Top Skincare Tips During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most fulfilling feelings an individual can experience. As soon as you find out you are expecting, there are major changes in your life. You need to readjust your lifestyle to ensure your baby develops healthily. One aspect of their life which women often ignore during pregnancy is their skincare routine.

You need to understand that certain skincare products are not good for the baby. So, you must remove those products from your life and try ones specifically for expecting mothers. But don’t worry, as changing your products doesn’t mean you start compromising on your skin.

There is a long list of the best skincare products for expecting mothers. However, we won’t list the products. Instead, we will list the ingredients and other qualities to look for in product during pregnancy. Why? You may not find the listed product or it is outside your budget. So, it is better to focus on the ingredients and qualities.

Skincare Products to Avoid During Pregnancy

1. Retinoids

There is an ever-growing market for anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle skincare products. These products contain retinoids which derive from Vitamin A. These products are available over the counter, meaning you can buy them without a prescription. It is what makes them highly dangerous.

Several studies confirm the harmful impact of retinoids on the foetus. Doctors recommend women avoid such products to avoid their effects. There may be a chance of retinoid use leading to permanent damage. So, it is better to avoid such products altogether.

Experts recommend stopping retinoid use at least two months before trying to get pregnant.

2. Salicylic Acid

Doctors recommend this product for treating acne as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, avoid skincare products or even medicine high in salicylic acid. The reason is your body absorbs these chemicals. While your body requires it to manage your acne, the baby has no need for it. Hence, it can harm your baby.

3. Hydroquinone

You cannot get this as an over-the-counter product. In other words, you require a prescription for it. If you wish to lighten your skin or remove pigment, your dermatologist or physician may recommend hydroquinone.

Although no study effectively establishes a link between hydroquinone and pregnancy defects, one should avoid using it. The reason is your body absorbs the hydroquinone. With a baby inside, it is best to absorb healthy ingredients only.

4. Phthalates

You may know them as plasticisers. Their role is to make plastic products more durable. You might be wondering what their relation is to skincare products. Well, skincare products usually come in plastic packaging, meaning the phthalates can leak into the product. Therefore, avoid products which come in plastic packaging.

5. Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone helps protect against harmful ultraviolet rays. However, oxybenzone and related chemicals can harm water sources and the human food chain. During pregnancy, hormones undergo a change which is a natural process. However, oxybenzone can disrupt the hormone change process. It can cause permanent damage to you and your baby. A recent study finds permanent changes to the lactation and mammary glands due to oxybenzone use.

Products to Use During Pregnancy

1. For Acne

You can have acne at any point in life, even though it is common during your teenage. For acne during pregnancy, dermatologists recommend glycolic acid. Again, you should not use it in large quantities, but it is a safer alternative.

2. Antioxidants

You need to protect yourself and your baby during pregnancy. So, work on boosting your immune system. We recommend skincare products with antioxidants. These are ingredients which protect your skin against UV rays and pollution. Vitamin C and E are common antioxidants.

3. Moisturisers

Regardless of how much water you drink, it may not be enough for you and your baby. It will eventually lead to dry skin. One way to deal with it is by increasing water consumption. However, how much can one drink after all? We recommend applying moisturisers to deal with dry skin. You can find several moisturisers from top brands online and other reliable stores.

4. Cleanser

During pregnancy, avoid using warm water, as it can remove essential oils from your body. Use soap-free cleaners to remove impurities.

5. Sun Protection

Unfortunately, most sunscreens contain oxybenzone. Therefore, it is better to look for sunscreens with low levels of this ingredient. The alternative is to use sunscreens which contain minerals. Don’t forget to wear a hat and gloves to protect yourself against skin damage.

Skincare Tips During Pregnancy

If you use medication to treat a pre-existing condition, talk to your doctor to assess if it is safe during pregnancy. It is better to walk through your skincare routine with your doctor so they can better understand the products and then provide suggestions accordingly.

Secondly, refer to the Environment Working Group’s (non-profit organisation) database to determine whether the product is safe. It is a credible organisation which keeps updating its database.

Third, wear maternity clothes. Women don’t realise they can no longer wear their routine clothes. Maternity clothes are made specifically for pregnant women to adapt to the body and skin changes.

Stretch marks are common during pregnancy. We recommend applying moisturiser to your tummy, hips, and thighs to prevent them from becoming prominent. Don’t worry too much about stretch marks as there are multiple treatments for it.

In addition, don’t forget to get ample rest. If you are a working woman or stay at home wife, rest is mandatory in any case. Don’t spend too much time on your feet. If you are finding things difficult to manage, apply for leave or hire a house help.

Lastly, don’t forget the importance of a healthy diet and a good night’s rest.

Related reading: How Pregnancy Affects Hair Growth?

Final Thoughts

It concludes our views on the top skincare routine during pregnancy. Women must be extra careful during this stage, as a small mistake can lead to long-term complications. If you are unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or seek help from friends & family.