Pregnancy-Safe Skincare : What to use & What to Avoid

Pregnancy-Safe Skincare : What to use & What to Avoid

Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, but it also comes with changes in your body, including your skin.

Many women experience pregnancy-related skin changes. Hormones, as well as changes to your cardiovascular system and immune function during pregnancy, are to blame.

While some lucky people have 9 months of flawless skin, others have at least one unfavourable new or worsening skin issue at some point. The most typical are:

  • Acne
  • Darkness on the skin( Melasma & Darkness around the neck)
  • Dryness & Sensitivity

While most beauty and skincare products are safe to use during pregnancy, there are a few ingredients you should avoid.

Let’s learn about these skin issues in detail and provide you with expert advice on what to use and what to avoid for a safe and glowing complexion.

Acne: 

Hormonal fluctuations can stimulate oil production, leading to increased acne breakouts. However, some pregnant women may notice an improvement in their acne during pregnancy.

What to use

  • Azelaic acid for brightening & anti-bacterial
  • Niacinamide for pores & skin barrier
  • Lactic Acid for exfoliation to keep the pores clear
  • Gentle cleansers & non-comedogenic moisturisers
  • Salicylic acid (only on the face, less than 2%)
  • Benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment

What to avoid

  • Retinoids
  • Salicylic acid (high-strength peels; avoid body products)
  • Sulphur

Melasma & Darkness around neck:

Pregnancy hormones can trigger the overproduction of melanin, leading to dark patches on the skin.

These patches are known as melasma, or the "mask of pregnancy," and often appear on the face, particularly the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.

Sun protection, including wearing hats and using sunscreen, can help prevent further darkening.

What to use

  • Azelaic acid for brightening & acne control
  • Niacinamide for pores & skin barrier
  • Vitamin C for brightening
  • 5% lactic acid for exfoliation
  • Mineral sunscreen or sunscreen with New Gen filters

What to avoid

  • Retinoids
  • Arbutin
  • Chemical Sunscreens with old-gen filters.

Even if a person's everyday regimen contains only safe ingredients, their skin may become more sensitive or irritated once pregnant.

Dryness and sensitivity:

Some women experience dry, itchy skin during pregnancy. Hormonal changes and increased water loss through sweating can contribute to dryness.

What to use

  • Vitamin C for brightening 
  • Niacinamide for pore & skin barrier
  • Azelaic for Brightening 
  • 5%Lactic acid for exfoliation
  • Mineral Sunscreen or Sunscreen with New Gen filters

What to avoid 

  • Retinoids
  • Chemical Sunscreens with old gen filters

During pregnancy, a person's skin may become more sensitive or prone to irritation, even if their regular skincare routine consists of safe ingredients.

So, here is some extra information for you: Follow the tips below for healthy skin.

Other tips

  • Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers
  • Avoiding hot showers can help alleviate dryness.
  • Apply moisturiser on damp skin

Pregnancy doesn't mean compromising on skincare. By following these pregnancy-safe skincare tips, you can maintain a healthy, radiant complexion throughout this remarkable journey. Embrace the changes, cherish your pregnancy glow, and enjoy the beauty of motherhood!

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083744/