Pregnancy is a sweet and bitter experience. Because of the onset of some magical hormones that some women experience during their pregnancy, pregnancy is frequently associated with glowing skin and thicker hair. But that’s half of the picture. These same hormones may lead to a long-term battle with skin disorders in the future.

When you find out you're expecting, your entire world changes. You must begin to take better care of yourself and your body, as well as drastically alter your pregnancy skincare routine and products. The most common pregnancy-related skin changes are dry skin, acne, flare-ups of chronic illnesses such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, and skin darkening in regions .

Pregnancy skincare could be a major concern but we want you to go slowly and check out for ingredients which might hurt you or your baby. We hope this article helps you to take care of your wonderful skin during one of the most beautiful moments of your life.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can result in various skin changes and not all of them may be perceived positive or desirable. Hormones may be at blame, or it could simply be one of the "normal" side effects of being pregnant. While some women are fortunate enough to have flawless skin for nine months, the majority of women have at least one unpleasant new or worsening skin issue. Darkening complexion, dry skin (melasma), and acne are the most common.

People with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may also experience an improvement in their symptoms (for better or worse). Because your body is "all in" during pregnancy, bothersome skin changes such as stretch marks, spider veins, hair growth, and even hair loss can occur.

Top Skincare Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy

Starting a new skin care during pregnancy isn't a good idea but those dark spots might be heart-breaking and may want you to pick your favorite topical skincare cream that once saved your life. Wait till you've completed breastfeeding to do it. During pregnancy, it's best to focus on hydrating, soothing, and moisturizing the skin. Following are some popular skincare treatments that must be avoided during pregnancy and even during the breast feeding stage in order to maintain your health as well as your baby's health-

• Retinoids and retinol derivatives: All types of retinoids (low or high dose) should be avoided during pregnancy since excessive doses of this anti-acne and anti-aging chemical have been linked to birth defects. Keep an eye out for retinyl- on the ingredient list and avoid it.
• Some Essential Oils: While many essential oils are safe and healthy to use while pregnant, there are a few that should be avoided. Lavender, ylang-ylang, tangerine, mandarin, jasmine, rose, grapefruit, geranium, and chamomile are all safe to use.
• Oxybenzone and Chemical Sunscreen: Oxybenzone is a popular ingredient in sunscreen and SPF skincare products. It is a recognised endocrine disruptor, thus it's better to stay away from it. Instead, use physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
• Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide: Low-dose salicylic acid as over-the-counter medicines can be used but it's not advised to make it a routine. If needed, lactic acid or diluted apple cider vinegar may be a safer choice. Benzoyl Peroxide should be avoided too.
• Hydroquinone: This is typically used to lighten skin pigmentation, although it is controversial and should be avoided in pregnant women due to a lack of trials and research. Alpha Arbutin could be a safer alternative.
• Spray Tans: Spray tans contain DHAs which are proven to cause fetal abnormalities and hence such products should be avoided.

Safe Skin Care Ingredients Alternatives

The best skin care during pregnancy is to keep your skin routine basic, gentle, and effective.Start with a light cleanser, then toner, eye cream, moisturizer, and finally a physical sunscreen. We recommend choosing simple skincare like cucumber water, rose water etc as toner. For creams use water based ones and look out for the above mentioned products and you are good to go. Some of the safe skincare alternatives safe during pregnancy are:

• Green Tea
• Lactic acid
• Azelaic acid
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Mineral/Physical sunscreen
• Vitamin C
• Kojic Acid

If you are facing serious skin issues, contact your doctor before picking up any skin care product!

How To Check If Your Skincare Products Are Safe During Pregnancy

• Read the label and check out for chemicals we mentioned above.
• Consult a doctor before starting any skincare.

Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine

Pregnancy-Safe Day Skincare Routine or Pregnancy-Safe Night Skincare Routine can be tricky and therefore, we recommend you to not complicate them any further. We suggest you to opt for the following and make changes as per your personal needs and requirements:

• Wash your face with lukewarm water and a light cleanser first.
• After that, use a toner.
• Apply a broad-spectrum mineral-based sunscreen after that.
• After that, use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type.
• After that, use an eye cream (if needed).
• Apply moisturizer to the belly, hips, and thighs to prevent stretch marks.
• Substitute a serum for sun protection in your nighttime routine.

