Even during pregnancy, you can continue to use skin care products, and in fact you should. During pregnancy (and breastfeeding), the skin can become extra demanding. It can become more easily dehydrated, oilier than usual or more sensitive to inflammation. It may be wise to invest in a more simple but effective skin care routine that works for your needs.
Focus on soothing ingredients like centella to address the skin's increased sensitivity. Prioritize moisturizing the skin properly, especially at night, protect it from the sun and use mild cleansing products.
To prevent pigmentation changes, such as melasma, you can add a gentle product with vitamin C and niacinamide to your routine. Along with sunscreen that protects against the sun's rays, brightening products help keep the skin clear and radiant throughout pregnancy.
Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the blood circulation of the skin surface increases, which means that substances can be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream to a greater extent than usual. Therefore, it is important to be careful with certain types of cosmetic products.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is good to completely avoid certain ingredients in skin care, such as vitamin A derivatives, i.e. retinal and retinol, strong acids, self-tanning products, perfumes, and chemical UV filters in sunscreens or make-up products.
For those who want to continue with anti-aging skin care, retinol can be replaced with e.g. hyaluronic acid, ginseng extract or fermented bifida extracts, which strengthen the skin's microbiome.
It is also good to limit the use of chemical sunscreens during pregnancy. Primarily choose clothing to protect the skin from the sun, or use physical sunscreens based on titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
As the skin can react differently during pregnancy, caution is recommended with stronger active ingredients. An ingredient that previously worked perfectly can now be experienced as too powerful. If your skin reacts negatively to a familiar product, suspend use until further notice.
Safe skin care products during pregnancy
There are many safe skin care options to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Products such as physical sunscreens and moisturizers without chemical sunscreens are excellent choices. You can also use toners, serums, ampoules and masks that are free of the ingredients mentioned above that should be avoided.
Among the ingredients that are safe and effective during pregnancy, you will find e.g. centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, rice extract, heartleaf and niacinamide. These help to nurture and protect the skin, while keeping it hydrated and radiant.