Pregnancy Safe Skin Care: What to Use and What to Avoid?

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in your life, but it can also bring some changes to your skin. Hormones, stress, and dietary changes can affect your complexion, making it more prone to dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, or pigmentation. While you may want to pamper your skin and keep it healthy and glowing, you also need to be careful about what products you use during this delicate period. Some ingredients in your skincare products may not be safe for your baby, and some may even cause harm to your skin.

In this blog post, I will share with you some tips on how to choose pregnancy safe skin care products, as well as some ingredients to avoid and some alternatives to try. I will also recommend some of my favorite brands and products that are safe and effective for pregnant people.

What are the skin changes during pregnancy?

Every pregnancy is different, and so are the skin changes that come with it. Some people may experience a radiant glow, while others may struggle with various skin issues. Here are some of the most common skin changes during pregnancy:

Dry skin: Your skin may become more dry and flaky due to hormonal changes, dehydration, or environmental factors. You may need to moisturize more often and use gentle cleansers and exfoliators.

Acne: Your skin may become more oily and prone to breakouts due to increased sebum production and inflammation. You may need to use oil-free and non-comedogenic products and avoid harsh or drying ingredients.

Melasma: Your skin may develop dark patches or spots on your face, neck, or chest due to increased melanin production and sun exposure. This is also known as the mask of pregnancy or chloasma. You may need to use sunscreen daily and avoid products that can irritate or sensitize your skin.

Stretch marks: Your skin may develop fine lines or streaks on your abdomen, breasts, hips, or thighs due to rapid weight gain and skin stretching. These are also known as striae gravidarum. You may need to use products that can hydrate and nourish your skin and improve its elasticity.

What are the ingredients to avoid in pregnancy?

While most skincare products are safe to use during pregnancy, there are some ingredients that you should avoid or limit, as they may have negative effects on your baby or your skin. Here are some of the ingredients to avoid in pregnancy:

Retinoids: These are vitamin A derivatives that are used to treat acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. However, they can also cause birth defects, especially in the first trimester. Examples of retinoids are retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, adapalene, tretinoin, isotretinoin, and tazarotene. You should avoid using any products that contain these ingredients, as well as oral medications such as Accutane.

Salicylic acid: This is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is used to exfoliate and unclog pores. However, it can also cause blood thinning and bleeding, especially in high doses or when taken orally. You should avoid using products that contain more than 2% salicylic acid, as well as oral medications such as aspirin.

Hydroquinone: This is a skin-lightening agent that is used to treat melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. However, it can also cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and ochronosis (a bluish-black discoloration of the skin). It can also be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect the fetus. You should avoid using products that contain hydroquinone, as well as other skin-lightening agents such as kojic acid, arbutin, and azelaic acid.

Phthalates: These are chemicals that are used to make plastics and cosmetics more flexible and durable. However, they can also disrupt the endocrine system and affect the development and function of the reproductive organs. They can also cause allergic reactions, asthma, and obesity. You should avoid using products that contain phthalates, as well as other chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde. You should also look for products that are labeled as phthalate-free, fragrance-free, or natural.

What are the safe alternatives to use in pregnancy?

Fortunately, there are many safe and effective alternatives to use in pregnancy that can address your skin concerns and keep your skin healthy and happy. Here are some of the safe alternatives to use in pregnancy:

Hyaluronic acid: This is a natural substance that is found in the skin and can attract and retain moisture. It can help hydrate and plump your skin, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also soothe and calm your skin, as well as improve its barrier function. You can use products that contain hyaluronic acid, such as serums, creams, or masks.

Niacinamide: This is a form of vitamin B3 that can improve your skin’s texture, tone, and brightness. It can also reduce the appearance of pores, blemishes, and redness. It can also strengthen your skin’s barrier and protect it from environmental damage. You can use products that contain niacinamide, such as serums, creams, or toners.

Vitamin C: This is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten your skin, fade dark spots, and boost collagen production. It can also protect your skin from free radical damage and sun damage. You can use products that contain vitamin C, such as serums, creams, or masks. However, you should avoid using products that contain L-ascorbic acid, which is the most potent and unstable form of vitamin C. Instead, you should look for products that contain more stable and gentle forms of vitamin C, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, or ascorbyl glucoside.

Zinc oxide: This is a mineral that can act as a physical sunscreen and block both UVA and UVB rays. It can also reduce inflammation and heal wounds. It is safe and gentle for your skin and your baby. You can use products that contain zinc oxide, such as sunscreens, creams, or powders. However, you should avoid using products that contain chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene, as they can be absorbed into your bloodstream and affect your hormones.

What are some of the safe brands and products to use in pregnancy?

There are many brands and products that are safe and suitable for pregnancy, but you should always read the labels and check the ingredients before using them. You should also consult your doctor or dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns. Here are some of the safe brands and products that I recommend for pregnancy:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel: This is a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer that can hydrate and smooth your skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone, which can lock in moisture and prevent water loss. It is also fragrance-free, dye-free, and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. You can use it twice a day, morning and night, after cleansing and toning your skin.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: This is a serum that can balance your skin’s oil production, reduce the appearance of pores, and improve your skin’s clarity. It contains niacinamide, which can regulate sebum and improve your skin’s texture and tone, and zinc, which can reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. It is also alcohol-free, oil-free, silicone-free, and cruelty-free, which means it won’t dry out your skin or harm animals. You can use it once or twice a day, morning and night, before moisturizing your skin.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum: This is a serum that can brighten your skin, fade dark spots, and boost collagen production. It contains vitamin C, which can protect your skin from free radical damage and sun damage, and ferulic acid, which can enhance the stability and efficacy of vitamin C. It also contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and konjac root, which can hydrate, nourish, and plump your skin. It is also vegan, GMO-free, and cruelty-free, which means it won’t harm your health or the environment. You can use it once a day, in the morning, after cleansing and toning your skin.

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: This is a sunscreen that can protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, as well as prevent melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. It contains zinc oxide, which can act as a physical sunscreen and block both types of rays, and niacinamide, which can improve your skin’s texture and tone. It also contains hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin E, which can hydrate, exfoliate, and nourish your skin. It is also oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, which means it won’t irritate your skin or cause breakouts. You can use it every day, in the morning, after moisturizing your skin.