Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and exciting times in your life. You’re awaiting the arrival of your little miracle and everything is changing. One thing that will probably change, is your skin. Some people carry that ‘pregnancy glow’ and all their pre maternity skin concerns disappear. Whilst for others, they could have great skin and suddenly they develop problems. So you wonder, what skincare can I use while pregnant?
Does pregnancy affect skin?
Hormones can cause havoc with your skin and unfortunately, you won’t be able to tell which way your skin will go. Some women get acne whilst for others, it clears it up. Some will develop more sensitive skin and may get allergic reactions, whilst others may develop melasma. There’s no telling and every woman is different.
You may be really into skincare or you have absolutely no idea about it but, your skin has become more sensitive and your breaking out. There’s so much advice out there and it can be conflicting and overwhelming. A lot of people will advise making an appointment with your GP or speaking to your midwife but, in this day and age you know how hard this is to get one. So I’m here to help give you some tips on what skincare can you use while pregnant.
What skincare should I avoid during pregnancy?
When you read the back of skin care labels most will state ‘not safe to use during pregnancy’. The reason for this is that skincare can’t be tested on pregnant women and so they are covering their backs against any form of law suite. Retinol (Vit A) is one of the biggest acids to avoid because, it can cause birth defects. Having said that, a retinol palmitate (an overnight facial oil) has trouble penetrating the skin, in comparison to a prescribed oral solution. So if you already use this in your skin routine and have just found out you’re pregnant, I would speak to your GP and check out BUMPS (NHS) for advice, to see what’s best for you. You can stop using it all together to be safe or as an alternative, you can switch out the Vit A with something like a bakuchiol. Which is a plant-derived product which is shown to have similar effects on the skin.
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are also ingredients best to avoid using during pregnancy. However, doctors have recommend low levels of salicylic acid no higher than 2%, can help to manage pregnancy breakouts.
Also some essential oils, as this can stimulate contractions.
You can also check out qualified aesthetician Caroline Hirons aka ‘Queen of skincare’, video here, to help you understand more about ingredients advised not to use during pregnancy.
What skincare ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy?
So your skin has probably changed since being pregnant, you’re coming out in acne or your skin has become sensitive to absolutely everything. So what can you use to help? For a general exotification of the skin, glycolic acid and lactic acid is perfectly fine to use. Lactic acid especially if you’re experiencing skin dehydration, sensitivity and redness.
Azelaic acid is great at helping to calm your acne and has amazing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Hydrating acids such as; Hyaluronic, niacinamides and peptides are all safe to use during pregnancy. They can really help if you find your skin has become dry and sensitive, as they assist in the prevention of moisture. For an extra ump, use a hyaluronic facial mist and make a hydration sandwich; by misting, apply hyaluronic acid and mist again to seal the acid in. Top tip: carry your mist round with you and use it through out the day when you’re hot and flustered or dry. Also, take it into labour with you, you’ll thank me later!
What skincare can I use in my routine?
Knowing what products to use and when to use it can be really overwhelming. I’ve broken it down for you with a few product recommendations as there are so many out there. Remember everyone will react differently and finds certain products work best for them.
Step 1: Cleanse
A.M – Cleanse once
P.M – Cleanse twice. The first cleanse removes make-up and SPF, oil based cleansers are the best for this and then go in with a second cleanse, something like a milk or lotion.
Body shop Camomile sumptuous cleansing butter. My holy grail cleanser, regardless of being pregnant or not. The balm cut’s through make-up and SPF, kind to skin and budget friendly at £12.
Helping your skin to retain moisture, perfect to use as your a.m cleanse or second cleanse in the p.m. Removing dirt, excess oils and impurities. £25
La Roche Posay – Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
This cleanser is perfect if your skin is dry and dehydrated. A milk textured formula that is soothing and balances ph. levels. £15
Step 2: Acids
The second step you can use to tackle your skin concerns. You can use a couple of different ones a week but, remember different acids do different things. Hyaluronic acids can be used with other acids. If you’re finding your skin is really suffering with acne try Skin & Me. A monthly prescription designed just for you by dermatologists, to target your skin concerns.
Dermatica Azelaic acid 20% cream
Reduces redness and fade the appearance of dark spots. Super light weight and suitable for all skin types. £20
An all-in-one hero for sensitive skin, that exfoliates and hydrates. Containing skin brightening natural extracts. £28
Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion
Your new best friend. Japanese brand Hada Labo contains 7 types of hyaluronic acid, locking in moisture. Sandwich it between your facial mist for ultimate hydration. £22
Step 3: Serums
Serums are one of the most misunderstood and confusing steps in a skin routine. Serum is designed to provide high concentration of active ingredients directly to the skin. If you’re going to spend money anywhere in your routine, it’s best spent here. The serum you want, will depend on what you want to treat.
Brighten dull looking skin and promote collogen production. Helps with acne scarring and protect skin from sun damage. £10
Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil – Hydration
Targeting dehydrated skin and restores radiance. It also smells divine £40
Dr.Jart+ Cicapai Tiger Grass Re.pair Serum – Redness
Perfect for sensitive skin. Cancels our redness and heals skin, keeping inflammation at bay. £41
Step 4: Moisturise
Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser
Light weight, hydrating moisturiser, that smooths skin. Containing B5 and vitamin E. Perfect for those on a budget £3.80
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream Fragrance Free
Full of beneficial ingredients like squalene, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptide. Quickly sinks into the skin and has a non-greasy texture. £12
Step 5: SPF
Do not skip it. SPF is anti aging and protects your skin. Use either SPF 30 or 50. Look for UVA (aging) and UVB (burning). UVA rays penetrate the skin and gradually destroy elasticity and causing premature aging. UVB, cause skin damage and alter the structure of skin cells. Pregnant women become more sensitive to burning.
If using acids, you 1000% need to be using an SPF on your face. If you don’t you’ll penetrate the skin barrier and you skin will become sore and sting.
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ – Fragrance Free
Great protection for your body and can be used on your face without going greasy. £8
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Super UV Invisible Face Serum
Designed specifically for the face, this sunscreen has no white cast, doesn’t sting eyes and is hypoallergenic, with no fragrance. £14
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic
Lightweight sunscreen that doesn’t pill or leave a white cast. Brightening and calming the skin making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. £20
If your moisturiser has SPF in, you still need to use a separate SPF afterwards. It’s unlikely you would use enough of the moisturiser product, to give you the adequate SPF coverage.
If you decide to add any new products into your skincare routine, make sure to do them one at a time and wait a few days in-between. That way, if you’re skin doesn’t like anything/has a reaction you can tell which product it is. Remember, everyone’s skin behaves differently during pregnancy and so you need to find what works best for you.
If you’re looking for beautiful, glowing maternity images, that you can look back on for years to come. Why not book a maternity photoshoot in Chester, with us?
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