Congratulations, you have a little one on its way!!
As soon as you find out you’re expecting, your whole world changes. And sometimes having to discontinue some of your trusted skincare products may come as a shock but rest assured, most over-the-counter products are completely safe, however, there are a few ingredients that could be harmful to your little one. So here’s a list of ingredients you should take a break from:
1. Retinoids (Vitamin A)
2. High-dose Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acids
3. Hydroquinone
4. Phthalates
5. Parabens
6. Formaldehyde
7. Chemical Sunscreens (*oxybenzone + derivatives)
Whether you’re looking for a safe product to reverse an unwelcome skin change brought on by your pregnancy (acne, dryness, Melasma, etc) or you’re checking up on the safety of your current regime, finding a healthy pregnancy skincare routine is possible with the results you are still trying to achieve!
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
While some Mamas-to-be experience 9 months of pure complexion perfection, others experience some less favourable skin occurrences at some point. The most common are:
- Dry skin
- Melasma and pigmentation (darkening skin)
- Acne
People with preexisting skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may also experience a change in their symptoms (for better or worse).
So What Should Your Pregnancy Skincare Routine Look Like?
One word – Gentle! The best thing you can do is use gentle products and get regular pregnancy-safe facials. You might also want to try to gently exfoliate two to three times a week. This keeps surface debris from building up on the skin and causing breakouts. It also helps alleviate dryness, which can be exacerbated by dead skin not allowing products to penetrate properly.
Another pregnancy skincare must-have is to use a gentle cleanser formulated for sensitive skin. Looking for cleansers that are formulated with allantoin or panthenol or contain natural ingredients such as lavender or calendula. For serums and moisturisers, look for products that are non-comedogenic, plant-based and rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E. The best thing you can do to prevent Melasma is to use a high number SPF every day (SPF50+)! Shielding skin from UV damage will help ensure Melasma doesn't get any worse.
