleanse! This refreshing goodie made with 70% tea tree water and tea tree oil can soothe the skin while also being one of the best acne treatments! 

Plus, it’s everything a pregnant woman could want: vegan, clean, fragrance-free, parabens-free, and only has 10 ingredients!

With small blue beads, this foaming cleanser penetrates deep into the skin barrier to get rid of that pregnancy excess sebum that can clog your pores and cause cystic acne, blackheads, and skin irritation! 

Facial Cleanser
Real Art Perfect Cleansing Oil - Gentle, Effective & All-Natural Formula
Facial Cleanser Real Art Perfect Cleansing Oil
$24.00

2. Pregnancy safe toners and exfoliants

Made without animal-by products and packed with Damask Rose, this toner will calm and leave the skin feeling soft. 

As we said before, pregnant women can develop dark spots and melasma, but not with this toner! Full of citrus fruits like yuja, lemon, and orange, this vitamin c toner will brighten your skin, prevent breakouts, and get rid of the blemishes that are dragging you down! 

When it comes to exfoliators for pregnancy, it’s always good to opt for physical exfoliators instead of chemical ones. 

Dead skin cells could be one of the reasons you’re suffering from sebum excess, rough patches, and itchiness! That’s why integrating this peeling gel will help you unclog your pores and illuminate your skin for a healthy pregnancy glow!

Facial Cleanser
Yuja Niacin Brightening Toner - Illuminate and Revitalize Your Skin!
Facial Cleanser Yuja Niacin Brightening Toner
$22.00

3. Pregnancy safe serums and essences

Hyaluronic acid is like a magnet that works by attracting water into the skin barrier, increasing moisture levels! That’s why this one-ingredient goodie is a godsend if you want to get rid of your dehydrated skin woes

The power trio: niacinamide, propolis, and Centella Asiatica help to prevent future hormonal breakouts while also soothing the pimples you already have. Sooner than later you’ll have acne-free skin!

Serum
Hyaluronic Acid Pure 100% - Ultimate Hydration for Healthy Skin
Serum HYALURONIC ACID PURE 100
$25.00

Snail mucin will breathe life into dull, tired skin! This essence is everything you need to revive your skin, prevent aging signs, and restore skin elasticity for a youthful-looking complexion!

Mixed with propolis and lavender oil, this galactomyces and vitamin c serum is the perfect addition to your daily skincare routine. The result? A more youthful-looking complexion with a healthy glow.

Essence
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - Hydrate & Repair Skin (60ml)
Essence ADVANCED SNAIL 96 MUCIN POWER ESSENCE
$27.00

4. Pregnancy safe moisturizer

Made with traditional Korean herbal medicine and active ingredients, like shea butter, ginseng, natural oils, vitamin c, and vitamin e, this moisturizing goodie rejuvenate, hydrate, and brighten your skin

Having oily or combination skin usually means not using heavy creams, that’s why this oil-free moisturizer is so good! Made with Birch Sap, a Korean fave, and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizer will calm any redness and irritation caused by pimples while also restoring your moisture levels

Made for all skin types, this do-it-all product works as a moisturizer, primer, and skin brightener! It’s made with Damask Rose and essential oils that help treat dark spots and dryness while also prepping your skin for makeup!

Moisturizer
Glow Skin Balm: Hydrating Formula for Radiant, Glowing Skin
Moisturizer Glow Skin Balm
$20.00

5. Pregnancy safe sunscreen 

When it comes to sun protection, it’s better to choose mineral sunscreens over chemical sunscreens because they tend to cause less damage when you’re pregnant. Here’s our top pick: 

If you’re looking for a pregnancy safe makeup that also protects your skin against sun damage, this mineral sunscreen is for you! Made with niacinamide and peppermint, this sunscreen is packed with vitamin c and vitamin e that will brighten your skin while also creating the perfect makeup base!

Made with zinc oxide, green tea, and panthenol, this mild sunscreen will keep your skin cool down while you’re under the sun, without leaving any white cast! 

Pregnancy skin care routine: Where to find the best products?

And there you have it: a full guide on pregnancy safe skin care! Now, before you go, we have some extra things to say. First of all, remember that, even though these products have pregnancy-safe ingredients, it’s always good to ask your doctor before including any new products in your skincare routine. This is because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and what’s good for one person may not be as good for another, so it’s better to ask before using! 

On the other hand, if you fell in love with any of these products or want to keep exploring some goodies to build the best skincare for pregnancy, be sure to visit our pregnancy-safe skincare collection and let us know which are your faves! 

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below so we can chat and help you out! Once again, congrats mama!

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