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. So what causes these changes?

Hormones are largely to blame. During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of estrogen, 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.

In this sense, having a good skincare routine is a must-do if you want to minimize the effects of pregnancy on your skin! But, can you keep using the same products you were using when you weren’t expecting? No! You want to do everything you can to keep your baby safe and healthy. That means being careful about the products you use, especially when it comes to beauty and skincare products.

Many conventional products contain chemicals that can be harmful to a developing baby, so it's important to switch to pregnancy-safe options. Fortunately, there are plenty of great pregnancy-safe skincare products on the market, so you don't have to sacrifice your beauty routine. Pregnancy-safe products are free of harmful chemicals and are gentle enough for a developing baby. 

So, even though these changes are all part of a healthy pregnancy, you can still take care of your skin concerns with these products. 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 changes in hormone levels during pregnancy. The increased production of estrogen and progesterone can trigger an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melasma often develops on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip, and usually appears as dark, symmetrical patches. The condition is more common in women with darker skin tones, but it can occur in any pregnant woman. 

While most cases of melasma resolve after pregnancy, some women may continue to experience the condition. There is no cure for melasma, but there are treatments that can help to lighten the dark patches.

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 - there's actually a bit more to it than that.

Stretch marks are caused by the skin stretching and then tearing. The tears happen in the middle layer of the skin called the dermis. As the skin stretches, the collagen and elastin fibers that make up the dermis break down. This causes the skin to become thinner and less elastic. As a result, stretch marks form.

3. Sensitive skin

For many women, skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, making everyday activities like cleansing and shaving a bit more difficult. But why is this?

The most likely explanation is hormones. During pregnancy, estrogen levels surge, which can affect the production of oil in the skin. This can lead to skin irritation, flakiness, and increased sensitivity.

In addition, there are external factors that can further irritate sensitive skin like sun exposure! 

4. Dark spots

Dark spots are a common phenomenon during pregnancy, and they can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes is increased melanin production, which can be triggered by hormonal changes. 

Additionally, dark spots can also be caused by sun exposure, which is why pregnant women are advised to wear sunscreen and limit their time in the sun. In some cases, dark spots may also be a sign of hyperpigmentation, a condition that causes patches of skin to become darker than the surrounding tissue.

5. Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of people around the world. And while it is often associated with teenage years, it can actually occur at any age. Pregnancy is one such time when acne can become a problem.

There are several reasons why acne-prone skin may be more common during pregnancy. First, pregnancy is associated with an increase in hormones, which can trigger or worsen existing acne. Second, pregnancy can cause changes in the body's oil production, making the skin more oily and susceptible to breakouts. Finally, the increased blood flow and circulation associated with pregnancy can also lead to breakouts. 

6. PUPPP rash

PUPPP is an acronym for pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. It's a skin condition that occurs during pregnancy, typically in the third trimester. In the same sense, it typically shows up as an itchy rash that starts on the stomach and spreads to the legs, arms, and sometimes the face. 

The good news is that PUPPP is harmless to both mom and baby. However, it can be extremely uncomfortable, causing intense itching and rash. 

7. Dry skin patches

Every pregnant woman knows the drill: as your belly begins to grow, so does the number of dry patches on your skin. But why is this? Turns out, there are a few reasons. While some women experience excessive oil production which results in oily skin and acne, others experience dry skin. 

Pregnancy hormones can make your once dry skin even dryer, which can result in itchy, dehydrated skin patches that change the skin texture and make it rougher. 

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 - Asian Beauty Essentials
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 - Asian Beauty Essentials
Facial Cleanser Yuja Niacin Brightening Toner
$22.00
Facial Exfoliator
Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel
Facial Exfoliator Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel
$15.00

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
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
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!

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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