How To Adapt Your Skincare Routine During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings glowing skin, rosy cheeks and healthier hair for many. Others experience skin changes like acne-prone skin, dark spots and stretch marks. There’s no way of getting around it; unsurprisingly, pregnancy changes the skin and body. What you can do is adjust your skincare and body care routine to manage any skin dramas and help your skin feel its best.
You don’t have to be growing a baby to be mindful of harsh ingredients. In fact, many people are extra cautious with chemicals, skincare products and certain foods in their daily lives, with even more care taken during pregnancy. We’ll be the first to admit that the .com can be a lot, so we’re here to simplify the skincare process and make your pregnancy skincare routine as smooth and stress-free as can be. Let’s do this!
Understanding Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Dealing with some pesky pregnancy skin stuff? You’re not alone. Common skin concerns during pregnancy include acne, hyperpigmentation (melasma), dryness or sensitivity, stretch marks and more. We can thank our pregnancy hormones for this – the skin changes are due to increased blood flow and elevated hormone levels in your body. But not all hormones are bad – they’re actually essential for your baby’s development. (Some help create a soft, nurturing environment for your baby in the uterus, while others stimulate milk production and even support the formation of your baby’s bones!) The human body truly is extraordinary…
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
There’s no definitive list of ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. However, experts generally recommend steering clear of certain chemicals and products. Here’s what made the nasty list:
Parabens and phthalates: Often found in soaps and body washes, parabens and phthalates in soaps and body washes are worth steering clear of generally, but especially during pregnancy. This is because they can potentially disrupt hormone levels and affect fetal development.
Hydroquinone: Available by prescription, hydroquinone is used to lighten skin, treat dark spots or reduce pigmentation in skin due to melasma or chloasma – both of which can occur during pregnancy. Because your body can absorb significant amounts of hydroquinone, it is recommended to avoid it during pregnancy.
Chemical Sunscreens with Oxybenzone: The chemicals often found in chemical sunscreens – like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate and Avobenzone – shouldn’t be used during pregnancy. It’s recommended that pregnant people use gentle sunscreen that’s paraben and fragrance-free, instead.
💡Tip: Can’t pronounce it or easily find information about an ingredient? It’s probs best to skip it.
Anti-Acne/ Bacne Products: Pregnancy can bring about acne for some, but many treatments are worth avoiding. Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (in high concentrations) are generally not recommended. (While some products with benzoyl peroxide may be considered safe, it’s best to avoid over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid during pregnancy.) When in doubt, consult your GP or dermatologist for personalized advice.
Artificial Scents and Colors: Artificial fragrances and colors may irritate your skin and often contain petrochemicals (chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas). Instead, opt for simpler, natural options.
Retinoids: There is no clear understanding of how much retinol is safe during pregnancy. For this reason, it’s recommended that pregnant people avoid the use of products that contain retinol while they are pregnant and breastfeeding (this includes oral retinoids such as isotretinoin).
Certain Essential Oils: While certain varieties of essential oils are safe to use while pregnant, the following are considered pregnancy risks and should be avoided: Aniseed, basil, birch, camphor, clary safe, hyssop, mugwort, oak moss, parsley seed or leaf, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary, rue, sage, tansy, tarragon, thuja, thyme and wintergreen. (When in doubt, It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies or essential oils during pregnancy.)
Pregnancy-Friendly Skincare Ingredients
So, we’ve cracked open the ingredients you should be avoiding while pregnant. Next up – the ingredients that your pregnant skin will love, love, love – with a cherry on top.
Vitamin C: A superstar antioxidant, vitamin C helps to brighten skin, address pigmentation and protect against free radical stress caused by UV radiation. Many people experience skin discoloration during pregnancy, and vitamin C can be used to help even tone and boost radiance. (We love her!)
Niacinamide: We mean, what can’t this water-soluble property do? Niacinamide can help address a range of skin concerns during pregnancy, such as reducing redness, strengthening the skin moisture barrier and getting sebum production under control.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hailed as a moisturizing superhero, hyaluronic acid is not only a fabulous hydrator for pregnant and breastfeeding people, but it is also suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The skin can become dry, itchy and inflamed during pregnancy, and hyaluronic acid works a treat to manage this.
Zinc-based Sunscreens: Since chemical sunscreens oxybenzone are a no-go during pregnancy, opt for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are generally considered suitable during pregnancy. (‘Cause you can’t go without UV protection – nu-uh!)
Natural Oils: Rosehip oil is a great companion during pregnancy, helping to relieve itchiness, dryness and nourish your skin. There are also other pregnancy-safe natural oils for non-skin concerns, such as cardamom and ginger for nausea relief, and lavender, rose, rosewood, and sandalwood to promote mood, calm, and relaxation. (As always, speak with your family doctor for personalized advice when it comes to natural essential oils and pregnancy.)
Pregnancy Safe Bodycare: Did you know that our entire collection is pregnancy-safe? Yup – our formulas are free from parabens, PEGs, sulfates, GMOs and PPGs, designed to be safe for everyone, including mums and bubs. We are also proud to be cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
Adjusting Your Skincare Routine
Let’s be real – with all these pregnancy hormones flying around the place, you’re basically reverting to your teenage self again. When adjusting your skincare routine during pregnancy, focus on gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers to avoid irritation. Hydrating moisturizers are essential to keep your skin nourished, while pregnancy-safe serums can address specific concerns. To keep things simple, avoid overloading your skin with too many products, and opt for a streamlined, effective routine.
Stretch Mark Prevention and Care
For stretch mark prevention and care, you can start using moisturizers or body oils, like shea or cocoa butter, early on in pregnancy to help keep the skin hydrated and nourished. While these products can improve skin elasticity and help with dryness, they don’t guarantee the prevention of stretch marks, but they can help minimize them. Maintaining hydration through both your diet and skincare routine is equally important, as well as incorporating gentle stretching exercises to support skin flexibility and overall comfort during pregnancy.
📚Further Reading:
Now that you’re well-versed in pregnancy-friendly skincare, it’s time for a snack break, a quick skincare routine refresh, and – of course – some relaxation. Whether you’re growing a little human, planning to, or simply curious, we all deserve a little self-care. Go on – take one for the team (yourself). You deserve it.
Happy Sundae x
Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn
Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin