Many women become interested in natural cosmetics when they become pregnant. What usually happens is that the skin starts to undergo many changes during pregnancy due to hormones. It can happen that every 2-3 months you may be transitioning between oily, dry or blemish-prone skin. With this guide, I’ll try to help you discover which products are safe for pregnancy, how to create a basic routine and how to easily adapt it to the changes in your skin. Let’s start with the basics! Your daytime pregnancy safe facial routine should include a facial cleanser and sunscreen. All products should be gentle, non-irritating and free of endocrine disruptors.
Cleaner
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Sunscreen
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There are some common skin challenges that most pregnant women will face. These include dry skin, oily skin, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. You can address each of these with treatment serums, targeted treatments and masks.
List of ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
- Hydroquinone
- Kojic acid
- Retinoids
- Bakuchiol
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Licorice
- Cannabis
- Parfum
- Chemical sunscreens
- Formaldehyde
Acne during pregnancy
The most important pillars of acne treatment are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, which are commonly included on lists of ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. But don’t worry, there are other solutions. The key is to keep your pores as clean as possible, such as with clay masks that help a lot with blemishes! Other safe ingredients for treating acne during maternity that work wonders are colloidal sulphur and witch hazel. Detox mask for blemished skin and clogged pores.
Dry skin during pregnancy If your skin suddenly feels tight, dry and flaky, don’t be alarmed! It’s quite common. In this case your dry skin routine should focus primarily on not irritating, while restoring the skin’s barrier function, which is responsible for naturally retaining moisture. Adding a few moisturising treatments and lifestyle changes will restore moisture and juiciness to your skin. Actives such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides are ideal for delivering and retaining moisture and are safe during pregnancy. You can opt to swap your usual moisturiser for a thicker, creamier version.
Moisturising Cream
You can also apply moisturising masks like this one from Mádara a couple of times a week.
Hyperpigmentation and spots during pregnancy
The appearance of areas of hyperpigmentation and spots during pregnancy is very common. The most effective treatments such as Hydroquinone or Kojic Acid are prohibited during pregnancy, but you still have some options.
- Avoid the sun especially during peak hours and be sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen.
- Try Vitamin C – it will help decrease melanin production, lightening areas of hyperpigmentation. The effect is not as fast as hydroquinone or kojic acid, but it is safe for pregnancy! Try adding a vitamin C serum to your daytime routine like this one from Oskia.
- Gentle chemical exfoliation – will remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin that have too much melanin and encourage more cell turnover. You can use an exfoliating scrub several times a week or a gentle product with lactic acid such as Renaissanse exfoliating mask from Oskia.
Stretch marks during pregnancy
The skin of the body will also undergo changes during pregnancy and stretch marks are the most common condition, due to hormonal changes and skin distension. They usually appear on the abdominal area, thighs and hips. Vegetable oils, rich in essential fatty acids, are great allies to improve elasticity thanks to their firming and regenerating properties. It is also important to stay hydrated, eat a nutrient-rich diet, incorporate dry brushing and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. Here is our selection of safe anti-stretch mark oils for pregnancy from Fushi that we recommend applying twice a day with a gentle massage on the affected areas.
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