Skincare during pregnancy: what should I do?
Skincare during pregnancy is a concern for many expectant mothers, who worry about certain ingredients and whether they are entirely safe. Many women report having an increase in acne during pregnancy, as well as dark patches on the face and neck. These skin changes are as a result of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, and skincare products may not be effective in changing them. Innovative skincare solutions can help to combat acne that occurs during pregnancy.
If you are struggling with concerns, it can be hard to know which products to safety use during pregnancy. It is usually best to err on the side of caution and go for gentle products without any harsh active ingredients.
Misinformation and fear mongering about skincare products can also lead to a lot of uncertainty for women during pregnancy, who avoid many products that are actually safe purely out of fear. This can lead to a great deal of unnecessary stress.
What are common skincare concerns during pregnancy?
Skin concerns are common during pregnancy, due to the dramatic change in hormones. Acne, brown patches, and dark spots are all reported by many women as skincare concerns they face during pregnancy.
Less commonly, bumps and hives can also appear on your skin during pregnancy. The bumps can form large patches and can be unpleasantly itchy. It is important to consult your care professional if this happens, and not to merely try and treat it yourself with skincare products. A healthcare professional may prescribe some anti-itching cream to help with the symptoms of the hives.
Women who already have skincare conditions like eczema or psoriasis can see a worsening or an improvement in their condition during pregnancy. The changes often vary based on the hormone levels of each individual women, and can also vary throughout the pregnancy.
Which products are safe?
If you are unsure about a new skincare product while pregnant, it is always best to check with a doctor, or avoid it altogether if you have concerns.
However there are some products that are widely used by women during pregnancy, and are considered safe.
Most cleansers, toners, eye creams and moisturisers are considered safe to use during pregnancy, so no need to replace your whole skincare routine. Lips balms are also considered safe, as many women struggle with dry lips during pregnancy.
Sunscreen is not known to be a risk during pregnancy, and dermatologists highly recommend it at all times because of the risks of skin cancer from sun damage. It is more of a risk to forego your sun care and lead to potential skin damage, premature ageing, and cancer.
Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are two active ingredients that are commonly used to address oily skin concerns. These are both safe to use during pregnancy. These can address acne concerns that may arise while you are expecting.
Azelaic acid is also considered safe for use during pregnancy, and can have positive effects on improving skin discolourations that can happen as your skin adjusts to the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy. It can also help with breakouts and rosecea — prone skin.
Niacinimide and vitamin C are both considered safe for use, and can help with various skin concerns during pregnancy.
Which products should be avoided?
Brightening products should largely be avoided during pregnancy, particularly those containing alpha-arbutin. It is safer to use products with vitamin C as the active ingredient.
It is also best to avoid anti-ageing products like retinols or its derivatives. Switch to another anti ageing that doesn’t contain retinol to be safe during pregnancy.
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