Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation and excitement, but it also comes with a heightened sense of responsibility for the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Amidst the joyous anticipation, it’s essential to ensure every step is taken to safeguard that precious bundle growing within. This includes making mindful choices about skincare products.
As an expectant mother myself, I’ve embarked on a quest to prioritize pregnancy-safe skincare, leaning towards all-natural and vegan products whenever feasible. It’s a journey that has opened my eyes to the vast array of ingredients that may pose potential risks to the developing baby.
Throughout pregnancy, it’s crucial to steer clear of certain skincare ingredients that have been flagged as unsafe for expectant mothers. These include potent compounds like retinol and retinoids, known for their anti-aging properties but deemed unsuitable during pregnancy due to their potential to interfere with fetal development. Similarly, substances such as vitamin A, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, essential oils, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens are best avoided to err on the side of caution.
However, navigating the realm of pregnancy-safe skincare isn’t just about knowing what to avoid. It’s also about embracing ingredients that nurture both maternal and fetal health. Incorporating ingredients like vitamin C, renowned for its brightening effects and antioxidant prowess, or hyaluronic acid, cherished for its hydrating properties, can help maintain skin health without compromising safety during pregnancy. Other beneficial ingredients include niacinamide, zinc, lactic or azelaic acids (below 10%), peptides, probiotics, and arbutin, all of which offer various benefits while adhering to safety guidelines for expectant mothers.
Pregnancy Safe Skincare Routine
Personal experience has played a significant role in shaping my skincare journey during pregnancy. Before conceiving, I was accustomed to using a glycolic acid-based face wash, unaware of the potential risks it might pose during pregnancy. Upon discovering conflicting evidence regarding its safety, I made the decision to eliminate it from my routine, opting for gentler alternatives to ensure the well-being of my unborn child.
Embracing pregnancy-safe skincare isn’t just about vanity; it’s about nurturing oneself and the life growing within. It’s about making informed choices that prioritize health without compromising on efficacy. Join me on this journey as we explore the world of pregnancy-safe skincare, celebrating the beauty of motherhood while safeguarding the precious life blossoming within.
If you want to check if your current skincare products are safe, Christine has done extensive research and has created a great guide on which products are safe for pregnancy, nursing, etc.
Looking for ways to avoid getting stretch marks? Check out my tips and tricks for managing stretch marks.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. In addition, I am not a doctor. Please notify your OBGYN/midwife of any concerns you may have. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
Here is a sample pregnancy-safe skincare routine with products I love and swear by:
Table of Contents
Makeup Remover
Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
During pregnancy, I tend to wear makeup sparingly, mainly because I don’t feel well enough to get ready. When I do wear makeup, I like to make sure that I am washing it off thoroughly. I like this face wash because it removes makeup, cleanses, and tones the skin all at once. It is gentle enough for all skin types. I will usually wash my face with this first to remove my makeup, then follow up with another face wash afterward. Vitamin E locks in moisture, coconut water is great for dry or sensitive skin, sea algae provides antioxidants, and glycerin gently cleanses and hydrates the skin.
Face Wash
Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelee 3%
This gel cleanser is formulated with niacinamide, which targets dark spots and uneven skin texture. If you’re anything like me, you may develop melasma on your face during pregnancy; this is due to our increased hormones. Niacinamide is a great pregnancy-safe ingredient that targets these spots to make them appear lighter and more even. This face wash also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to help moisturize and brighten the skin while providing anti-aging properties.
Facial Scrub
Monat Berry Refined Scrub
This gentle and lightweight scrub doubles as a face mask as well. Perfect for sensitive skin, this 2-in-1 exfoliator mask gently buffs and removes dead skin cells for a more even and glowing appearance. This scrub is formulated with natural fruit acids (AHAs), rejuveniqe S, and anti-aging cranberry and bayberry seeds.
Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub
If you are looking for a rougher scrub to buff away impurities and dullness, look no further than the Derma E microdermabrasion scrub. It will feel like you are receiving an at-home pregnancy-safe facial. Formulated with citrus oil, dead sea salt, and jojoba oil, this scrub will exfoliate dead skin cells, replenish dull-looking skin, and provide a deep-pore detox without drying or aggravating the skin. Vitamin E, sweet almond oil, and grape seed oil plump, moisturize, and nourish the skin.
Eye Cream
Tula Glow and Get It Cooling and Brightening Eye Balm
This eye balm is extremely easy to use, just uncap it, one swipe, and you are done! Caffeine firms and tightens the undereye area, aloe water, apple, and watermelon hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while probiotic extracts lock in moisture, improve skin smoothness and calm irritation.
Beautaniq Beauty Caffeine Eye Cream
This eye cream is my go-to. It contains caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and green tea to instantly reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines under the eyes. This eye cream sits well under makeup and can be used morning or night.
Acne, Dark Spots, and Wrinkles
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10%
As I mentioned earlier, I got really bad melasma during my pregnancy with my son. This product can be applied 1-2 times per day after you have cleansed your face, and before your heavier moisturizers. Azelaic acid is a pregnancy-safe ingredient with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-keratinizing properties. It is a 3-in-1 to help reduce the appearance of dark spots while also treating acne and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Moisturizers
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
This pregnancy-safe moisturizer supports your skin’s natural hydration barrier through amino acids, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid. With regular use, this moisturizer will start to improve the skin’s barrier function and will immediately provide hydration to the outer layer of your skin without leaving you feeling greasy.
Monat Hydration Booster
Exactly how it sounds, this product will boost your skin’s hydration levels. I like to use this in tandem with The Ordinary moisturizer to add a little extra hydration and plump to my skin. Using the power of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, marine algae, and fruit extracts, this oil-free formula will moisturize the skin for up to 8 hours, boost hydration, visibly plump the skin, and protect against environmental aggressors.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Sometimes to change things up a bit, I will use the CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion. Formulated with 3 essentials ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizing will help to restore the protective barrier of the skin. This lotion is good to have on hand as it can be used all over the body to lock in moisture. This lotion is also good to put on stretch marks!
Conclusion
Crafting a pregnancy-safe skincare routine doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Simplify your regimen with just a few key products: a gentle cleanser, nourishing eye cream or balm, targeted treatments for individual concerns, and a hydrating lotion to lock in moisture.
When selecting your cleanser, be vigilant in avoiding ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which are best sidelined during pregnancy. Instead, prioritize pregnancy-safe alternatives that nurture your skin without posing risks to your baby’s health.
In this special phase of life, the focus shifts from combating deep wrinkles or scars to embracing ingredients that promote overall skin health while safeguarding your baby’s well-being. Bid farewell to retinoids and welcome pregnancy-safe heroes like niacinamide, azelaic acid, and hyaluronic acid into your routine.
Embrace the journey of nurturing both yourself and your baby through mindful skincare choices. And remember, it’s not just about the products you use; it’s about the joy of pampering yourself and bonding with your little one even before they arrive.
As you embark on this exciting journey, feel free to share your favorite pregnancy-safe skincare products in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the beauty of motherhood together!
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