Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of emotions and changes, and one thing that can take a hit during this journey is your skin. We all dream of that pregnancy glow, but sometimes, our skincare choices can lead us down a different path. From the excitement of expecting to the exhaustion of those sleepless nights, it's easy to make some common skincare slip-ups.
3 of the most common pregnancy skincare mistakes you should avoid-
Using retinol or any form of retinol like adapalene, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, & isotretinoin can cause fatal birth defects. Retinols, which are a type of vitamin A derivative commonly found in skincare products, including prescription retinoids like tretinoin, can potentially have adverse effects on the developing fetus.
High doses of vitamin A, such as those found in prescription-strength retinoids, have been associated with an increased risk of birth defects, particularly when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. These birth defects can affect the development of the baby's heart, brain, and other vital organs. Additionally, Pregnancy hormones can make your skin more sensitive, and using retinol may lead to increased skin irritation, redness, and dryness.
During pregnancy, your skin is prone to more sun sensitivity. This increases the risk of hyperpigmentation and melasma. Hence it is crucial to apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
Moreover, sunscreen helps combat premature aging signs exacerbated by hormonal changes during this time. To safeguard your skin, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, labelled as pregnancy-safe or dermatologist-recommended
Skin treatments like lasers, botox, and fillers are to be avoided during pregnancy. Pregnancy involves significant hormonal changes, which can affect the skin's sensitivity and response to various treatments. These changes may lead to unpredictable outcomes and increased risks of complications.
Some treatments, such as certain laser therapies and injections, may involve the use of substances or technologies that could potentially harm the developing fetus. For example, Botox contains botulinum toxin, which can spread beyond the injection site. The long-term effects of these treatments on pregnancy outcomes, the baby's health, and breastfeeding are not well understood.
It's essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of the mother and the baby during this critical period. A safer alternative to such skin treatments is opting for regular facials.
Skincare tips to enhance your pregnancy glow
As there are so many things to avoid during pregnancy, you may wonder how to maintain a healthy glow on your skin. We are here to help! Follow these simple steps regularly and thank us later!
1) Always double cleanse!
Double cleansing ensures thorough removal of makeup, sunscreen, and other cosmetic products without excessive rubbing or tugging on the skin. This is essential for sensitive pregnancy skin. Hence, one needs to follow a 2 step cleansing routine religiously.
- Using a cleansing butter: Helps melt away waterproof makeup, and deeply cleanses pores, dirt, and grime.
- Followed by a face wash: Removes makeup residue, and oil, and revitalises skin.
Remember to use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t remove natural oils from your skin. Avoid products containing retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, which are not recommended during pregnancy.
2) Don’t forget to moisturise!
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can often lead to dry and itchy skin. Moisturizers help replenish and lock in the skin's natural moisture, keeping it hydrated and comfortable. Moisturiser can help with stretch marks too! While it may not entirely prevent them, it can improve skin elasticity, reducing the likelihood of severe stretch marks.
It also enhances skin barrier function. This means it can retain essential moisture, which is especially important during pregnancy when hormonal changes can make the skin more vulnerable. Using a good ceramide moisturiser can help your skin’s overall health.
3) Add Vitamin C Serum to your skincare routine
Vitamin C Serum is a pregnancy skincare essential. Its powerful antioxidants protect against UV damage, combat skin pigmentation issues, boost collagen for firmness, and reduce fine lines. Plus, it's gentle, making it a safe, radiant-skin solution during your transformative journey.
In a nutshell, during pregnancy, your skin deserves a little extra love and care. We've talked about steering clear of skincare blunders like retinols and avoiding cosmetic procedures. But here's the good news: there are pregnancy-safe products out there that'll make you and your skin happy. So, embrace that radiant pregnancy glow, protect yourself with sunscreen, and rest easy knowing that there are fantastic skincare options tailored just for you. Your journey is beautiful, and with the right products, you'll feel even more fabulous. Your skin deserves it!