Navigating skincare whilst pregnant can seem daunting, but finding a skincare routine that is safe for you and your baby is easier than you might think.
Keep reading to find out the best beauty and skincare products for expectant mums, making sure you know what to avoid and what to add to your routine for the ultimate pregnancy glow.
Understanding skincare during pregnancy and why safety matters
Pregnancy causes the body to change in lots of weird and wonderful ways, including the skin! Hormonal fluctuations can cause skin issues such as acne, hyperpigmentation and increased sensitivity. But whilst these skin changes might mean you want to reach for new products, it’s important to make sure they’re safe to use during pregnancy.
How to check if your skincare is pregnancy safe
The best way to check you’re using pregnancy friendly skincare is to carefully check the ingredients on the product labels and check with your doctor or a healthcare professional.
Red flag ingredients to avoid
Before applying a product to the skin, look out for ‘pregnancy safe’ labels and avoid harmful ingredients, such as:
Retinol
One of the most commonly asked skincare questions is can you use retinol while pregnant? Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and whilst this is a critical nutrient for babies’ growth, build-up in the system can be toxic, so it is recommended to avoid retinol and other forms of topical vitamin A whilst pregnant.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is commonly found in spot treatments and some exfoliating cleansers but can be harmful in high quantities. Look for products with low concentrations or give this one a miss altogether.
Glycolic acid
Another common question from mothers-to-be is whether Glycolic acid is pregnancy-friendly skincare. Glycolic acid is an AHA commonly used in exfoliation products. Low doses are generally considered fine to use whilst pregnant, but it’s best to check the concentration in a product before using.
Must-have products to keep healthy and happy
Whilst there are certain skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, there are plenty of effective and pregnancy safe skincare products you can add to your routine to keep you looking and feeling your best through every trimester.
Your pregnancy skincare routine: step-by-step
- Start your pregnancy-safe skincare routine with a gentle cleanser such as the REN Clean Skincare Face Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk to wash the day’s impurities away.
- Next, opt for an alcohol-free toner with soothing ingredients. We love ELEMIS Balancing Lavender Toner, it’s the perfect pregnancy-safe skincare routine to use before bed.
- It’s time to hydrate. Look for a fragrance-free moisturiser such as Caudalie Face Premier Cru The Cream that will provide you with a nourishing glow.
- During the day, it’s also important to protect your skin with a broad spectrum SPF for your face. You can’t go wrong with Avène B-Protect For Sensitive Skin SPF50+.
- It’s not just your face that needs a little extra love during pregnancy, make sure you’re giving your body a little TLC too. Collistar Body Anti Stretch Marks Concentrate is a great product to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, whilst leaving the skin soft and supple.
Tips for maintaining healthy skin on your pregnancy journey
There are lots of easy ways you can maximise your pregnancy glow using pregnancy safe skincare tips. Keep hydrated, drinking lots of water and eating a healthy and balanced diet filled with fruit and vegetables.
If you’re struggling with breakouts or inflammation whilst pregnant, it can also be useful to book an appointment with a dermatologist for expert advice on the right skincare for you and what to avoid during pregnancy.
More skincare products this way…
For everything from pregnancy safe skincare to best-selling acne treatments, check out our full range of skincare products now to create the ultimate skincare routine. For more skincare and beauty inspiration and gift guides for every occasion, head to our blog.
