Whether you are planning to start a family, expecting, or breastfeeding, it can be challenging to sort through all the noise and decipher what a pregnancy safe skincare routine looks like. Prioritizing your health and the health of your unborn child will involve adjusting lifestyle habits you wouldn’t normally think twice about—and since your skin can be a conduit to the bloodstream through absorption—it’s important to consider what you put on it. In this article, we will aim to simplify the topic of pregnancy safe skincare by focusing on ingredients to avoid and professional treatments and facials that are safe for expecting and breastfeeding mothers.

I. Understanding Pregnancy Safe Skincare:

Skincare during pregnancy warrants extra caution due to the potential effects of certain ingredients on fetal development. It is advisable to follow general guidelines, consult with your health care practitioners, and opt for products that take into account the following:

I. Ingredients to Avoid:

  • Retinoids/vitamin A deriviatives: Commonly found in anti-aging and acne treatments, retinoids, such as retinol, retinyl palmitate, and tretinoin, have been linked to birth defects when used in high doses.
  •  Salicylic acid: While low-concentration salicylic acid is generally considered safe, high doses can pose risks. When in doubt, consult your health care provider.
  • Benzoyl peroxide: While this ingredient can do wonders to dry out active blemishes, it has been shown to pose a risk to the fetus and therefore, it needs to be avoided.
  •  Hydroquinone: Often used for treating hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone is considered a carcinogen and best avoided during pregnancy as there is high absorption rate and no data to support that it is safe during pregnancy.
  • Formaldehyde: Typically present in nail polishes and hair-straightening products, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that should be avoided during pregnancy.
  • Chemical sunscreens: while the risks posed by chemical sunscreens have not been substantiated, there is some suggestive evidence. Switching to a mineral sunscreen is totally safe and effective alternative.
  • Essential oils: Some essential oils, including rosemary, clary sage, and tea tree have been associated with adverse effects on pregnancy. While small doses of many essential oils are safe, it is difficult to ascertain the concentration in formulations, so it is best to minimize your exposure to scented products.

These are some of the more common skincare ingredients to take a break from while expecting and breastfeeding, but we encourage you to look at guidelines from trusted sources for further support in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. This article from the Environmental Working Group covers 5 endocrine disruptor ingredients to avoid.

II. Pregnancy Safe Skincare Ingredients:

While there is a substantial list of ingredients to avoid, there are still fantastic pregnancy safe skincare ingredients that will help you enjoy healthy, glowing skin as you become a mother:

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its exceptional hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture in the skin without any known risks during pregnancy.
  • Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant, vitamin C can brighten the skin and promote collagen synthesis. This ingredient also has anti-inflammatory properties which can minimize melasma/pregnancy mask or other forms of hyperpigmentation.
  • Niacinamide: This versatile ingredient helps regulate sebum production, minimize pores, and even out skin tone, making it ideal for pregnant women dealing with hormonal changes and pregnancy face pigmentation.
  • Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic are alpha hydroxy acids that are considered to be safe in pregnancy. These chemical exfoliants will keep your skin smooth and fresh without the risks that salicylic acid poses.
  • Natural Oils: Safe options include jojoba oil, almond oil, and coconut oil. These can assist in moisturizing and soothing the skin while avoiding potentially harmful additives.

III. Pregnancy Safe Skincare Professional Treatments and Facials:

While some skincare treatments are not recommended during pregnancy such as neurotoxin injections, microneedling, and laser and radiofrequncy treatments, getting a facial when pregnant is generally considered safe and can provide relaxation and beneficial effects for expectant mothers. It is essential to consult with your skin therapist and inform them about your pregnancy stage. Here are a few great options to maintain your skin when pre-natal, pregnant and breastfeeding:

  1. Microdermabrasion: chemical peels and strong exfoliation should be avoided, but microdermabrasion treatment can deliver deep resurfacing benefits safely without risk
  2. Face massage: A relaxing facial massage using pregnancy-safe oils can help improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and enhance overall skin health. Our Smooth + Infuse Microdermabrasion Facial, the Skin Treatment or The Elevated Facial (this is especially good for pregnancy face swelling) are all great pregnancy safe skincare treatment options that include face massage.
  3. Light Therapy: LED light therapies, such as blue light for acne or red light for collagen stimulation, are non-invasive and considered safe throughout pregnancy.

Conclusion

You don’t have to give up on glowing skin when entering into motherhood. In fact, maintaining self-care routines will help you stay grounded as so many other changes come about. By educating yourself on which ingredients to avoid while opting for products that are considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, you can ensure the health of both you and your baby. Additionally, consulting with your certified skin therapist and choosing safe treatments will help you enjoy the benefits of professional skincare without unnecessary risks. Remember, your healthcare provider should be your ultimate resource for advice regarding pregnancy-safe skincare. We hope this guide has been helpful. If you need further help in developing a pregnancy safe skincare routine, we are happy to help! Simply follow this link to book a consultation with one of our certified skin therapists.