When you’re pregnant, your body and lifestyle undergo many changes. You can no longer grab a glass of wine after work or hang out in the sauna after a gym session. It may surprise you that you also can’t use all your favorite skincare products.
Building out a pregnancy-safe skincare routine will help you adjust to the changes you’re going through and help you maintain your youthful glow while your baby grows inside of you.
We’re here to walk you through four tips to help you revamp your skincare routine while still targeting skincare concerns.
Here are four pregnancy-safe skincare tips to consider:
Be Mindful Of The Ingredients
Many ingredients in the beauty industry may help you see results with your skin but can also be harmful to use during pregnancy. If you’re not prepared to part ways with your entire skincare routine, it’s essential to exercise caution as some of the ingredients are associated with fetal effects. Here are three things to avoid:
Retinoids
Retinoids are an over-the-counter skincare ingredient derived from vitamin A with anti-aging properties. Retinoids absorb deeper than other skincare ingredients and lead to higher vitamin A levels in your body or bloodstream, so avoiding them during pregnancy is best.
Oral retinoids are linked to a condition called Fetal Retinoid Syndrome, which can lead to unwanted mental and physical congenital disabilities for your baby. If you’re prescribed an over-the-counter retinoid by your doctor or dermatologist, discuss the options you have now that you’re pregnant.
Phthalates
Studies suggest that exposure to phthalates can lead to preterm birth. Phthalates are the same chemicals used to make plastic products but hide away in beauty products like nail polish, deodorant, body wash, and more. Before using a product, you’ll want to read through the ingredient label and look for phthalates. Common acronyms for phthalates are DBP, BBP, DINP, and DEP.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone, which works as an ultraviolet filter. However, it is a well-known endocrine disruptor, with some studies suggesting that frequent use of oxybenzone can harm you and your baby.
Switch to Good For You Options
If you’re pregnant, now is a great time to consider other available skincare options. The last thing you want to do is neglect your skincare for your entire pregnancy. Instead, switch to better options filled with good-for-you vitamins and minerals. Here’s how:
Switch to a Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens are gentler and protect your skin like a chemical sunscreen from harmful UV rays. The main difference between the two different sunscreens is that mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin while chemical absorbs into your skin.
With mineral sunscreen, you can protect yourself from unwanted irritation or allergic reactions without worrying about unwanted chemicals absorbing into your bloodstream.
Load up on the Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals. Topical antioxidants protect against environmental stressors, making you feel confident in your pregnancy-safe skincare routine. We recommend looking for products filled with Vitamins C and E, green tea extract, coconut oil, and aloe vera. The Romand line, sold by BONIIK, offers such products with these beneficial ingredients.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is an ultra-hydrating pregnancy-safe skincare ingredient that provides weightless hydration and supple skin. It has many of the same anti-aging effects as retinoids and is suitable for daily use. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent option if you struggle to hydrate your skin.
Know The Must Dos for Prenatal Skincare
When building a clean skincare regimen during pregnancy, consider prenatal skincare requirements to help refine your routine without putting you and your baby at risk. Here’s what you need to do:
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
During pregnancy, your hormones will fluctuate, possibly changing your skin type and elasticity. With a daily moisturizer and adequate water, you can combat dry skin during pregnancy and maintain your skin’s integrity.
Stick to the Basics
For the best results, stick to the main pillars of a successful skincare routine: Cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. This regime will help you maintain the integrity of your skin throughout your pregnancy and protect you from external factors. You don’t need a seven-step skincare routine if you don’t want one!
Be Mindful of Pregnancy-Related Changes
Your body goes through changes when you’re pregnant, and stretch marks, rashes, irritation, hyperpigmentation, and hormonal acne are just a few skin conditions you might experience. If you’re experiencing these problems, revise your skincare routine to meet your skin’s needs. Or, speak to a dermatologist, who’ll help you find options to help reduce hyperpigmentation or any of your other ongoing pregnancy-related skincare concerns you’re experiencing.
Speak to Your Doctor or Dermatologist
Everyone has unique skin care needs, and it’s challenging to determine which nourishing body oil or moisturizer suits you without consulting a medical expert. You should speak with your doctor if you’re uncertain whether your skincare products are safe during pregnancy. Your doctor can offer guidance and suggest safe alternatives, giving you the assurance and confidence to use your skin care products.
Safe Exfoliation Practices
Exfoliation is an integral part of any effective skincare routine. Whether it’s a physical exfoliant or a chemical exfoliation – these help buff away dead skin cells and make room for new growth. You’ll want to continue exfoliating at least twice a week, even when pregnant.
When you’re newly pregnant, it’s easy to get sucked into reading the countless articles, blogs, and fear-filled warnings you find online. A simple Google search on “what skincare products to avoid when you’re pregnant” will provide a search engine results page with contradicting opinions and ideas.
It’s essential to take everything you read with a grain of salt and always do your research if you need clarification. Many skincare products have undergone safety testing to get the peace of mind you need to use them in your skincare routine.
Be mindful of the ingredients and the products you choose – and you’ll be okay!