While we regularly hear what a magical time pregnancy is, the truth is it’s not without its bumps (pun intended!). Thorough things like morning sickness and a general sense of discomfort are part and parcel of the whole process, pregnancy also affects one other area of your body – your skin. From dryness to melasma to acne, pregnancy brings its own skin concerns, which consequently demand a pregnancy-safe skincare routine. So allow us to tell you how to build a safe and effective skin regimen by illustrating ingredients to use and those to avoid.
Must-Avoid Skincare Ingredients During Pregnancy
Certain ingredients are absolute no-nos during pregnancy for good reason. As you keep reading, you will discover why these ingredients will never feature in a pregnancy-safe skincare routine or products for that matter.
Retinoids
The magic anti-acne, anti-ageing ingredient that also goes by the name of Vitamin A, retinol plays a crucial role in keeping your skin healthy. However, a specific strain of retinol, known as retinoids, is actually pretty strong and can cause a host of very serious side-effects during pregnancy. These side effects have been linked to birth irregularities and severe congenital irregularities in newborns. It is best avoided.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is commonly found in OTC prescription ointments to treat melasma – a form of hyperpigmentation which is common during pregnancy. However, the use of products containing hydroquinone is ill-advised. While there is little evidence to show whether hydroquinone causes congenital defects, it should still not be used during pregnancy as it can lead to severe allergic reactions, inflammation, stinging etc.
High Concentrations Of Salicylic Acid
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, salicylic acid is widely used to soothe and treat acne. However, higher doses of this chemical in the form of oral medications or peels should be strictly avoided when you are pregnant. Since its composition is similar to aspirin, higher concentrations of salicylic acid can lead to fatal consequences such as intracranial hemorrhage in your newborn, stillbirth or postpartum bleeding among others.
Phthalates
Phthalates can disrupt the normal functioning of your endocrine system. However, the bad news is they are commonly found in most skincare products. This is sad because using phthalates products has been linked to developmental dysfunction and reproductive issues, and hence, are best avoided.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic disinfectant and preservative that is, fortunately, not commonly found in beauty products anymore. This nasty chemical can significantly increase the risk of miscarriages and infertility. So if you happen to find a product that has formaldehyde on its ingredients list, don’t buy it and don’t use it. Even if you’re not pregnant.
See also: The Wellness Revolution: Harnessing the Power of Holistic Health for a Balanced and Fulfilling Life
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ingredients
Considering the most common skincare concerns during pregnancy are acne, melasma, and stretch marks, you can take the help of perfectly safe and natural ingredients to treat these issues. Some of the best pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients include:
Bakuchiol For Skin Brightening
One of the safest and most effective alternatives to retinoids out there, Bakuchiol is what your skin needs to fight dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Bakuchiol skin serums can visibly brighten your skin, improve the appearance of complexion, enhance the firmness of your skin, and even soothe inflammation caused by acne. It truly is a blessing in a bottle for pregnant women seeking safe skincare items.
Canadian Willowherb For Acne
If you are fed up with pregnancy-induced acne, you need a skin clarifying serum that contains Canadian Willowherb. This all-natural ingredient can minimise appearance of acne spots and soothe red and inflamed acne-prone skin. Plus, it also protects your skin against infections caused by microbes, thereby gradually reducing the appearance of new acne spots over time.
Striover™ For Stretch marks
A recent breakthrough in pregnancy-safe skincare, stretch marks creams containing Striover™ are your best bet to speeding up the process of stretch marks removal. A fusion of glycerin with medicinal plants including Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula, this new age ingredient can boost the elasticity of your skin, making it look firmer. It also visibly reduces stretch mark lines to leave you with smoother skin.
PENTAVITIN® For Hydration
No ingredient comes close to the hydrating properties of PENTAVITIN®! Moisturising spray lotions infused with PENTAVITIN® provide instant and lasting hydration of up to 72 hours after application – that too without any side effects! They are the best natural cure for pregnancy-related skin dryness. Plus, you get to experience a soothing effect too after application, making it a win-win experience.
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a significant turning point in any woman’s life, and it brings a host of changes with it. As you watch your skin’s complexion, texture and elasticity change, it is better to switch your skincare routine too. A pregnancy-safe skincare routine made up of safe-to-use ingredients is the best way to reduce the severity of various pregnancy-related skin issues – from dryness to acne to stretch marks and beyond.
