Pregnancy-Safe Skincare for Your mama-to-be Glow

We know that you are impatiently waiting for baby’s arrival and we can just tell you that there’s magic in the waiting! In the meantime, you're already going through so many changes: the clothes you wore before will no longer fit and you may even find that your most beloved skin care products are suddenly too harsh for your now sensitive skin.

Whether you’re struggling with a sudden case of hormonal acne, dark patches appearing across your cheeks (pregnancy mask), completely dry and itchy skin, or the not-so-cool stretch marks and much more, it’s very important to stay cautious about what you’re putting on your skin.

And while most commonly used products are completely safe, there are a handful of ingredients experts say it's best to avoid including retinoids, salicylic acid, chemical sunscreens and aluminum chloride hexahydrate. Always double-check ingredient lists (choose paraben-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic) and if there’s anything you’re worried about, ask your physician.

Now scroll down for some skincare tips (and products) that will get you on with that glow, while still keeping your baby safe!

Beware of the sun!

If you aren’t using one already, start (NOW) by adding a daily SPF to your routine given there’s an increased sensitivity to sunlight and hormone surges that can trigger melasma (dark spots and patches). Your safest choice is a mineral sunscreen, but remember that during pregnancy, it's best to limit your sun exposure and sunscreen use in general. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen is a gentle lotion with SPF 50 that is formulated with only mineral filters, no chemical filters. 

Deal with pregnancy acne

It is more common for many women to experience acne during pregnancy, especially during the first and second trimesters. Fortunately, pregnancy acne is usually temporary. It will likely resolve once your hormones return to normal. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser can be used daily because it’s a gentle cleanser with safe ingredients and it will help gently remove excess oil without drying out your skin.

Begin an exfoliating routine

The scrub is another essential beauty gesture during pregnancy as it helps to eliminate dead skin and promote penetration and effectiveness of body treatments applied thereafter. And while massaging the chosen area with circular movements, it stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, thus boosting the elimination of toxins from the body. The Exfoliating Body Scrub from Clarins is enriched with natural bamboo powders and a hint of ginger to rub away rough, flaky surface cells and impurities, giving skin a sleek new start for youthful-looking body.

Keep your skin hydrated

We cannot repeat it enough: moisturize, moisturize and moisturize! Hormonal changes in pregnancy can affect your skin and make you more likely to get stretch marks. If you want to protect your skin against stretch marks, remember to keep your skin supple and moisturized. Look for products with ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, almond oil or shea butter that will promote hydration of your mother-to-be skin. We love the Shea Ultra Rich Body Cream from L’Occitane which effectively moisturizes and protects the skin with its plant-based origin, extracted from wild kernels of Shea tree fruits.