The Benefits of Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: Clean Ingredients for a Healthy Glow
The Benefits of Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: Clean Ingredients for a Healthy Glow
As a mommy-to-be, you want nothing but the best for your growing baby. You're probably already taking steps to properly nourish your body with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a prenatal vitamin. But did you know that the products you put ON your body are just as important as what you put IN it?
Skincare products are designed to be absorbed into the skin, so it's always best to choose pregnancy-safe skincare products with clean ingredients that nurture your skin throughout your pregnancy. You can still achieve that beautiful pregnancy glow without the use of products containing harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients that can be harmful to you and your baby.
With so many changes occurring throughout your pregnancy, it's easy to let skincare fall by the wayside. However, it's still important to take care of your skin during this time which is why we've put together this helpful pregnancy skincare guide so you can better understand:
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The changes your skin may experience during pregnancy.
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The skincare products to avoid while pregnant.
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The benefits of clean skincare.
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The pregnancy-safe skincare products to add to your routine.
Let's get started!
How to Care for Your Skin Safely While Pregnant
Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Along with your growing belly comes an influx of pregnancy hormones that can completely transform your skin. You may experience some unfamiliar skin issues that you've never had to deal with before. Here are 7 common skin changes you may experience during pregnancy:
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Dry skin;
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Oily skin;
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Skin irritation;
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Hormonal breakouts;
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Melasma (aka the "mask of pregnancy"), a condition that causes brown or grayish discoloration patches on the face;
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Stretch marks;
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Redness or hyperpigmentation.
So, how do you deal with all these changes?
The first step is understanding that these skin changes are perfectly normal and often temporary. They're caused by the hormonal shifts taking place within your body and will eventually subside after you give birth. Many of these issues can be remedied by cleansing and hydrating your skin with pregnancy-safe skincare products that provide moisture and reduce redness using clean ingredients.
Skin issues, like Melasma, will often resolve themselves post-pregnancy. However, if you're concerned about any of the changes to your skin, it's always best to consult your dermatologist or healthcare provider. In the meantime, a vegan foundation with clean ingredients can provide you with the coverage you need to feel confident during this time.
When it comes to stretch marks, unfortunately, there's no guarantee that you can prevent them from forming altogether. However, keeping your skin properly hydrated can help to minimize their appearance. A pregnancy-safe body lotion with clean ingredients can help to nourish your skin, keeping it supple and hydrated throughout the day.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid While Pregnant
Now that we've gone over some of the common skin changes you may experience during pregnancy let's talk about what ingredients to avoid in your skincare products. These ingredients have the potential to be harmful to you and your baby, so it's best to steer clear of them altogether.
Here are some ingredients to avoid during pregnancy:
Retinoids: These are vitamin A derivatives that can be found in skincare products designed to treat acne, wrinkles, and other skin concerns. While they are effective at treating these issues, they're known to cause congenital disabilities and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Hydroquinone: This ingredient is commonly found in anti-aging and dark spot treatments. To date, there haven't been any links to congenital disabilities but the high absorption rate, sometimes 25-35%, is a cause for concern. Pregnant women are advised to minimize their exposure until future studies confirm its safety long-term.
High Dose Salicylic Acid: This ingredient is often found in acne treatments as it helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. However, salicylic acid in higher doses can be absorbed into the bloodstream and should be avoided during pregnancy as a precaution.
Other potentially harmful ingredients and procedures include:
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Phthalates.
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Chemical sunscreens containing Oxybenzone.
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Skin peels, exfoliants, and microdermabrasion.
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Artificial fragrances.
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Cosmetic treatments, including fillers and Botox.
