Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid While Pregnant?
Pregnancy is, indeed, a mind field. There are countless things you need to take into consideration when you’re expecting, from the foods you should avoid to the products you use on your skin. The latter is usually the most confusing for some, surely the products you have used in your everyday routine are perfectly safe to continue using. Well, no, that’s not the case, there are some potent powerhouses active that need to be tucked away in a safe place for a while. These are skincare ingredients such as, retinol and benzoyl peroxide to name a couple.
However, there are some ingredients that work perfectly well on the skin and are safe to use when pregnant, such as hyaluronic acid. It’s this clever humectant that will be the focus of our blog post today, so stick around if you wanted to find out more about hyaluronic acid and how to use it while pregnant.
What face products to avoid while pregnant?
There are a few ingredients that should be avoided when you discover you’re expecting. Although you may have been using these ingredients for years, it is advisable to not apply them to the skin whilst you’re pregnant. Here are some examples of ingredients that you should avoid using.
Retin-A, Retinol, and Retinyl Palmitate
All are potent forms of vitamin A and are known to cause dangerous birth defects and problems during pregnancy as your baby’s development can have a negative impact.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acids
Though it is quite common to suffer from a flare-up in spots and acne, you must avoid using the popular ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, as effective as they are at combating blemishes, they are too potent and harsh on the skin whilst you’re pregnant. For the safety of you and your child it is best to seek the help from your doctor to find the best ingredient.
Essential Oils
Due to the fact that essential oils come in an array of different concentrates and varieties. Because of the vast selection of essential oils, it is unclear of how safe they can be to use during pregnancy.
There are also many other skincare ingredients that should not be used such as,
Hydroquinone
Aluminium Chloride
Formaldehyde
Tazorac
Accutane
Chemical Sunscreens
Dihydroxyacetone
Tetracycline
If you have any concerns with other ingredients, I would always suggest going to seek the advice of your doctor before applying anything on the skin.
Can you use acids on your face when pregnant?
You can, but make sure they are the right ones to use. For example, hyaluronic acid is a hugely beneficial ingredient to use when you are pregnant due to the humectant traits of this clever acid will lock moisture into the skin.
As for the acids that belong to the hydroxy acid family, you can use lactic acid or glycolic acid depending on the product formula you prefer to use. You’ll find lactic acid and glycolic acid are found in exfoliating toners or cleansers which tend to be rinsed off the skin meaning they won’t cause too much irritation to the skin and are safe to use during pregnancy.
What serums can you use when pregnant?
Any serums enriched in hyaluronic acid will be a god send to your skin during pregnancy. With moisture being locked into the skin surface helping keep the complexion plumped, vibrant, and hydrated for the entire day.
You will also find that using a serum containing vitamin C will also benefit your complexion. This is because quite often there is an increase in some skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation and melasma during pregnancy. By applying a low percentage of vitamin C that’s formulated into a serum every morning, or alternate mornings will help you combat this pigmentation and keep your complexion even, glowing, and healthy.
Is it OK to exfoliate when pregnant?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to exfoliate the skin when pregnant. Physical scrubs containing pumice and other extracts of fruit stones etc can be a little too rough to the face but can often be found in body scrub formulas. As for products such as exfoliating toners, it’s best to opt for formulas that contain milder AHAs, such as lactic acid or ant acids found in the poly hydroxy acid family.
Many don’t realise that during pregnancy your skin type will change slightly, those prone to oiliness may find they become dry and vice versa. Therefore, it is considered a good idea to double check with a doctor about any new skincare products you wanted to switch around in your in your daily routine.
Can I use retinol while pregnant?
No, due to the complications in the development of the embryo and birth deformities it is advised to not use retinol while pregnant. Many also say to completely avoid this ingredient until you have finished breast feeding too as the baby will consume it through the mother’s milk.
If you already use retinol once you discover you are expecting I would say tuck away your retinol product into a drawer, you’ll find that opened product have a shelf life of roughly 12 months, were as unopened products can last over 3 years if stored correctly.
Can I use vitamin C serum while pregnant?
Yes, you can, but ensure it is a low, gentle percentage that you are able to apply every day or every other day depending on how your skin feels. Don’t forget that if you are using a serum or other product containing vitamin C and find it is not delivering the same results as before or perhaps you are noticing some irritation, check with a dermatologist to find a more effective formula.
Vitamin C is known for increasing skin sensitivity so ensuring you apply a daily SPF of 30 and above is one of the most vital steps in your routine. You’ll protect the skin from potential damage whilst combating any existing damage to the skin.
So, hopefully I have cleared up a few questions you may have had about using hyaluronic acid while pregnant. Don’t forget if you have any concerns, consult with your midwife or doctor. Come and follow us on Instagram for more skincare expert 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.
