As a soon-to-be mom, you have plenty on your mind, so worrying about skincare is a stress you don’t need. At the same time, taking care of your skin is essential, especially during the physically challenging pregnancy journey.

The problem is that many ingredients in common skincare products can harm the mother and the developing baby.

This doesn’t mean that we have to forego our skincare routine altogether, but it does mean that we need to be more cautious about the products we use. 

The good news is that many pregnancy safe skin care products and ingredients can help maintain healthy and glowing skin during this special time.

This article discusses the importance of using pregnancy safe skin care products, harmful ingredients to steer clear of, and the best products and practices to incorporate into your routine.

The importance of pregnancy safe skin care

Did you know that the products you use on your skin can impact your overall health during pregnancy?

The skin is the largest organ in the body and can absorb a significant amount of what we put on it. 

During pregnancy, the skin may become more sensitive and prone to irritation due to fluctuating pregnancy hormones. This can lead to a weakened skin barrier, the outermost layer of the skin that protects against environmental stressors and moisture loss. 

This means that any harmful chemicals or ingredients in skincare products can potentially enter the bloodstream and affect both ourselves and our growing baby.

Harmful ingredients to avoid in skin care products

Some harmful ingredients to avoid in skincare products during pregnancy include:

1. Retinoids

Retinoids are a type of vitamin A derivative commonly found in skincare products. While they effectively treat acne and reduce signs of aging, they have been linked to congenital disabilities and should be avoided during pregnancy.

2. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid commonly used in skincare products to treat acne and exfoliate the skin. However, it has been linked to congenital disabilities.

3. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening ingredient that has been linked to fetal malformations.

4. Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly found in skincare and beauty products to enhance fragrance and texture. They have been linked to developmental problems in male fetuses and should be avoided during pregnancy.

5. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is commonly found in nail polishes, hair straightening treatments, and other personal care products. It has been linked to miscarriage and other reproductive problems.

6. Essential Oils

Some essential oils, such as clary sage, rosemary, and peppermint, have been linked to miscarriage and should be avoided during pregnancy.

7. Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially harming the developing baby. Using mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is recommended and is less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

Look for these pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients

There are several pregnancy-safe ingredients that you can look for when selecting skincare products, such as:

1. Vitamin C

This antioxidant helps brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and boost collagen production, making it a great ingredient to look for in pregnancy-safe skincare products. Look for products containing vitamin C serum.

2. Vitamin E

This antioxidant helps protect the skin from environmental damage, improves skin texture, and helps to hydrate the skin.

3. Niacinamide

This form of vitamin B3 helps to improve the skin’s texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and regulate oil production.

4. Hyaluronic acid

This ingredient helps to hydrate the skin by attracting and retaining moisture, which can help to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5. Aloe Vera

This natural ingredient helps to soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin, making it an excellent choice for pregnant women with sensitive skin.

6. Shea butter

This ingredient is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, which help to moisturize and nourish the skin, making it an excellent choice for pregnant women with dry or itchy skin.

7. Green tea extract

This ingredient is a natural antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage, soothe irritated skin, and reduce inflammation.

It’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider or dermatologist before trying new skincare products, especially during pregnancy. 

They can advise you on which ingredients to avoid and recommend specific products that are safe for you to use.

Best pregnancy-safe beauty products

Here are some pregnancy-safe beauty products that can help maintain healthy and glowing skin during pregnancy:

Cleanser – Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a fragrance-free and non-comedogenic cleanser that is safe to use during pregnancy. It’s safe during pregnancy because it is free from harmful ingredients such as retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. It is also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it gentle on sensitive skin.

Moisturizer – The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream is a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer that is safe during pregnancy and can help keep skin soft and supple.

Sunscreen – EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a mineral-based sunscreen that is safe to use during pregnancy and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Body Oil – Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is a pregnancy-safe body oil that can help prevent stretch marks and improve the appearance of existing ones.

Lip Balm – Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm is a natural, pregnancy-safe lip balm that can help soothe and hydrate dry, chapped lips.

