Expecting a new little arrival? Congratulations! Let us help you navigate safe skincare for pregnant women. This handy guide explains ingredients to avoid and pregnancy approved alternatives.
Common pregnancy skin conditions
There are some lucky mums-to-be out there that experience the best skin of their lives during pregnancy. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case! You may experience pregnancy-related changes in your skin that are more challenging to deal with.
- Hormonal acne - Breaking out around the chin and jaw? Acne in these areas can be linked to hormonal changes.
- Melasma - Sometimes called the ‘mask of pregnancy’ melasma is hyperpigmentation (skin discolouration) that can appear on your forehead, nose, and cheeks.
- Dryness - Dryness can make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced.
If you have any pre-existing conditions, like eczema or rosacea, these can get worse during pregnancy.
You’ll need to manage these skin concerns while you’re expecting (and during breastfeeding) with skincare products that are safe during pregnancy.
Pregnancy skincare — Ingredients to use and avoid
Safe skincare for pregnant women means avoiding certain ingredients - a few tweaks to your existing routine might be necessary.
Carefully read all the labels on the skincare products you’re currently using. You’ll want to press pause on applying the following ingredients during pregnancy:
AVOID: Retinols, or any vitamin A derivatives (Anti-ageing)
Retinol, retin-A, retinoic acid, and tretinoin shouldn’t be used if you’re expecting.
These anti-ageing ingredients are all derived from Vitamin A, which is an effective vitamin for your skin but is problematic during pregnancy.
Excessive amounts of Vitamin A has been found to interfere with fetal development. No matter the amount you include in your routine, the safest approach is to avoid retinol, or any vitamin A derivatives entirely.
What Are the Best Anti-Ageing Pregnancy Skincare Alternatives?
Thankfully, temporarily giving up Vitamin A doesn’t have to mean abandoning your anti-ageing routine.
Alternative ingredients that are pregnancy safe and offer effective anti-ageing properties are easy to include in your pregnancy skincare routine. You may already be using some!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is your antioxidant go-to for a pregnancy skincare routine. An effective all-rounder, it helps repair environmental damage, stimulate collagen synthesis, and brighten skin.
Peptides
Peptides are a type of protein that helps preserve and boost collagen levels, smooth fine lines, and minimise the appearance of pores.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 play a role in maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin. They deliver positive changes in skin hydration, scaling, and roughness.
Pregnancy safe products we recommend for an anti-ageing routine
The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing
Golden Anti-Ageing Serum (evening)
Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask
These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding.
AVOID: Salicylic acid (Acne)
Salicylic acid is a heavy hitter for treating acne. Its deep exfoliating action clears blocked pores to minimise bacteria and reduce congestion. When it comes to skincare for pregnant women though, it’s not on the ‘safe’ list in high doses so it’s best to skip this ingredient entirely.
What Are The Pregnancy Safe Skincare Ingredients To Treat Acne?
Take your pick of pregnancy safe ingredients to manage breakouts while you’re expecting.
Lactic acid
A sensitive skin hero, lactic acid is the gentler, yet effective, exfoliator of the acids group.
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that naturally occurs in plants including sugar cane and citrus fruits.
Fruit enzymes
Enzymes found in some fruits and berries break down keratin proteins attached to dead cells to help target congestion.
Bentonite clay and activated charcoal
Detoxify and refine congested skin and help control oil.
Polynesian sand
An effective physical exfoliator for oily skin types, Polynesian sand helps to gently unblock pores for clearer skin.
Breakout prone skin will also benefit from pregnancy safe skincare products that deliver deep hydration, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and plant-based oils that help regulate sebum production.
Pregnancy safe skincare products we recommend for a breakout routine
- The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness
- Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
- Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo
- Peppermint Green Oil
- Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie
- Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant
- Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum
- Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask
These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding.
AVOID: Hydroquinone (Hyperpigmentation)
A depigmenting agent, hydroquinone is used to lighten darkened areas of skin by suppressing the formation of melanin in the skin. Research has shown hydroquinone to be problematic during pregnancy, so it’s one to avoid.
What are the pregnancy safe skincare ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation?
These powerful natural skin lighteners are safe to include in your pregnancy skin care products
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps lighten patches of pigmentation without leaving your skin barrier compromised – no dryness, peeling or flaking as a result. It also gives the complexion a bright, radiant appearance.
Kakadu Plum
Kakadu Plum is believed to be the world’s most potent source of natural Vitamin C making it an excellent ingredient to help diminish the appearance of dark spots.
Bearberry
Bearberry Leaf extract is a natural skin lightener that works by helping to reduce melanin production.
Liquorice
A powerful brightening antioxidant, liquorice is high in anti-inflammatories – making it great for post-inflammatory pigmentation and redness/scarring after breakouts.
Pregnancy safe skincare products we recommend for a hyperpigmentation routine
- The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening
- Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
- Pomegranate Brightening Serum
- Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo
- Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask
These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding.
Best Pregnancy Safe Skin Care Brand in Australia
Best Pregnancy Safe Skin Care Brand in Australia, before the last line If you have any questions about safe skincare for pregnant women, we’re here to help! Book your free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant.
