When you're pregnant a lot of things change, and that includes your skin. Some people experience the pregnancy glow, others experience the pregnancy mask. Here I discuss some of those changes and products you should avoid as well as alternatives.
COMMON SKIN ISSUES:
DRYNESS
Skin dryness can occur during pregnancy due to your body's increased needs for water (amniotic fluid, more blood etc) hence it may be hard for you skin to stay hydrated (after all, it is the largest organ).
I became quite dry, especially during the 3rd trimester, so I've started incorporating daily, sometimes twice daily routine. I've always had dry legs, but my foot got to the point where it started to crack (the whole summer pregnancy isn't helping either). I would slather on a cream post shower to help seal in any moisture. I picked up some reusable silicone heal socks from Daiso for $2.80 and I would wear them in bed for about 10 minutes post moisturising to really help lock in the moisture. I use lotions in the morning as they are quick drying, heavier creams at night, and a body oil for the belly/stretch mark prone areas.
HYPERSENSITIVIES
You may find your skin becomes more sensitive when your pregnant, and thats all thanks to the hormone changes. You also become more sensitive to heat and dehydrate a lot faster ( I generally experience heat rashes when in the tropics within about a week, but when pregnant, and travelling to Singapore it was within 24-48 hours). You are also more sensitive to the sun so you may burn more easily - stay vigilant with the SPF. You may have to change up your skincare or even detergent, as you become more sensitive. I know I had to stop using the Ordinary's Vitamin C 23% suspension as it irritated my skin too much (that or dilute it with another serum/cream). Look for things that are designed for sensitive skin or marketed for infants (which generally are gentler as they are more sensitive to products too).
MELASMA
People talk about the pregnancy glow, however there is also the pregnancy mask or melasma. It is when there are dark, discoloured patches on the skin. There isn't any true treatment of the condition, however it tends to resolve itself post delivery. Wearing sunscreen can help reduce pigmentation, preferably mineral based (as they reflect the light instead of absorbing it the way chemical sunscreens do - which in turns absorbs heat, and heat can be a contributing factor).
ACNE
Again some expectant mums may experience more breakout when they are pregnant and that again is due to the hormone changes - and your traditional actives used to treat acne such is salicylic acid is not recommended (issue discussed below) Your options? Benzyl peroxide, and blue LED light therapy can help by killing of bacteria on the skin that causes the breakout.
THINGS TO AVOID
RETINOIDS/RETINOLS
Vitamin A is a no no during pregnancy and why is that? Vitamin A is teratogenic (at least in studies conducted when taken orally, and the prescription based products). There hasn't been enough studies in agents that are used in skincare, but to be on the safe sides of things the recommendations is to avoid them topically as well when pregnant and/or breastfeeding.
Alternatives for anti-ageing - products containing Bakuchiol, a natural extract that mimics the effects of retinoids but to a lesser extent. I'm currently waiting on my order of REN- Bio Retinoid Anti-wrinkle Oil to come in so I can use while pregnant and then when I'm breastfeeding/pumping. Another anti-ageing ingredient to use instead of retinoid is Vitamin C.
SALICYLIC ACID
As mentioned before, these are normally used to exfoliate the skin and to help combat acne however is recommended to avoid while pregnant. Studies of high doses of salicylic acid (aka. orally taken in the form of Aspirin) has been shown to cause birth defects, and again not enough studies have been conducted when used topically to ensure it's safety, hence recommended to avoid. Though the occasional use as spot treatment is probably okay.
DIHYDROXYACETONE (DHA)
Found in fake tanning solutions, the concern with these guys is if you inhale them. It is unclear what effects it will have you or your unborn baby. Topically they are fine to use while pregnant as they only sit on the top layer of the skin - so stick to mousse, creams and wipes and avoid spray products or salon spray booths.
HYDROQUINONE
This active is normally found in skincare products that are designed to lighten dark spots, or whitening products. Again its mainly due to the lack of studies in pregnant women/animals to know how it affects the baby, its best to avoid.
THINGS TO KEEP GOING WITH
SPF
SPF should already be your best friend if you are all about the anti-ageing life. Always look for broad spectrum sunscreens that protects against UVA (the ones that cause long term effects such as ageing - think UV 'A' where 'A' is ageing) and UVB (the ones that causes instant damage causing you to tan/burn - think UV 'B' where 'B' is burning) and a minimum of SPF of 30. Don't forget to reapply throughout the day - preferably every 2 hours.
With the issues of sensitivities or melasma, you may want to consider using mineral or physical sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). I personally haven't had any issues with my usual sunscreens so I've kept with chemical sunscreens such as La Roche Possay Athelios XL or any of the Neutrogena sunscreen range.
AHA (lactic and glycolic)
Both forms of lactic and glycolic acid can be safely used during pregnancy. They will gently exfoliate the dead layer of skin without and harsh scrubbing, leaving your fresh smooth skin and refined pores. Just be careful a lot of chemical exfoliant products contains a combination of AHA and BHA (salicylic acid) - so just read the ingredient list carefully. I personally have been using Pixi Glow Tonic, and Sunday Riley's Good Genes. I packed away my SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion as it contains salicylic acid.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid helps draws moisture, so it is a great product to incorporate into your skin if you are suffering from dryness. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 10,000x its weight in water. But remember it draws water in, so you need to layer/use it with something that is moisturising. If you apply straight hyaluronic acid on the skin and nothing else on top, it will try to draw moisture from its surrounding (which is either the air or your skin itself). So hyaluronic acid serum followed with a moisturiser/oil
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is anti-ageing, brightening, and has antioxidants effects that helps neutralises free radicals that causes skin damage. It also helps protects agains UVA (so apply it before your SPF). It is suitable for all skin types and can be found in serums, powder form that you can mix into your preferred moisturisers etc.
This is not an extensive list but it gives you a starting point when looking into skincare when pregnant. Hope that helps :)
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