Face Mask – Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a natural and pregnancy-safe face mask that can help detoxify the skin and improve the appearance of pores.

Body Wash – Earth Mama Ginger Fresh Castile Body Wash is a pregnancy-safe body wash designed to help soothe morning sickness and nausea.

Hair Care – Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo and Conditioner are pregnancy-safe hair care products that can help nourish and hydrate hair.

More safe products include:

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – This serum is safe for use during pregnancy because it is free from harmful ingredients and contains niacinamide and zinc, which are known to help improve the appearance of skin texture and reduce the appearance of blemishes.

Earth Mama Belly Butter: This belly butter is safe during pregnancy because it is made with natural ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and organic herbs that are safe for pregnancy and can help prevent stretch marks.

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Leg and Foot Cream – This cream is safe for use during pregnancy because it is made with natural ingredients such as peppermint oil, rosemary leaf extract, and almond oil that can help soothe and hydrate tired and achy legs and feet.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%: This lightweight cream-gel contains 10% azelaic acid, a naturally occurring acid derived from grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. Azelaic acid has been shown to have several benefits for the skin, including reducing the appearance of blemishes, brightening the complexion, and improving skin tone and texture. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm irritated skin.

Remember that everyone’s skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Whenever you try a new product, remember to patch-test first.

The importance of skin care during pregnancy

Skin care is important during pregnancy because the skin undergoes many changes due to hormonal fluctuations, which can lead to various skin concerns. 

These changes can include:

1. Increased sensitivity

During pregnancy, the skin may become more sensitive to specific ingredients, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

2. Stretch marks

As the baby grows, the skin on the belly, hips, and thighs may stretch, which can cause the appearance of stretch marks.

3. Acne

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can cause an increase in sebum production, which can lead to acne breakouts.

4. Melasma

Also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma is a condition that causes dark patches on the skin due to hormonal changes.

5. Dry skin

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the skin to become dry and itchy.

By maintaining a pregnancy-safe skincare routine, expectant mothers can help minimize the effects of these changes on their skin. Additionally, using pregnancy-safe skincare products can help prevent potential harm to the developing baby by avoiding harmful ingredients that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Caring for the skin during pregnancy can help keep it healthy, glowing, and comfortable.

Tips for pregnancy-safe skin care (and nursing)

Here are some tips for maintaining pregnancy-safe skin care during and after pregnancy:

1. Read labels carefully

Before using any skin care product during pregnancy or nursing, it’s important to read the label carefully and avoid any products that contain harmful ingredients such as retinoids, salicylic acid, and essential oils.

2. Stick to natural and gentle ingredients 

Opt for pregnancy-safe skincare products that use natural and gentle ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, and chamomile, which are known to be safe during pregnancy and nursing.

3. Moisturize regularly 

Pregnancy can cause the skin to become dry and itchy, so it’s important to moisturize regularly with a safe and effective moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and soft.

4. Protect the skin from the sun 

During pregnancy, the skin is more prone to sun damage, so wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily is important.

5. Practice good hygiene

Practicing good hygiene by washing your face and body regularly with a pregnancy-safe cleanser is important to prevent infections and breakouts.

6. Be cautious with hair treatments 

Some hair treatments, such as chemical relaxers and hair dyes, can potentially harm the developing baby. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any hair treatments during pregnancy or nursing.

7. Adjust your skincare routine postpartum

After giving birth, the skin may change, such as increased dryness or sensitivity, so adjusting your skincare routine is essential. 

Also, nursing mothers should avoid skincare products containing retinoids and other harmful ingredients that could be absorbed into breast milk.

By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy pregnancy glow while minimizing the risk of any potential harm to yourself or your baby.

Conclusion

Remember, your skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy, so gentle, hydrating products are essential to keep it healthy and nourished.

Consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about which skincare products are safe during pregnancy. 

You’re doing the right thing by researching pregnancy skin care, keeping your baby’s health and your own in mind as you balance skin care with other vital aspects of your health and well-being.