Skincare Tips To Follow During Pregnancy

• To prevent the pigment from darkening further, apply a broad spectrum sun protection to your face every day. Stay out of the sun.
• While light soap is advised during pregnancy, moisturizing soap is preferable. Do not use bubble baths or exfoliate your skin on a daily basis.
• It's a good idea to use a sun-blocking moisturizer. The sun protection factor (SPF) should be at least 15 to 20.
• A nourishing physiological moisturizer and special maternity panties are required for the tummy.
• Keep your body clean because you'll be sweating and hot, and take baths only once a day.
• See your doctor on a regular basis.
• Make sure you're getting enough vitamins and calcium.
• Antibiotic lotions, such as erythromycin or clindamycin, can be used to treat severe acne. During pregnancy, avoid using tretinoin (Retin-A) cream because it has been linked to numerous abnormalities in the infant.
• If you have a fungal genital infection, avoid foods like pau, wheat noodles, and cakes that contain a lot of yeast.
• Make sure you get enough rest. Adequate exercise aids in the radiance of the skin. Sunscreen, moisturizer, and gentle cleansers are the only cosmetics used.

Deconstruct Skincare Products To Use For Pregnancy Skincare

• Deconstruct’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash with 0.5% Amino Acids + 0.1% Hyaluronic acid, great for pH balance. The amino acid with hyaluronic acid blend envelopes skin in a unique non-stripping soothing gel formula for calm and balanced skin.
• Salicylic Acid Oil Control Face Wash with 0.5% Salicylic acid + 1% Niacinamide - Salicylic acid and Niacinamide work together to unclog pores, control sebum production, and prevent comedones. This light yet effective gel salicylic acid face wash removes dirt and impurities, cleanse pores, reduces blackheads, and reveals softer skin.
• Deconstruct Hydrating serum with 2% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Niacinamide- This unique serum combines two of the best ingredients for dry skin. With 2% Hyaluronic Acid and 1% Niacinamide, the serum has a mild formula that will be well tolerated by all skin types alike. It hydrates while repairing the skin barrier.
• Deconstruct NMF Hydrating Moisturizer- NMF skin cream is a lightweight daily gel moisturizer that hydrates, nourishes, and calms skin. Enriched with Natural Moisturizing Factor Complex (NMF) that mimics the skin’s natural NMF, helps to maintain adequate hydration in the barrier, without giving the oily feel and strengthens the skin barrier.
• Deconstruct Beginner’s exfoliating serum with 5% Lactic Acid + 0.5% Probiotics It is a gentle exfoliating serum that has a mild formula, making it perfect for beginners. Probiotics in combination with Lactic Acid can help relieve a wide range of skin problems and exfoliate the skin effectively. It also contains 1% Hyaluronic Acid which keeps the skin hydrated while exfoliation.

Conclusion

If you had any doubts about the influence of hormones on your skin, you won't have any when you're pregnant. Others may experience adult acne, heightened sensitivity, and a 'pregnancy mask' of pigmentation in addition to the radiant glow that comes with having a baby. And there you were, concerned about morning sickness. Remember ladies, at the end of the day you are going through something beautiful and difficult. Cut yourself some slack and appreciate how wonderful your body and skin is for taking care another life. Definitely don’t obsess over skincare but look out for those harmful ingredients you find in everyday skincare and cosmetic products.

FAQs

Can I use Vitamin C serum during pregnancy?
Yes! Vitamin C is absolutely safe during pregnancy!

What skincare chemicals should be avoided during pregnancy?
Avoid using retinoids, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen, ammonia, spray tans, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (above 2% concentration) during pregnancy.

Which sunscreen should I use during pregnancy?
Use physical or mineral sunscreen during pregnancy. Can I use Salicylic acid during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, Salicylic acid with less than 2% concentration should be used and use it minimally to avoid side effects.