Can I use hyaluronic acid during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is indeed an area of thought. There are many things to consider during pregnancy, from the foods you should avoid to the products you use on your skin. The latter is often the most confusing to some people, because surely you can continue to safely use the products you have been using in your daily life. Well, no, that is not the case, there are some powerful active ingredients that need to be kept in a safe place for a while. These are skin care ingredients such as retinol and benzoyl peroxide, among others.
However, there are some ingredients that work great for the skin and are safe to use during pregnancy, such as hyaluronic acid. This clever moisturizer is the focus of today’s blog post. So if you want to learn more about hyaluronic acid and its uses during pregnancy, stay tuned.
What facial products should I avoid during pregnancy?
If you find yourself pregnant, there are certain ingredients that you should avoid. Although you may have used these ingredients for years, it is recommended that you do not apply them to your skin during pregnancy. Here are some examples of ingredients to avoid.
Retinyl A, Retinol, and Retinyl Palmitate
All of these are potent forms of vitamin A that are known to cause dangerous birth defects and problems during pregnancy, as your baby’s development may be negatively affected.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid
Although it’s common to get pimples and acne, you should avoid popular ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Although they are effective in fighting blemishes, they are too strong and harsh on the skin during pregnancy. It’s best to ask your doctor for help in finding the best ingredients for your safety and your child’s.
Essential Oils
Because essential oils come in many different concentrates and varieties. Due to the wide variety of essential oils available, it’s unclear how safe they are to use during pregnancy.
There are many other ingredients in skin care products that you shouldn’t use, such as: b.
Hydroquinone
Aluminum Chloride
Formaldehyde
Tasorac
Tretinoin
Chemical Sunscreens
Dihydroxyacetone
Tetracycline
If you have any questions about other ingredients, I always recommend asking your doctor for advice before applying anything to your skin.
Can I use acids on my face during pregnancy?
Yes, but make sure they are the right ones. For example, hyaluronic acid is a very useful ingredient during pregnancy, as the hydrating properties of this clever acid can lock moisture into the skin.
As for acids that belong to the hydroxy acid family, you can use either lactic acid or glycolic acid, depending on the product formula you prefer. You’ll find lactic and glycolic acids in exfoliating toners or cleansers, which usually rinse off the skin, meaning they won’t irritate the skin too much and are safe to use during pregnancy.
What serums can I use during pregnancy?
All serums that are rich in hyaluronic acid are a godsend for the skin during pregnancy. Moisture is locked into the surface of the skin, helping to keep it plump, radiant, and hydrated throughout the day.
You’ll also find that using a serum that contains vitamin C can also benefit your complexion. This is because some skin issues, such as hyperpigmentation and melasma, tend to be exacerbated during pregnancy. Using a small amount of vitamin C contained in a serum every morning or every other morning can fight pigmentation and keep your skin tone even, radiant, and healthy.
Can I exfoliate while I’m pregnant?
Yes, it is completely safe to exfoliate while I’m pregnant. Body scrubs that contain things like pumice and other fruit seed extracts can be a little harsh on the face, but are often included in body scrub formulas. When it comes to products like exfoliating toners, it’s best to go for a formula that contains gentler AHAs, like lactic or formic acid from the polyhydroxy acid family.
Many people don’t realize that your skin type can change slightly during pregnancy. For women who tend to get oily, their skin may become dry, and vice versa. Therefore, it’s recommended that you consult your doctor about any new skincare products you plan to use on a daily basis.
Can I use retinol while I’m pregnant?
No, it’s not recommended to use retinol during pregnancy due to complications with embryo development and birth defects. Many also recommend avoiding this ingredient altogether until you’re done breastfeeding, as the baby absorbs it through breast milk.
If you were already using retinol as soon as you found out you were pregnant, I recommend storing your retinol products in a drawer, you will find that the shelf life of opened products is about 12 months, while unopened products can be stored for more than 3 years in the right conditions.
Can vitamin C serums be used during pregnancy?
Yes, you can, but make sure the dose is low and gentle and can be used every day or every other day, depending on how your skin feels. Don’t forget, if you use a serum or other product with vitamin C and find that it doesn’t work the same as before, or you may notice irritation, you should consult a dermatologist to find a more effective formula.
Vitamin C is known to increase skin sensitivity, so applying SPF 30 and above every day is one of the most important steps in your daily routine. They protect the skin from possible damage while fighting existing skin damage.
I hope I have addressed some of your questions about using hyaluronic acid during pregnancy. Don’t forget to consult your midwife or doctor if you have any questions. Follow us on Instagram for more professional skincare tips, product launches and exclusive discounts.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.