The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy Safe Skincare Do's and Don'ts
Ah, the incredible journey of pregnancy—a time filled with anticipation, excitement, and, of course, a few skin-related surprises along the way! As you embark on this adventure of welcoming a new life, your skin may decide to join the party with its own set of changes. But fear not! Navigating the world of pregnancy safe skincare is like embarking on a quest for that elusive glow while keeping the safety of your little one front and centre.
Let's embark on this skincare odyssey together, where we'll unravel the dos and don'ts that will serve as your trusty map to achieving a radiant and healthy complexion.
Do's:
Stay Hydrated: Getting enough water during pregnancy is essential for good health in general and for healthy skin in particular. Water keeps skin supple, lowering the risk of dryness and enhancing a radiant complexion. Try to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water or more each day, but pay attention to what your body needs.
Gentle Cleaning: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser because hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause your skin to become more sensitive. Your skin may become dry and irritated as a result of harsh chemicals depriving it of its natural oils.
Sun Protection: Pregnancy hormones can increase your skin's vulnerability to sun damage, which can result in problems like melasma, or dark spots on your skin. Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen, hybrid sunscreen or sunscreen with SPF 50 PA++++ are thought to be safe to use while pregnant or pregnancy safe sunscreen. Use it liberally, even on overcast days.
Moisturise: Your skin may become drier as a result of changes in your body. Applying a moisturiser that is safe for pregnant women can help keep skin hydrated and reduce itching brought on by stretching skin. Shea butter, ceramides and hyaluronic acid are a few of the ingredients that effectively hydrate you.
Safe Acne Treatments: During pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause acne. Although certain treatments for acne are not advised, products with lactic or glycolic acid can help exfoliate the skin gently. Before beginning any new acne treatment, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider.
Patch testing: Your skin may become more sensitive during pregnancy. Do a patch test on a small area of your skin before adding new products to make sure your skin doesn't react negatively. You can identify possible allergens or irritants with the aid of this step.
Don'ts:
Steer clear of specific ingredients: Retinoids, which are present in some skincare products, are known to pose a risk to expectant mothers. Choose safe substitutes, such as azelaic acid, or speak with your healthcare provider about them.
Reduce the Use of Essential Oils: Although most essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy, some can trigger contractions or have other negative effects. Some examples are rosemary, cinnamon, and basil. It's advisable to use them sparingly and consult your healthcare provider before starting any new essential oil regimen.
Refuse High-Temperature Procedures:
Pregnancy can be harmed by overheating, whether from hot tubs, saunas, or baths. Birth defects may result from high temperatures. Stick to lukewarm water to ensure your body temperature stays within a safe range.
Check Medication and Topical Treatments: Prior to using any medication or topical treatment while pregnant, always get advice from your healthcare provider. You can get advice from your healthcare provider about what is safe for you and your child regarding commonly used skincare ingredients, as they may have different safety profiles.
Minimise Your Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals: Some skincare products contain parabens and phthalates, which may disrupt your hormones. Choose items that are marked "paraben-free" and "phthalate-free" to reduce your exposure to these substances.
Don't Overdo It: Your skin can undergo enough changes during pregnancy without needless stress. One by one, introduce new products to your skin and watch how it responds. To reduce the likelihood of irritation, try not to overdo the changes on your skin at once.
Pregnancy skincare routines allow you to take care of yourself while putting your growing baby's safety first. For tailored advice that takes into account your unique needs and any particular skin concerns you may have during this special time, always consult your healthcare provider.
