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Do you know what’s common between Deepika Padukone, Margot Robbie, Hailey Beiber, Alexandra Daddario, Vanessa Hudgens, Richa Chadha, and Yami Gautam? They all announced their pregnancies in 2024! And if you, too, are an expectant mother, make sure you bookmark this article. We have some good news for you – the best pregnancy-safe skincare products!
When you are pregnant, hormonal fluctuations, fatigue, dehydration, nausea, and dietary changes can affect your skin. Although some say that pregnancy gives you a natural glow, you must rely on pregnancy-safe skincare products to enhance your inherent radiance. If you’ve been surfing the Internet for skincare essentials that are risk-free during your pregnancy, you’ve come to the right place. Read ahead to peruse our edit of the best pregnancy-safe skincare that’ll keep you out of harm’s way.
What To Avoid During Pregnancy
When we talk of what to avoid during pregnancy, we aren’t referring to hot tubs, sushi, or skydiving, rather, we mean avoiding applying chemical-laden formulas on the skin. Although the topical application of skincare products won’t directly affect your unborn child, it can affect the expectant mother’s skin structure during pregnancy. You may notice your skin become weaker and more fragile, which suggests that otherwise safe formulations can react adversely on the skin. Let’s discuss a few things to consider if you have a baby on the way:
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Fragrance-Free
Smells that were initially enticing can quickly turn pungent for expectant mothers. So, steer clear of harsh odours and products boasting an intoxicating aroma. Powerful scents can aggravate nausea and morning sickness, too. According to a study , perfumes, shower gels, and moisturisers that are heavily fragrant can also cause harm to sensitive skin and create discomfort.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Research indicates that nasties such as retinoids, mercury, botox, salicylic acid, and formaldehyde can trigger sensitive pregnancy skin, leading to rashes and itchiness, thereby causing discomfort.
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Procedures & Therapies
Findings suggest that light cosmetic procedures such as shaving, waxing, epilating, and massages are generally safe, but others, including chemical peeling, red light therapy, and laser treatments are potentially unsafe for expectant mothers. They are invasive and can cause harm, not just to you but also to the life growing inside of you. Hence, stick to topical treatments during your pregnancy – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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Keep It Simple
We realise you probably have tonnes of concerns during this period, so we suggest you keep your skincare routine as simple as possible. All you need to follow is a CSMS skincare routine for healthy, glowing skin.
Best Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products
With all the beauty dos and don’ts out of the way, it’s time to learn about pregnancy-safe skincare products worth investing in.
Cleanser
When on the hunt for a suitable cleanser, we recommend looking for mild formulations that aren’t too harsh on the skin while also effectively eliminating dirt, makeup, and the day’s grime. Scan the label for light, non-invasive, hydrating, and pregnancy-safe ingredients. Many brands call out if their products are safe for expectant mothers or not; keep an eye out.
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Serum
Keeping nourishment and barrier repair in mind, avoid products that work to heal acne and are anti-ageing or skin-brightening, as they tend to enter the deeper layers of the epidermis to target these specific concerns. They may also cause skin purging, aggravating your pre-existing issues. Look for serums with a lower concentration of active ingredients to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.
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Moisturiser
When choosing a moisturiser, opt for one that is free of fragrances and is non-comedogenic, suggesting that it won’t clog your pores and is ultra-lightweight. You already feel heavy, your cream doesn’t have to be! Focus on hydrating ingredients and steer clear of skincare nasties.
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Sunscreen
No matter what stage of life you’re in, sunscreen is non-negotiable. If you are looking for a pregnancy-safe sunscreen, opt for a mineral variant. Mineral sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both of which create a protective barrier on the skin to block harmful ultraviolet rays.
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Oils, Butters, & Lotions
Your face ain’t the only part of your skin that requires tender, loving care during pregnancy. With your belly expanding more than it has ever had to, expect to notice stretch marks, cellulitis, and pigmentation – all of which can become permanent if not taken care of at the right time. Hence, right from the first trimester, we recommend you use body oils, butters, and lotions on the stomach, thighs, and breasts.
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Parting Thoughts
Pregnancy is not all hunky-dory as seen on celluloid; it’s a natural reproductive process that can drain all your energy. However, all mothers will agree that it’s totally worth it. Just because the child-bearing journey is taxing, your skincare routine needn’t be. Keep it simple with a CSMS routine – cleanser, serum, moisturiser, sunscreen – for healthy, glowing skin. Ensure you steer clear of harsh, toxic chemicals and opt for milder formulations that do not enter the bloodstream.
FAQs
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Which ingredients are safe to apply during pregnancy?
Ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and minerals are safe for the skin during pregnancy.
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What treatments to avoid during pregnancy?
Avoid procedures such as botox, laser treatments, chemical peels, bleaching, and waxing to limit pulling and tugging on the skin.
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Should I wear sunscreen if I am pregnant?
Yes, you should apply sunscreen during pregnancy. We recommend mineral sunscreens over their chemical counterparts, as they form a protective barrier on the skin to fight against harmful UV rays.
