It is no secret by now that pregnancy can cause significant changes to your skin, caused by changes in your hormones. Whether you are one of the lucky ones and you get that “pregnancy glow”, or your whole face breaks out, the question remains the same – which products are safe to use?
Once you are pregnant, some of your favourite skincare items might have to be thrown out. Don’t let this discourage you, as nowadays there are many resources to help you introduce safe and healthy skincare products into your routine.
Avoid these ingredients
Let’s start with the forbidden fruit – the ingredients and products you should not be using while pregnant. Simply said, your skincare needs to be gentle and effective. MedicalNewsToday has made a detailed list of chemicals that will be the most harmful, and we will note some of them here.
Retinol should be avoided, chemical sunscreens, Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Hydroquinone. Parabens are widespread in most cosmetic products, even shower & bath gels, so you will have to find some natural alternatives, such as this one here.
Stretch marks
There’s one thing you almost can’t avoid once growing a living human being in your body – stretch marks. It’s true that today many people are encouraging self-acceptance, and seeing those little lines on your body as “tiger stripes”, but even so it isn’t always easy to love them.
This is why body oils are recommended, to make sure your skin doesn’t crack and get extremely dry. Again, make sure the ingredients are not harmful to your baby, and choose a body oil to help increase skin elasticity.
Hair Removal
Just like your skincare routine, the way you handle hair removal during pregnancy should be approached with care. Shaving and waxing still stand as your go-to options for safety and ease. But what about laser hair removal during pregnancy?
The lack of in-depth studies on how this technique affects expectant mothers has led many healthcare professionals to advise against it. Although laser hair removal may offer you longer-lasting results and cut down on your grooming time, it involves concentrated beams of light targeting your hair follicles. This can potentially affect not just your skin, but deeper layers too.
When you’re expecting, putting safety first is key. So, before you make any decisions, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice on hair removal methods that won’t compromise either your well-being or your baby’s.
Acne and pregnancy
A very common issue for many women during the first trimester is acne. Breakouts are caused by a higher production of sebum which leads to clogged pores. Thankfully, it is not so hard to find clean products to help treat acne during pregnancies.
As soon as you take care of that, your skincare routine doesn’t have to include any other changes or extra steps. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has noted many other skin conditions. Still, when it comes to treatments, you just need to focus on harm-free ingredients and you’re good to go.
Dry skin
On the other end of the spectrum, many women are also hit with severe dryness of the skin in different areas when pregnant. There are a few steps you can take to help reduce this and better hydrate the skin.
It is as simple as washing your face and body regularly, using hyaluronic acid and balms for retaining moisture, and finally healthy and clean food and drinks. Any treatments must come from the outside in, to be seen inside out.
Having darker skin
It has been known that having darker skin can lead to different skin conditions when you get pregnant. The most common one is hyperpigmentation, which manifests in the form of brown spots on your face. Usually, they appear on the forehead, around the mouth, or on the cheeks.
The best solution – wearing enough sunscreen. A clean sunscreen with high protection will ensure the sun rays can’t further damage the skin or increase hyperpigmentation.
The safe options
Don’t let all these tips leave you confused. Choosing the safe options and making the right decisions for you and your baby isn’t so complicated, and you might gain good habits you will keep long after the pregnancy ends.
Don’t shy away from natural remedies like shea butter and coconut oil for nourishing, aloe vera for skin irritations, and natural antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E, and K.
Not all acids are bad, so you can feel free to use Hyaluronic Acid for hydration. If you use Glycolic Acid in concentrations below 10%, it will be the right choice for exfoliation. Lastly, Zinc Oxide can be a good option when looking for a natural sunblock.
Conclusion
Watching your skincare during pregnancy won’t be as easy as simply choosing the “fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic” titled products. You will have to look deeper into the ingredients, to ensure they aren’t harmful to you or your baby.
Nowadays, safe options are easily available. Once you switch to those clean products, you can keep the steps of your favourite skincare routine untouched!
Author Bio:
Magdalena is a Public Relations student who is passionate about content creation. Researching topics from different fields, such as skin care comes easily and effortlessly.
