Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and life-changing experiences a woman can go through with their partner. It is amazing and unbelievable what women's bodies can do to adapt, change, and grow a newborn for 9 months.
Through this life-changing experience, women's skin experience dramatic changes from dryness and sensitivity to hormonal breakouts. It is sometimes very confusing to know what you can use during pregnancy and how you can continue to keep your skincare ritual.
Let me take you through the Frequently Asked Questions I get from pregnant women as a Skin Therapist!
What skincare ingredients do I need to avoid?
Avoid all harsh ingredients that can enter the bloodstream.
Avoid all Vitamin A, Retinoids, Retinol, and derivatives.
Avoid Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Willow bark.
What can I use on my skin if I have hormonal breakouts?
The ingredient Azelaic Acid is safe to use while pregnant to treat breakouts by killing the bacteria that infect the pores and decreasing the production of skin cells.
What can I use on my skin for anti-ageing?
You want to look into topical antioxidants and acids that will help protect against UV rays, free radicals, and environmental toxin damage. Vitamin C is an amazing antioxidant to use during pregnancy to promote the production of collagen synthesis.
Acids that are safe to use are the Citric, Glycolic, and Lactic acid.
What professional skincare treatments can I still have?
You can indulge in your relaxing, therapeutic facials with no electrical current, laser therapies, machine maladies, Vitamin A and Salicylic Acid chemical peels.
You can have the more gentle chemical peels like enzymes and lactic acid.
What sun protection can I use?
Avoid chemical sun protection that contain the ingredient Oxybenzone or Avobenzone. Choose physical sun protection with the ingredients Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide.
Is it safe to have a spray tan while pregnant?
Dihydroxyacetone is a chemical used in many spray self-tanners, this chemical is to be avoided. Although it is not absorbed into the body it can be inhaled during application and is considered unhealthy.
What type of makeup can I use while pregnant?
Mineral makeup is always the best and safest option. You want to avoid Parabens, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances, and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
Can I use essential oils while pregnant?
Essential oils are often thought to be a natural alternative for beauty products. However, they are not assessed by the FDA and do not follow strict labeling standards.
I would source high quality, pure therapeutic grade essential oils that are 100% plant-derived without fillers or by-products. Always consult your obstetrician or gynecologist before using essential oils.
A couple of the many essential oils to avoid are peppermint, oil of bergamot and camphor.
Lavender can be used after the first trimester.
