A Guide to Beauty Products During Pregnancy
The vast majority of women have several beauty products they would like to use even while they’re pregnant. While some of them are considered safe at this stage, others should be adapted or avoided altogether. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide to the safest beauty products during pregnancy to incorporate into your pregnancy care routines. Learn how to take care of yourself and your baby’s health!
Guide to beauty products during pregnancy
According to a publication by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, during the 9 months of pregnancy, the skin undergoes important changes that make it more delicate and sensitive. Therefore, there are some beauty products or active ingredients that aren’t recommended during this stage. Here are some of the safest ones.
Nourishing masks
There’s a wide variety of moisturizing and nourishing facial masks on the market that use elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, moisturize, and cleanse the skin’s surface. Ideally, facial masks should be applied after daily facial cleansing as the last step to ensure proper hydration of the skin.
Facial cleansers
Facial cleansing shouldn’t be a concern, as long as it’s done with safe products and the correct methods. In addition, the surface of the skin is very sensitive during the months of pregnancy, so it’s best to postpone treatments that are more invasive or intense until after delivery.
You may be interested in: Natural Cosmetics for Pregnant Women
Topical antioxidants
According to a recent study in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, the use of antioxidants in any daily care routine is essential to boost the immune system and prevent the development of free radicals in the body. In fact, the most commonly used is vitamin C, which promotes skin radiance and vitality, stimulates collagen formation, and provides protection from damage. Some other safe antioxidants to add to pregnancy beauty products include the following:
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin K
- Green tea
- Vitamin E
Hair products
It’s quite common during pregnancy for hair volume and density to increase significantly, although, after delivery, you may notice hair loss. For this reason, you can add to your beauty routine products that strengthen it and give it the necessary nutrition. On the other hand, try to avoid chemical products that contain phthalates, such as some hairsprays. Although there’s no hard evidence, they could affect fetal development.
Sunscreen, one of the safest beauty products during pregnancy
Sunscreen’s as essential during the 9 months of pregnancy as at any other time of life. In fact, sunscreens have been widely used during pregnancy with no evidence of harm to the baby.
The benefits of consistent, daily use of sunscreen for skin cancer prevention are clear and proven. In addition, this product helps prevent skin surface blemishes caused by sun exposure and hyperpigmented lesions of pregnancy, such as melasma. Moreover, during the first three months, it’s important to also wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen with SPF 50 every two hours.
Gentle acid peels
There are many beauty products that contain high concentrations of acids that shouldn’t be used during pregnancy. Some of those allowed include the following:
- Azelaic acid: This is suitable for use during lactation and pregnancy.
- Glycolic acid: Minimum home concentrations don’t pose a risk during pregnancy.
- Hyaluronic acid products: This isn’t considered an exfoliating acid. In fact, its use is recommended, as it contributes to improving the hydration of the skin surface by attracting water and improving the effectiveness of moisturizing products.
- Lipoic acid: This acid is suitable for use during the 9 months of pregnancy.
Moisturizing creams
Ideally, the skin should be kept with the correct elasticity and hydration to avoid the appearance of unwanted stretch marks. While there are specific creams for stretch marks, you can choose any one that’s oily and very moisturizing. Almond or coconut oil can also be very useful.
In addition to drinking enough water during the day, moisturizing products containing Vitamin A, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and Vitamin E can promote skin moisturization and hydration.
Safe beauty products during pregnancy and medical consultation
While these beauty products are safe to incorporate into your pregnancy care routines, it’s always advisable to consult a medical specialist to address any concerns or doubts. The dermatologist will analyze your specific needs and will be the ideal and trained personnel to indicate the most appropriate and adequate way to use beauty products during pregnancy.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Skin Conditions During Pregnancy. [Internet] Disponible en: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=int#pregnancy
- Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2011 Jun;57(6):665-7. PMID: 21673209; PMCID: PMC3114665.
- Putra IB, Jusuf NK, Dewi NK. Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products During Pregnancy. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 Feb;15(2):49-57. PMID: 35309882; PMCID: PMC8884185.