But where do you start?
What products are safe to use?
What are some commonskin issuesyou should look out for?
Stocksy
Read on for their answers to these questions and more prior to beginning throwing away your beloved beauty products.
Meet the Experts
What are Some Pregnancy-Related Skin Issues?
“Pregnancy glow” is totally a thing, but, alas, pregnancy can also cause skin issues.
These include chemical peels and topical ingredients such as kojic acid or licorice root.
“A board-certified dermatologist can discuss these options,” she says.
Stretch marks are also a common skin concern for pregnant women.
They’re because of the skin stretching a lot in a short amount of time, Benjamin explains.
Another concern: small red bumps that are typically painless, but can be annoying to look at.
They are most common on the fingers or face.
They grow rapidly and can bleed easily."
When you’re in the first and second trimesters of your pregnancy, you also may experience hormonal acne.
“This can be temporary, but lots of women notice permanent changes,” Benjamin says.
“Retinoids, over-the-counter and prescription versions, are generally avoided in pregnancy.
Adapalene is considered a retinoid.
Hydroquinone, used in prescription fading creams, should also be avoided during pregnancy,” explains Dr. Camp.
According to Dr. Camp, azelaic acid is available over the counter and with a prescription.
for the treatment of acne and rosacea medications.
“Long-term use of azelaic acid has been shown to be helpful for addressing hyperpigmentation.”
“Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
Well-hydrated skin can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” explains.
It is used in skincare products to calm irritated skin and improve skin tone."
Why Should You Think About a Clean Pregnancy Skincare Routine?
“For many women, pregnancy is the big push that gets them thinking about clean beauty.
The risk is just too high.”
She notes that many doctors and dermatologists recommend erring on the side of caution.
“The best way to do that is by switching to healthier, nontoxic products.”
So What Should Your Pregnancy Skincare Routine Look Like?
“Gentle” is the word you better remember.
check that they’re using plant-based ingredients and are avoiding electrical modalities."
Additionally, he says to “use a moisturizer on your abdomen daily to treat and prevent stretch marks.
Classic stretch mark creams include emollients like cocoa butter and shea butter.”
Should acne be your main concern, he also recommends using pimple patches.
In addition, Benjamin says to gently exfoliate two to three times a week.
“This keeps surface debris from building up on the skin and causing breakouts.
“The ideal pregnancy skincare routine is unique for everyone.
Even if youve been pregnant before, your skin can react completely differently the next time around!
“Another AHA you’re able to use is lactic acid.”
Kumari R, Jaisankar TJ, Thappa DM.
A clinical study of skin changes in pregnancy.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol.
2007;73(2):141.
Harvard Women’s Health Watch.Unmasking the causes and treatments of melasma.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000066.pub2
Makieva S, Saunders PT, Norman JE.Androgens in pregnancy: roles in parturition.Hum Reprod Update.
2014;20(4):542559. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmu008
