Are you worried about pregnancy and your skin? During pregnancy, the skin will go through a lot of changes. These changes are caused by an increase in female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in the skin pigments, blood vessels, glands, and immune system. These changes may be physiological or present as skin disorders.
Here are 15 skincare guidelines you should follow When you’re pregnant:
1. Don’t skip your skincare routine altogether
Many patients begin using nothing at all during their pregnancy. That is not a good practice. This affects your pregnancy and your skin. To keep your skin healthy, you must use a cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, and other products. If you feel more comfortable, try using more natural and organic products.
2. Load up on moisturizer
Moisturize regularly to prevent stretch marks, decrease itchiness, and soothe dry skin caused by pregnancy. Dr. Bijlani recommends moisturizing all over your body, especially your knees, elbows, and nipples, which tend to become even drier.
3. Exfoliate Once A Week Before Bed
Exfoliating is beneficial to your skin whether you are pregnant or not. It gets rid of the microscopic dead cells that clog your pores. With the dead cells removed and the new, fresh skin revealed, your moisturizer and hydrator can penetrate deeper and be more effective.
Baking soda is one of our favorite exfoliants. It’s completely natural, inexpensive, won’t hurt your baby, is soothing on your skin.
4. Before starting any new skincare routine, consult with your doctor
You can have a facial once a month. But avoid excessive heat therapy and the use of any machine that uses an electric current. Avoid Botox, fillers, and laser treatments during your pregnancy, as well as chemical peels. They affect your pregnancy and your skin.
5. Your sunscreen is now even more important
Because of the increased sensitivity, your skin may react negatively to the sun. Never leave the house without sunscreen, especially if you’re pregnant. It is because your skin is more sensitive to the sun. Wear protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses, to provide extra sun protection. To work and protect your skin from the sun, use about half a teaspoon of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it every 2-3 hours.
6. You may want to move to shaving as your preferred hair removal method
There is no evidence that waxing is harmful during pregnancy. But, increased skin sensitivity caused by hormonal changes in the body may make the process more painful. While you can also use hair removal creams, the chemicals in them can irritate your skin even more. Before trying anything new on your skin, consult with your dermatologist about your best options. This is best for your pregnancy and your skin.
7. Say no to retinoids and isotretinoin
Stop using any night repair cream, particularly retinoids or salicylic acid. According to research, continuing to use retinoids during pregnancy can result in birth defects. This is one ingredient you should never use while pregnant or trying to conceive. While isotretinoin can give you beautiful acne-free skin, you should avoid it if you’re trying to get pregnant. Though people widely use it to treat acne, isotretinoin should be avoided when trying to conceive because it can cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. You should also avoid it before pregnancy because it may change your menstrual cycle, making it difficult to conceive. Bakuchiol is being touted as a healthy natural alternative to retinol for pregnant women.
8. Don’t use your usual anti-acne spot treatments
Clindamycin is an excellent acne treatment. But, you should avoid it during pregnancy. According to one study, you should instead use over-the-counter mild AHA topicals containing glycolic acid to heal acne and keep it safe. Other topical but prescription-backed creams include erythromycin and azelaic acid. But even these must be used under the guidance of your doctor.
9. Add a Vitamin C serum to your face and body care routine
Dr. Bijlani is an advocate for Vitamin C serums for skin brightening. It is an excellent antioxidant that is safe to use during pregnancy. It helps in tissue repair and healing, as well as keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
10. Stay away from chemicals at home
Pregnant women should avoid allergens that may harm their health or the health of their unborn child. Ensure that the ingredients in the products you are using are safe and would not cause a baby’s reaction. Unless directed by a supervising dermatologist, it is best to avoid ingredients such as hydroquinone, steroids, and other dangerous bleaching agents. These ingredients are usually used to decrease pigmentation and are often purchased without a doctor’s prescription. This is risky due to the potential side effects of these products.
11. Use Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids are one of the safest ingredients used to treat pigmentation in pregnant women. They are all-natural products, with glycolic acid and lactic acid being the most important. Glycolic acid is made from sugarcane, and lactic acid is made from milk. These actives are very effective in treating pigmentation. But you must use them in combination with sun protection. Additionally, to avoid irritation, look for products that contain a combination of glycolic acid and lactic acid, as lactic acid is a well-known humectant (moisturizer).
12. Visit a dermatologist
As a pregnant woman, you would be alert for any skin rash, itchy skin, or other dermatological problems. As soon as you observe any of these symptoms, consult a dermatologist for proper medical skin advice. Getting yourself checked out by a specialized doctor helps both you and your child.
13. Give Yourself A Mani-Pedi
Manicures and pedicures should be done regularly so your nails grow faster than you can say ‘polish.’ Get yourself some hand and foot scrub, warm water, and a nail file. Soak your hands and feet in damp water for a few minutes, then shape your nails. Polish them a nice color and see how it improves your mood every morning.
14. Styling Your Hair
Go in for an easy-maintenance haircut or one you don’t have to spend a lot of time on every day. Hair coloring, flat ironing, and curling are generally considered safe after the first trimester, so check with your doctor to be sure.
15. Makeup Tips
Keeping it simple also works here! There’s nothing to worry about if you have the pregnancy glow. Make a concealer tube your best friend if you have blotchy skin as a result of all those hormones. Then, before you leave the house, apply some pressed powder, eyeliner, and lipstick.
The Bottom Line
It isn’t easy to give up your favorite skincare routine. But we know you’ll do anything to protect your child. This includes avoiding products that may harm you or your baby while pregnant, with evidence showing that prescription retinoid-containing products are the most likely to cause severe congenital defects.
On the bright side (literally), you can use our list of pregnancy-safe skincare tips to feel confident that you’re making healthy choices for your unborn child. Also, discuss your specific pregnancy skincare problems and goals with your OB/GYN or dermatologist.
