Skincare when pregnant

Pregnancy is an exciting, yet overwhelming chapter in a woman’s life, especially for first-time mothers. While it is a milestone moment, it becomes with a plethora of challenges such as dietary changes, morning sickness, tiredness, skincare woes, and much more. Skincare when pregnant is an important aspect that can’t be ignored, and that is what we will discuss in detail.

What are the common skin concerns during pregnancy?

Since a woman’s body goes through several hormonal changes in her lifetime, with the most crucial one being pregnancy, in most cases hair fall, acne, and dull skin manifest during the first trimester. They usually get resolved during the first trimester, but there could be skincare problems later on as well. Common pregnancy skin concerns are:

Hormonal acne - due to more sensitivity and oil excretion, hormonal changes, and overly dry skin.

Pigmentation – happens because of increased sensitivity to sun and hormonal fluctuations.

Stretch marks – the skin expands to make space for the child growing inside.

What face products to avoid while pregnant? Which skincare ingredients should you stay away from? 

When you are pregnant, there are several ingredients that are harmful for the body, so even if you use them during other times, you should steer clear from the following:

• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Fragrance
• BPA
• Hydroquinone
• Retinoids
• Parabens & Phthalates
• Chemical Sunscreens
• Oral Salicylic Acid
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Stearic Acid

Please Note: These are only some of the ingredients you should avoid. For a more detailed list, consult your doctor.

Can you use face serums during pregnancy?

Yes, vitamin C serums are absolutely safe to use during pregnancy, although to be on the safe side, it is always best to opt for vegan, organic, and cruelty-free serums. Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant and helps with tissue repair, healing, and keeping the skin healthy and radiant.

Should you change your skincare when pregnant? 

Don’t make the mistake of ditching all of your skincare products during pregnancy. You should still use a cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, etc.

As mentioned, use natural and organic products. Moisturizer should be used in abundance as it helps to avoid stretch marks, soothe dry skin caused by pregnancy, and reduce itchiness.

Massage all over the body, especially in excessively dry areas like knees, elbows, nipples, etc. Since your skin is now overly sensitive, don’t step out without sunscreen and wear protective clothing under the sun.

You can get facials done once a month, but stay away from extensive heat therapy or using gadgets that involve an electric current. Treatments like laser, fillers, chemical peels, or Botox is a strict no-no.

Are skincare products safe during pregnancy?

Discuss the safety of your skincare products with your dermatologist and doctor. This is all the more important for those taking prescription medications or with pre-existing skin conditions. As mentioned above, they will be able to clarify exactly which skincare products are suitable for you, and the ones you should avoid.

Don’t start or modify your skincare regimen during pregnancy without talking to your doctor – medical advice is of the utmost important at this time.

Which ingredients are safe to use?

There are some ingredients that you can still use during pregnancy such as:

• Salicylic acid (BHA)
• Sunscreen actives - like titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide
• Vitamin C
• Azelaic acid
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic acid
• Peptides