Pregnancy is a time of joy and excitement, but also a time of many changes in your body and skin. Hormonal fluctuations, increased blood flow, and immune system alterations can affect your skin in various ways, such as dryness, sensitivity, acne, or pigmentation. While some women may experience the famous pregnancy glow, others may struggle with skin issues that require special care and attention.
But not all skincare products are safe or suitable for pregnant women. Some ingredients can be absorbed into your bloodstream and potentially harm your baby’s development. Others can cause allergic reactions or irritate your skin further. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for and what to avoid when choosing skincare products for pregnancy.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the dos and don’ts of pregnancy skincare, and recommend some products from our sister website everybodi.co that are gentle, effective, and pregnancy-safe.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
According to dermatologists and experts, there are some skincare ingredients that are best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as they may pose a risk of birth defects, complications, or adverse effects on your baby. These include:
- Retinoids. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that are commonly used to treat acne, wrinkles, and pigmentation. However, high doses of oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin (Accutane), have been linked to severe birth defects and miscarriages. While topical retinoids are less likely to cause harm, there is not enough evidence to prove their safety, so it’s better to steer clear of them during pregnancy. Retinoids can be found in products with names such as retinol, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene, or hydroxypinacolone retinoate.12
- Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is used to exfoliate, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. It can be helpful for acne-prone skin, but it can also be absorbed into your bloodstream and affect your baby’s development. High doses of salicylic acid, such as in oral aspirin, have been associated with bleeding, premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus (a vital blood vessel), and Reye’s syndrome (a rare but serious condition that affects the brain and liver). While low concentrations of topical salicylic acid (less than 2%) are generally considered safe, some experts advise avoiding it altogether during pregnancy.34
- Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that is used to treat melasma, a common condition that causes dark patches on the face during pregnancy. However, hydroquinone can be absorbed into your bloodstream and cross the placenta, potentially affecting your baby’s pigmentation. Studies have shown that hydroquinone can cause mutations and toxicity in animal cells, but there is not enough data on its effects on human fetuses. Therefore, it’s best to avoid hydroquinone during pregnancy and opt for other safer alternatives.56
Skincare Ingredients to Use During Pregnancy
While there are some ingredients that you should avoid during pregnancy, there are also many that are safe and beneficial for your skin. Some of the best skincare ingredients to use during pregnancy are:
- Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that is found in your skin and helps retain moisture, plumpness, and elasticity. It can also reduce inflammation and redness, and improve wound healing. Hyaluronic acid is safe to use during pregnancy, as it is not absorbed into your bloodstream and does not affect your baby. It can help hydrate and soothe your skin, especially if you experience dryness or sensitivity during pregnancy.78
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can protect your skin from free radical damage, boost collagen production, and brighten your complexion. It can also help fade pigmentation and prevent melasma, which are common concerns for pregnant women. Vitamin C is safe to use during pregnancy, as it is not absorbed into your bloodstream and does not affect your baby. It can help improve your skin’s health and appearance, and enhance your pregnancy glow.910
- Azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is a type of dicarboxylic acid that is naturally produced by yeast that live on your skin. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic properties, which means it can kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce swelling and redness, and unclog pores. It can also inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment that causes dark spots on your skin. Azelaic acid is safe to use during pregnancy, as it is not absorbed into your bloodstream and does not affect your baby. It can help treat acne and pigmentation, and improve your skin’s texture and tone.1112
Skincare Products to Try During Pregnancy
Now that you know what ingredients to look for and what to avoid, you may wonder what products to use during pregnancy. Here are some of our recommendations from the products we sell in the spa.
- O Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser. This is a gentle and soothing cleanser that can remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. It contains vitamin E, aloe vera, and green tea, which can nourish, hydrate, and protect your skin from oxidative stress. It can also help balance your skin’s pH and calm any irritation or inflammation. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive or dry skin.13
- O Cosmedics Pure Age Defiance Serum. This is a potent anti-aging serum that can target the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging, and dullness. It contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, which can hydrate, firm, and brighten your skin. It can also stimulate collagen synthesis and cellular renewal, and prevent glycation, which is a process that damages your skin’s proteins. This serum is suitable for all skin types, especially mature or damaged skin.
- Everybodi Relax Magnesium & Coffee Scrub. This is a relaxing and detoxifying body scrub that can exfoliate, moisturize, and smooth your skin. It contains magnesium, coffee, coconut oil, and lavender, which can relax your muscles and mind, improve blood circulation, and nourish your skin. It can also help with dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and stretch marks. This scrub is suitable for all skin types, especially stressed or tired skin.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a wonderful and challenging time for your body and skin. While you may need to change some of your skincare products and habits, you can still take good care of your skin and enjoy its beauty and health. By choosing the right ingredients and products, you can avoid any potential risks and benefit from their positive effects. We hope this blog post helps you make informed and safe choices for your pregnancy skincare routine. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading!