Skincare

Pregnancy safe skincare products

SkinTalks - August 1, 2024

Hey there, Skintalks readers! Or must I say hey there, mommies-to-be!

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change, not just for your growing baby but also for your skin. We're here to give you reliable info and handy tips on pregnancy skincare to keep your skin healthy and glowing during pregnancy. From understanding which ingredients to avoid to discovering the best skincare for pregnancy, we dive into all sorts of pregnancy-safe skincare topics just for moms-to-be.

Join us as we explore skincare routines, share expert tips, and offer solutions for common skin concerns during pregnancy. Let us help you feel confident and radiant as you embrace this beautiful journey.

How does your skin change during pregnancy?

Hormone changes cause many changes to your skin. You might get more acne, melasma, or hyperpigmentation, and you might also notice stretch marks.

Here are a few skin problems that can occur during pregnancy, along with some tips on managing them.

(Hormonal) Acne

The radiant pregnancy glow is thanks to increased blood flow and oil production. However, this boost in oil can sometimes lead to unwanted acne.

Pregnancy acne is a natural condition. It usually goes away when your hormone levels return to normal. The safest thing to do is to avoid any prescription acne medications or over-the-counter chemical spot treatments. Instead, you can rely on drug-free home remedies.

Use a gentle cleanser: Use a mild, pregnancy safe cleanser to wash your face twice a day. Avoid
harsh scrubs or products containing salicylic acid and retinoids.
Hydration & Nutrition: Stay hydrated. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods that can worsen
your acne.
Avoid touching or picking: Refrain from touching your face and resist the urge to pick, as this can
worsen the inflammation and lead to scarring.

Dark Spots

During pregnancy, a natural rise in melanin causes darkened patches of skin, notably on the face. To reduce this "mask of pregnancy," known as chloasma.

Wear sunscreen, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Avoid the peak hours in the sun (between 11 AM and 3 PM)

Most of these discolorations will be reduced within a few months after giving birth.

Stretch Marks

While many women anticipate stretch marks on their belly during pregnancy, they may be surprised to find these pink or red streaks on their breasts, buttocks, and thighs as well.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere the skin rapidly stretches and grows. Despite numerous lotions and creams advertised, there are no proven methods to prevent or completely erase stretch marks.

Over time, stretch marks typically fade, and moisturizers can help reduce any associated irritation.

What Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy?

Products that appear harmless at first glance can often turn out to be quite the opposite.

Retinol

We recommend avoiding Retinol, Retinyl linoleate, and Retinyl palmitate during pregnancy. Good substitutes for these ingredients are Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, and Rosehip Oil.

Vitamin A is important for fetal development, but taking isotretinoin, a strong Vitamin A derivative, can cause birth defects.

Retinol is poorly absorbed through the skin and, in small amounts, is unlikely to harm a developing fetus. However, there is limited research on the use of topical retinol during pregnancy.

Despite the low risk suggested by studies, experts still recommend that pregnant women avoid using vitamin A-based skincare products during early pregnancy.

If you have used cosmetics with retinol or similar vitamin A derivatives during pregnancy, don't panic. Stop using the product and consult your healthcare provider for advice.

You might have heard about the famous 10-step Korean skincare routine, and while it’s effective, it’s not a must for everyone. Your routine can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be. We'll go through each step together, explaining the purpose and benefits so you can decide what works best for you and your skin!

Hydroxy Acids (AHA, BHA) in high percentage

We recommend avoiding high concentrations of Hydroxy Acids (AHA, BHA) during pregnancy. Specifically, avoid Betaine salicylate and Salicylic acid.

Topical use of BHA results in minimal skin absorption. However, since oral salicylic acid is unsafe during pregnancy, doctors advise against frequent or excessive use of skincare products with BHA.

Small amounts of BHA and AHA, like a toner with less than 2% salicylic acid or less than 10% glycolic acid used once or twice daily, are generally considered safe. The main concern is with high-percentage facial and body peels containing these acids. Always consult your healthcare provider before undergoing any peels.

AHA and BHA products make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so protect your skin from the sun when using these products.

Willow Bark, a natural equivalent of salicylic acid, has similar effects but is gentler. However, due to the lack of evidence on its safety during pregnancy, it is also excluded from our 'pregnancy-safe' list.

If you have used products with high percentages of AHA or BHA during pregnancy, don't panic. Stop using them and consult your doctor for further guidance.

Alpha-Aburtin

This ingredient is often used to lighten pigmentation. The research on the use of Hydroquinone during pregnancy is very limited, but because the ingredient is absorbed through the skin very quickly, many experts recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.

A good alternative for Alpha-Arbutin would be Vitamin C.

UV -Filters

We exclude Homosalate, Octisalate, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene. Good substitutes for these ingredients are mineral filters like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.

Studies show that active sunscreens don't pose a risk during pregnancy. Daily use of sunscreen is highly recommended by skin experts, especially during pregnancy. However, your skin may become more sensitive during this time. If this happens, consider using sunscreens with only mineral filters, such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, as they usually cause less sensitivity.

In general, ingredients like Avobenzone, Benzophenone, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone are often considered safe in low percentages, even during pregnancy. However, because these can sometimes trigger sensitivity, we exclude them from our selection.

Are Peptides Safe During Pregnancy?

Peptides are safe to use during pregnancy and are excellent for maintaining a youthful skincare routine.

Wishing you a healthy, glowing pregnancy journey filled with confidence and radiant skin. Embrace these changes and enjoy the beauty of this special time with our pregnancy-safe skincare tips. Stay radiant, mommies-to-be!

Pregnancy safe skincare products

SkinTalks - August 1, 2024