Only when you’re pregnant do you realize how much hormones affect your body. The skin changes in many ways, from increased pigmentation (also known as the pregnancy mask) to dry skin, increased sensitivity to certain ingredients or products, and increased redness. All of these changes are inevitable, but luckily, they will pass once the baby is born. But for now, we want to give you some pregnancy skin care tips.
What skin care products should you use during pregnancy?
Fortunately, there are many skin care products that are safe to use during pregnancy and can help treat the skin changes mentioned earlier. Here is a list of ingredients you need to keep or add to your routine during pregnancy:
Glycolic Acid – While it’s not recommended to be consumed in large quantities during pregnancy, glycolic acid is one of the AHAs that is powerful enough to remove dead skin cells, bacteria, dirt, and excess oil while remaining gentle on the skin. Try using a chemical peel once a day, preferably at night, to prevent your skin from looking dull and lackluster.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage. Since collagen production will also increase, your complexion will be brighter and look more youthful and plump.
Hyaluronic acid – Skin can become noticeably dry during pregnancy and using effective hyaluronic acid can lock in moisture and keep skin looking hydrated, healthy and youthful.
Vitamin E – If your belly starts to grow, you may develop stretch marks. Then vitamin E can help. Use a moisturiser enriched with vitamin E every day to nourish your skin, especially if it becomes dry.
Sun protection – Skin sensitivity can also cause the skin to react to excessive sun exposure. Always use a high SPF and apply daily to prevent sun damage or increased skin pigmentation.
If you are completely happy with the way your skin looks and feels, stick with your current skincare routine as it is clearly working for you. However, it is advisable to consider any ingredients that are unsafe to use and should be excluded from your routine throughout your pregnancy.
What skincare products should be avoided during pregnancy?
The following ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy and even after the baby is born. If you have any questions about the use of skincare products and their ingredients, it is best to consult a GP or dermatologist for further advice.
Retinoids
Retinol is considered the holy grail of all skincare ingredients, reversing signs of aging, reducing acne like blackheads, and exfoliating faster than the likes of AHAs. While all of this sounds amazing, taking retinol during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth and child defects. Multiple studies have linked it to exposure to high levels of vitamin A (retinol). Due to the risks to the baby and increased hyperpigmentation and signs of sun damage, it’s best to avoid retinol altogether.
Phthalates
These chemicals are found in perfumes and nail polishes, and studies have shown that they may be linked to birth defects. Fortunately, there are multiple brands that are formulated without these chemicals and clearly state on their labels that they are safe to use during pregnancy.
Ammonia
Ammonia, commonly found in hair dyes, has carcinogenic properties that must be avoided, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Then, check with your colorist to find out which ammonia-free products are safe to use.
Some Essential Oils
Although many essential oils are natural, they must be used with caution during pregnancy. Some essential oils are known to increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. Add to that the fact that your skin is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation, and it’s not an ideal situation. Rosemary, mint, jasmine, basil, and cypress are some of the essential oils that should be avoided at all costs, as using them on the skin carries the risk of increased miscarriage.
These are some of the key ingredients you should avoid in your skin care routine to ensure your safety during pregnancy. Other treatments and procedures to avoid include injectables, fillers or “tweaks,” and spray tans, as dihydroxyacetone is inhaled during the treatment.
What helps combat dull skin during pregnancy?
To prevent your skin from getting too dull during pregnancy, here are some tips to keep your skin glowing:
Exfoliation
Exfoliation will make your skin look fresh and radiant, but be careful as increased redness can be one of the changes in your skin and should not be irritated. Use a scrub or tonic with glycolic acid 1-2 times a week.
Serums
Serums with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be your skin’s best friend by nourishing the skin, locking in moisture, and fighting free radicals and other skin-damaging factors.
Water
Drinking enough water throughout the day will not only keep your baby and your body healthy, but your complexion will also look youthful, fine lines and wrinkles will be reduced, and your skin will regain its radiance.
SPF
Using SPF sunscreen every day will protect your skin from the sun, which can dry out your face and increase fine lines and wrinkles due to lack of moisture in your skin.
There are some skin care tips and tricks during pregnancy. We strongly recommend not introducing any new ingredients or products into your skin care routine and seek the advice of a dermatologist before using them. For now, it’s best to take care of your baby and of course yourself during this special time. There’s nothing wrong with preparing for postpartum pampering days once it’s safe to use these ingredients again. After all, you deserve it!
