Skincare Advice During Pregnancy
It’s only once you are expecting that you realise how much hormones affect the body. There are many changes to the skin, from increased pigmentation, also known as the mask of pregnancy, drier skin, more sensitivity to certain ingredients or products and increased redness. All of these aren’t avoidable, but thankfully will pass once the baby is here, but for now, we are going to share some skincare advice to use during pregnancy.
What skincare should I use during pregnancy?
Thankfully there are a lot of skincare products you are safe to use during pregnancy that will help treat the previously mentioned changes to the skin. Here is a list of ingredients you should trying keeping or adding to your routine whilst expecting:
Glycolic Acid- Though large quantities are not recommended during pregnancy, glycolic acid is one of the AHAs that are powerful enough to slough away dead skin cell build-up, bacteria, dirt and excess oil whilst remaining gentle on the skin. Try using a chemical exfoliant once a day, preferably in the evenings to prevent the skin from looking dull and lacklustre.
Vitamin C- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and can protect the skin from any free radicals that cause damage. Your complexion will appear brighter with a youthful plumped look with the help of collagen production also receiving a boost.
Hyaluronic Acid- With the skin become notably drier during pregnancy slathering the skin with a potent hyaluronic acid will lock in moisture and keep the skin looking dewy, healthy and youthful.
Vitamin E- You may find that you have some stretch marks when the size of your bump begins to grow, this is when vitamin E will help. By applying a vitamin E enriched moisturiser daily you will keep the skin nourished especially when it can become drier.
Sun Protection- Skin sensitivity can also lead to the skin becoming more reactive to any overexposure to the sun. Always ensure you are using a high factor of SPF and apply it daily to prevent any sun damage or increased pigmentation to the skin.
If you are completely happy with how your skin is looking and feeling than keep your routine you are currently using as it is clearly working for you, it is advisable, however, to take into consideration any ingredients that are not safe to use and for the time being throughout your pregnancy should be left out of your routine.
What skincare products should be avoided during pregnancy?
The following are ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy, and some even after the baby is born. If you have any doubts about using skincare products and their ingredients it is best to contact a GP or dermatologist for further advice.
Retinoids
Considered the Holy Grail of all skincare ingredients, retinol is known to reverse the signs of ageing, reduce any breakouts, such as blackheads and can exfoliate the skin a lot faster than an AHA for example. As amazing as this may all sound, during retinol during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth and child defects with a number of studies linking them to the exposure to high levels of vitamin A (retinol). It is best to avoid using retinol all together due to the risk to the baby and the increased signs of developing pigmentation and sun damage.
Phthalates
These chemicals can be found in perfumes and nail varnish and research has shown possible links to birth defects, luckily there is a variety of brands that are formulated without any of these chemicals and are clearly marked on their labels as being safe to use whilst expecting.
Ammonia
Commonly found in hair dye ammonia has carcinogenic properties that need to be avoided, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. After that seek the help of your colourist to guide you on which ammonia-free products that are safe to use.
Some essential oils
Many essential oils, although being natural, need to be used with caution during pregnancy. Some essentials oils are known for increasing the sensitivity of the skin to exposure to UV rays, teaming that with the fact your skin is more prone to pigmentation is not an ideal situation. Rosemary, mint, jasmine, basil and cypress are some of the essential oils that need to be avoided at all cost due to the increased risks of miscarriage when using them on the skin.
There you have some of the main ingredients to avoid in your skincare routine to ensure you are remaining safe whilst expecting. Other treatments and procedures to steer clear are injectables, fillers or “tweakments” as well as spray tanning, due to dihydroxyacetone being inhaled during the treatment.
What helps dull skin during pregnancy?
To help the skin from becoming too dull during pregnancy here are some tips to keep your skin glowing:
Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin will keep it looking fresh and glowing, but do so with caution as increased redness can be one of the changes to the skin and should not be irritated. Use a scrub or a glycolic acid toner 1-2 times a week.
Serums
Serums containing vitamin C and hyaluronic acid will become your skin’s best friend by nourishing the skin, locking in the moisture and combating any free radicals and other skin-damaging factors.
Water
Ensuring you drink enough water throughout the day will not only keep your baby and body healthy, but your complexion will look youthful with fine lines and wrinkles reduced with the glow restored to the skin.
SPF
By using a daily SPF you will protect the skin from any sun damage that can make the face become drier with fine lines and wrinkles becoming empathised by the lack of hydration to the skin.
There are some skincare advice and tips to use during pregnancy, we strongly advise to avoid introducing a new ingredient or product to your skincare routine and seek the advice of a dermatologist before applying it. For now, it is best to look after your baby and of course, yourself during this special time, there’s also nothing stopping you from preparing for a post-baby pamper day once it is safe to use these ingredients again. You’ll deserve it after all!
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.
