Pregnancy and Skincare: No-Go’s For The Next Nine Months

While you’re busy thinking of what to expect while expecting, sometimes that list of no-nos can become daunting. Don’t let that happen with your skin. Take a look at this on pregnancy and skincare. Keep things simple; this is a time that you want to enjoy, and worrying that slathering on the wrong serum isn’t worth the stress. It’s the same when visiting the skincare clinic. Arming yourself with knowledge upfront means safer choices. That, and having a skin health professional expertly guiding you. Sound like a recipe for success?

The Next Nine Months: Pregnancy and Skincare Ingredients To Avoid

The red list includes retinoids, retinols, and any acids (including salicylic acid) and hydroquinone. Let’s start with retinoids and retinols, commonly found in products that help treat acne and rejuvenate skin. They’re similar but not identical. Retinoids are vitamin-A-based and often prescription-strength. This is because they can actually help unclog pores, therefore tackling acne. They also quicken the rate of cell division, so your skin can produce a thicker, stronger surfacer layer.

This means they change how skin cells function. It all sounds very impressive, especially if you need treatment for acne, pigmentation or even psoriasis, but remember, skin is prone to sensitivity in pregnancy. There’s also the stark warning that vitamin A may interfere with foetal development. And yes, a product applied to the skin may not cause the harm that an oral vitamin A acne treatment could, but now is not the time to use something so strong anyway. Even retinol (a sub-type of retinoids) has its challenges in pregnancy and should be a no-go.

While this popular ingredient for de-ageing skin treats milder acne and hyperpigmentation – both tricky in pregnancy – sensitive skin must proceed cautiously. Best step? Always have an honest conversation with your expert medical aesthetic skin doctor and discuss ingredients you are wary of or need to know more about.

Stay-Away Safe Treatments: Put Peels on Pause

As acids like salicylic acid aren’t in your skin treatment plan right now, your facial routine isn’t going to include any treatments like chemical peels. While perfectly wonderful to renew skin – and safe – for a growing baba, the testing just isn’t there. And without data, it’s an ongoing debate as to the toxicity levels of chemical acids you’re exposed to. Just don’t put yourself through the stress.

That means there are no acids like salicylic acids in at-home treatment products, either. Also, the street is clear of depigmenting agent hydroquinone. It’s classed as a medical or scripted cream so it’s serious stuff and also falls into the chemical category. It has had a bit of a reputation when used as an over-the-counter product. It should only be prescribed by a medical doctor who properly understands skin and who’s treating you for very specific targeted pigment issues exactly when the time is right.

So what’s the final word?

Isn’t expecting a baby a beautiful thing? Why waste time worrying about perfecting your skin with products that could do more harm than good. Stick to a professional-led skincare and treatment routine focusing on health and safety. That’s how to glow through your pregnancy journey in a happy and holistic way. Here’s to you, Mama!