When you’re pregnant everything changes. And whether you’ve always had glowing skin or are just starting to notice some hormone-related changes, having a skincare plan is essential. Some women choose to switch their products before pregnancy, while others will need to update their routines during and after, especially when breastfeeding. From cleansers to serums, these are among some of the biggest changes you’ll need to make to your skincare routine when having a baby.
As soon as you get pregnant, you’ll need to start checking your labels because while some ingredients are well known, there are other active ingredients you didn’t even know you should avoid. Sure, there are some things (like canned Tuna) that are OK to have “once in a while” when pregnant, but there are other things like Retinoids that should be completely avoided.
Each person and pregnancy will have different skin effects and skin concerns, so anytime you’re creating a routine, it is best to discuss all ingredients and skin care products with your physician. If there are certain products in your routine that you can no longer use, simply store it for after pregnancy/breastfeeding.
Ok, so you’ve had to stash your Augustinus Bader The Cream, because it does have trace amounts of retinoids — what should you use instead?
Your hormones fluctuate heavily when pregnant, which means hormone related skin issues like melasma can occur. Because most of the traditional treatments are off the table, prevention in all areas will be key. Add a well rounded mineral sunscreen to your routine instead or switch to a Vitamin C serum to help brighten!
If acne has suddenly become an issue, you’ll probably want to stay away from salicylic acid because the jury is still out on its safeness of AHA’s and BHA’s during pregnancy. Instead, try products containing azelaic acid instead — it is neither an AHA or BHA and can be used in small doses to help treat acne.
While fragrances still haven’t been completely OK’d, there’s another reason why you might want to stick to fragrance-free… the smell. During pregnancy your sense of smell will be extremely heightened, which means things that normally smelled wonderful to you can be unfathomable.
Dry skin is another common issue during pregnancy (and certain times of the year) so adding pregnancy-safe oils like Rosehip Oil or moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid can be great ways to add nourishment in a safe manner.
*As always, all of these suggestions should be tailored to your individual needs. Any skincare choices and products should be evaluated with your physician/dermatologist/OB to determine what is safe before, during, and after your pregnancy.