The good news is that you don't really need to change your skin care routine at all. If your skin is the same as it was before pregnancy, you can continue your routine in the same way, with the exception of a few ingredients (see below).
So you can use most of your formulas as usual. Of course, always check with your doctor, it can't hurt.
Ingredients explanation: what to avoid?
The question often arises about what to do with skin care, for example, that contains benzoyl peroxide, sunscreen or salicylic acid. And those that contain anti-aging ingredients? Can you use them during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Active ingredients to avoid when pregnant
- Retinoids (vitamin A): Use the "natural retinol" bakuchiol instead, which is a plant extract. Because bakuchiol is not a vitamin A derivative, so it is safe to use during pregnancy.
- Acids: Put the acids on pause during pregnancy, especially you should avoid the strong AHA acids and the BHA acid, also called salicylic acid. However, the average 1-2% found in skincare products can be considered safe to use.
- Perfume: Not a must, but perfumed products are perceived differently when you are pregnant. In addition, it can be a good idea to leave perfume on when your baby is newborn. Mixing the natural scents is safe and important for both the parent and the child.
Remember! If you feel the slightest bit unsure, it is good to get help from a skin therapist or doctor.
Explanation of skin problems
Now that you know a little more about the ingredients, let's see what to do if your skin suddenly changes and something new appears.
Pigmentation spots (hyperpigmentation) during pregnancy
During pregnancy, pigment spots often appear on the skin, usually melasma (moles). It usually manifests itself in larger patches on the forehead, upper lip, and cheeks. Part of the good news is that it often goes away on its own. Don't forget sun protection! Use an ingredient formula that inhibits the enzymes that produce pigment (melanin), i.e. skin care products that contain vitamin C, azelain or special peptides. Apply a formula that helps the pigments produced migrate upwards. For example, a 5-6% niacinamide is a good choice.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks usually occur during or immediately after pregnancy and are caused by the skin being stretched as the baby grows. Sudden stretching causes the skin to be damaged or torn and leave traces behind.
The tendency to develop streaks is hereditary, so some women are affected by the problem, while others are not affected at all. Why this is so is not yet known exactly.
Removing stretch marks is one of the toughest skin concerns, but there is no cosmetic ingredient or product that has been shown to significantly improve their appearance. But it's good to know that if you massage your belly with a moisturizing cream or fragrance-free vegetable oil during pregnancy, you're less likely to develop stretch marks.
Acne during pregnancy
During pregnancy, you may also get acne on your skin or your existing acne may worsen. If this happens, know that the same methods will work for you as for everyone else with problem skin. But be patient – the skin usually regains its balance eventually.
Smart-aging is just as important
You don't have to give up anti-aging products even if you're pregnant, but during this period, you should replace retinol formulas with something else just in case. For example, many other top ingredients (e.g. vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, antioxidants) during pregnancy are not known to have harmful effects.