Everyone talks about the majestic ‘pregnancy glow’, but what you don’t hear about as much are the other effects that pregnancy can have on your skin and all of the added precautions you have to take around what you put on your skin.
While you transition to more conscious skincare choices that are safe for you and your growing bub, you might find that you need to change up your skincare routine to help with the common skin issues during pregnancy. Just remember, be kind to yourself during this journey - after all, your body is creating a whole new life!
Here is our guide to pregnancy skincare so that you can safely manage your skin health during this time.
Common skin changes during pregnancy
The first step to improving your skin’s health during pregnancy is to understand what is happening to your body. As your body adapts to a great number of crazy and wonderful changes and constantly fluctuating hormones, these constant changes might end up materialising on your skin in the following ways.
- Discolouration and pigmentation of the skin known as Melasma, or ‘the mask of pregnancy’
- Stretch marks
- Hormonal acne
- Dry skin
- Increased skin sensitivity
- Excess oil production
Skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy & breastfeeding
When you first learn that you’re pregnant there are so many things you’re told to avoid, and while you may not have thought your skincare would make the list, it just might. It’s important to be aware of which skincare ingredients are considered to be unsafe and do a rehaul of your skincare routine to make sure that it’s safe for you and bub.
The following skincare products/ingredients are generally considered unsafe for use while pregnant:
- Retinoids (Vitamin A)
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Hydroquinone
- Prescription acne medication
- Phthalates
- Chemical sunscreens
- Treatments like Botox, laser, chemical peels etc
Your pregnancy safe skincare routine
Here are a few of our favourite products to safely conquer pregnancy’s most common skin woes.
