When it comes to choosing skincare products during pregnancy, there are several additional factors to weigh in order to ensure a safe and healthy experience for you and your little one. From understanding what ingredients should be avoided at all costs while pregnant, or even just making sure you have the right product with formulation designed specifically with expecting mothers in mind - navigating the world of pregnancy-safe skincare can seem daunting. But don’t worry - here is some advice on selecting the right skin care items so that both mom and baby can safely enjoy soft, refreshed skin throughout this incredible journey.
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Pregnancy Causes Skin Alterations
Aside from the many other changes occurring in your body due to pregnancy hormones, you may also notice the following skin changes:
- Skin discoloration, or melasma: This can be stubborn and persistent even after the pregnancy is over. You can reduce your risk by increasing your sun safety measures, such as by applying sunscreen to your face every two hours and always wearing a hat that covers your face.
- Stretch Marks: Besides moisturizing on a daily basis and trying to slowly change weight, there is not much you can do to prevent stretch marks. After giving birth, you'll have access to additional options like microneedling and laser therapy. However, stretch marks are completely normal and occur as your skin tries to accommodate the growing baby.
- Moles: During pregnancy, moles often grow in size and/or become darker. But if a mole is multiple colors, larger than six millimeters, or there is a family history of skin cancer, get checked by a dermatologist as soon as possible. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:
- Asymmetry
- Irregularity at the border
- Color (a range of colors)
- Greater than six millimeters in diameter
- Progressing or developing
- Skin tags: These are minor, fleshy growths that can protrude from the skin and even dangle by a stalk of their own. Skin tags are harmless growths that can be the same color as your skin or slightly darker, like a mole, but can be annoying if they rub against clothing.
- Overproduction of sebum: Acne can be made worse by an overproduction of sebum, an oil produced by the sebaceous glands.
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Considerations for Your Skin While Pregnant
New worries arise with pregnancy, but a basic skin care routine can be maintained with some research, forethought, and advice from an expert. There are two primary skin care issues that pregnant women should be aware of:
- Products may affect your baby's growth or development if they are absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin. You can't stop your skin from absorbing skin care products (that's kind of the point), but you can make sure that the products you use are safe for you and your baby if they do get absorbed into your bloodstream (more on this in a bit).
- Your skin's sensitivity may increase, making it more likely that you'll have an allergic reaction to something in your skin care routine. This includes both new and long-standing staples. Stick to mild, fragrance-free skin care products if your skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, and don't try too many new products at once. Instead, you should introduce a single new product at a time and wait for your skin to adjust to it before moving on to the next.
Avoidable Skin Care Ingredients During Pregnancy
It is probably unsurprising that certain skin care products are unsafe to use during pregnancy. Before discussing what is safe, it is essential to understand what to avoid in order to minimize adverse reactions.
These skin care products are deemed unsafe for use during pregnancy because they can either enter the bloodstream and harm the fetus or irritate sensitive skin:
- Cosmetic procedures including Botox, fillers, and lasers
- Retinol (typically used in acne and anti-aging products containing retinoids)
- Salicylic acid in high doses, as a chemical peel or orally, is used to treat acne.
- Exfoliating procedures including microdermabrasion, peels, and exfoliation masks.
- Hydroquinone (a skin-lightening agent)
- Bath bombs and scented lotions are examples of items containing essential oils and fragrances.
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Safe Skincare Products for Pregnancy
So what are your options? There are still plenty of pregnancy-safe skin care products that will help you to combat dryness and breakouts and keep your skin feeling healthy, despite the list of products to avoid.
- Mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers are recommended.
- Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizer with anti-aging properties that are safe during pregnancy.
- Benzoyl Peroxide (safe in limited amounts; however, it is advised to consult a dermatologist prior to use)
- Vitamin C serum (used for its brightening, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties; apply in the morning prior to sunscreen) is utilized for its brightening, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties.
- Low concentrations of salicylic acid are typically found in over-the-counter face washes (high concentrations, in masks or when ingested, are not safe).
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Using Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products
Ladies and future mothers, prepare for an exhilarating deep dive into the mesmerizing world of pregnancy-safe skincare! Navigating through this vast sea of products can be quite the odyssey, but fear not, we've got your back.
Safety is our North Star when it comes to pampering yourself during pregnancy. Amidst the dizzying array of choices, knowing which products are safe to use and which should be given a wide berth is akin to striking gold!
The key? Vigilance! Be a label detective. Analyze every warning, every ingredient with the focus of a seasoned sleuth. If in doubt, don't hesitate to call in the cavalry - your trusty doctor or pharmacist is just a consultation away, ready to clear any clouds of uncertainty.
Want an extra layer of assurance? Say hello to the EWG database, your go-to guide for safety rankings of skincare products. It's like having a skincare guardian angel, watching over you and your precious baby!
Remember, we're in this together. Communication is crucial. Whether it's your doctor or a skincare professional, keep them in the loop and let their expertise guide you. By understanding what 'pregnancy-safe' really means, you can experience the joy of nurturing your little one without a hint of fear.
Craving for more insights? Hop over to our blog for a wealth of tips on how to care for your little one. We know, caring for both you and your baby takes time, but believe us, it's an investment with immeasurable returns.
But wait, there's more! To add an extra zing to your journey, purchase a baby box subscription today! Picture an enchanting assortment of essential goodies and delightful surprises, delivered to your doorstep each month. It's the perfect blend of practicality and excitement to make your pregnancy journey unforgettable. After all, the best things in life are worth the time they take!
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