Pregnancy is a beautiful and exciting journey, which demands a lot from the body. With the many hormonal changes and unknowns that come with this season, we are here to guide and provide helpful information in the scope of skincare.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: Common Skin Concerns
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause a range of skin concerns, including melasma, dehydration, dry skin, stretch marks, and acne. Knowing how to address these concerns and achieve a healthy, glowing complexion is key to enjoying the journey.
Disclaimer: Always consult a physician/healthcare professional when choosing the best skincare products during pregnancy.
Melasma
Melasma, also commonly known as "the mask of pregnancy," is a temporary pigmentation concern that shows up as brown to dark brown patches on the face, specifically the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and chin. It is triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy. To address this concern consider using pigment brightening moisturizers like our SkinBrite Cream, which contains natural skin lightening and brightening melanin suppressants that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Dehydration, Dry Skin and Stretch Marks
Even though some women experience glowing skin, rosy cheeks and ultra-shiny hair during pregnancy, the skin tends to lose elasticity and moisture as it stretches and tightens to accommodate a growing belly. This can lead to dry, flaky, itchy skin, with stretch marks. To address these concerns, we recommend hydrating and nourishing products like our Advanced Essential B5 Hydrating Serum, Advanced Stem Cell Rebuilding Complex, a nourishing body cream like the Stem Cell 3D Body Crème and Radiant Skin Facial Oil for additional moisture.
Acne
In the first trimester of pregnancy, increased hormone levels can stimulate the skin's production of natural oils leading to breakouts and acne. Not to worry, we have your back with products rich in anti-inflammatories and enzymes such as the Essential Daily Cleanser, B5 Moisture Matte, Delicate Soothing Serum, and Delicate Daily Moisturizer all formulated with soothing and nourishing enzymes, plant stem cells, botanical extracts, and green tea for antioxidant fortification.
Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
While shopping for skincare products to use during pregnancy or lactation, it is important to avoid certain ingredients that could be harmful to you or your baby. Retinoids (Vitamin A), Alpha Hydroxy Acids such glycolic, lactic, mandelic acids, Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Hydroquinone, etc. must be avoided. In addition to avoiding the mentioned ingredients, swap out your chemical sunscreen with a physical SPF. A physical sunscreen will contain minerals such as Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, and Iron Oxide.
Not only do we use micronized zinc oxide in our physical sunscreen formulations, which is by far safer than nanoparticles, but we also take it a step further by incorporating InfraGuard to protect the skin against UV radiation, infrared light, blue light, and pollution. Our SheerZinc SPF 30 is a fantastic choice for a physical sunscreen, as it is lightweight, leaves no white cast, and comes in tinted shades.
Conclusion
Taking the time to find the right skincare products with safe ingredients is key to having and maintaining healthy, glowing skin during pregnancy. These also make for a great gift for a friend or family member who is expecting. What better way of showing that you are thinking of them than to send a beautiful care package of pregnancy-safe skincare products to see them through this incredible season.