Your Guide to a Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Routine

It’s no secret that pregnant women have a lot of changes going on inside their bodies. But what about changes on the outside? One of the most common concerns for women is skincare.

What ingredients can you still use? What should you avoid? And, most importantly, how can you keep your skin healthy and glowing during pregnancy? Here is your guide to a pregnancy-safe skincare routine.

Skin changes during pregnancy

OK, let’s start with changes. Pregnancy is, as we all know it, a very turbulent period in every woman’s life. Not only your insides are re-arranging themselves, but also your skin goes through a lot of changes.

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience breakouts, dryness, itchiness, and even dark patches on their skin.

Stretch marks

Stretch marks are also a very common skin change that can occur during pregnancy. While you can’t completely prevent stretch marks, there are some things you can do to help minimize their appearance.

First of all, you should keep your skin well-moisturized. Look for a good quality stretch mark cream or oil, and apply it to your skin 2-3 times per day.

If you start to see stretch marks forming, don’t worry! Just continue with your skincare routine and they will eventually fade.

While you can’t completely prevent stretch marks, there are some things you can do to help minimize their appearance.

Breakouts during pregnancy

Unfortunately, pregnancy-related breakouts are a thing. Increased levels of hormones can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to help manage those breakouts:

• Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals or exfoliating beads, as these can irritate your skin.
• Use a light, oil-free moisturizer to help control shine. If you’re using an acne treatment product, make sure it is pregnancy-safe before continuing to use it.
• Exfoliate once a week with a gentle exfoliating cleanser or scrub. This will help to remove dead skin cells and keep pores clear.

Dark patches during pregnancy

Another common skin change during pregnancy is the development of dark patches on the face, neck, chest, and hands. These dark patches, called melasma or “the mask of pregnancy” are caused by increased levels of hormones. While they are harmless, they can be a bit frustrating.

There are a few things you can do to help manage dark patches:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days
• Apply a light layer of foundation or concealer to help even out skin tone
• Avoiding the sun can also help to prevent dark patches from getting worse

Itchiness during pregnancy

Itchy skin is another common complaint during pregnancy. The skin stretches as the belly grows, which can cause itchiness. Additionally, pregnancy hormones can cause dryness, which can lead to itchiness.

There are a few things you can do to help relieve itchy skin:

• Apply a moisturizer to the affected area several times a day
• Take a cool bath or shower to help soothe the itch
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing made of natural fibers like cotton
• Use a mild, unscented laundry detergent

Dry skin during pregnancy

This is yet another common skin change during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can cause the skin to become sensitive. Additionally, the increased blood volume can cause dehydration, which can also lead to dry skin.

There are a few things you can do to help manage dryness:

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
• Apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing
• Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air

Pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients

Now that we’ve gone over some of the common skin changes during pregnancy, let’s talk about what ingredients you can use to help manage them. Some of them you can use in your homemade recipes or you can find some skincare and beauty products that already contain those.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a great option for pregnant women who are dealing with dry skin. It is a natural emollient that can help to soothe and moisturize the skin.

Coconut Oil Face Mask used with UFO device is completely safe for pregnant ladies.

Shea butter

Shea butter is another good option for preggos who are looking for a natural way to moisturize their skin. It is a rich, thick butter that can help to nourish and protect the skin, but also can help you when it comes to skin stretching.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a good option for women who are dealing with breakouts or other skin irritations. It is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to soothe and calm the skin.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is one of the best natural ingredients for women who are dealing with breakouts or other skin issues. It is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to reduce redness and swelling.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a good option for preggos who are looking for an ingredient that can help with dark patches. It is a natural skin lightener, but vitamin C can also be very helpful when it comes to maintaining collagen. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which can help to protect the skin from free radical damage. And you need that whether you are pregnant or not.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a good option for preggos who are dealing with dryness. It is a natural antioxidant that can help to protect the skin and keep it hydrated.

Vitamin K

Just like vitamin C, vitamin K is also a great ingredient for women who are dealing with dark patches during pregnancy. It is a natural skin lightener that can help to brighten your complexion.

Hyaluronic acid

A hyaluronic acid is a good option for pregnant ladies who are looking for a way to hydrate and plump the skin. It is a natural substance that can help to hold in moisture, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin. Also, hyaluronic acid can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles which are common during pregnancy.

Benzoyl peroxide

This is a good option for pregnant ladies who have acne-prone skin. It is a powerful anti-acne ingredient that can help to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. But, you should be careful with this one because you can use it only in limited amounts, so it’s best for you to talk to your dermatologist first.

Zinc oxide

Zinc oxide is a good option for pregnant women who are looking for a natural sunblock. It is a physical sunscreen that works by reflecting light away from the skin, which can help to protect you from harmful UV rays and sun damage (don’t forget that sun protection is always one of the most important things in the skincare routine, but especially during this sensitive and special period).

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is another good option for pregnant women who have acne-prone skin. It is a powerful anti-acne ingredient that can help to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores.

But, like benzoyl peroxide, you should be careful with salicylic acid and use it only in limited amounts. So, it’s best for you to talk to your doctor before you start to use salicylic acid.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that can help to exfoliate the skin. It can be a good option for pregnant women who are dealing with dull skin and dryness. But, like the other acids we’ve talked about, you should use this one in limited amounts and it’s best to talk to your dermatologist.

What skincare ingredients are not safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy skincare needs to be gentle and effective. That’s why you need to avoid some ingredients that could be harmful to you and your baby. And to keep that pregnancy glow, of course.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that can be found in many skincare and beauty products. They can be very beneficial for the skin, but they are also very powerful and can be harmful to a developing baby. So, it’s best to avoid them during pregnancy.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening ingredient that can be found in many skincare and beauty products. It is very effective at lightening the skin, but it can also be harmful to a developing baby.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a preservative that can be found in many skincare and beauty products. It is used to prolong the shelf life of products, but it can also be harmful to you because it can increase the risk of miscarriage.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a type of chemical that can be found in many skincare and beauty products. They are used to make products more pliable and smooth, but they can also be harmful to you because they can increase the risk of miscarriage.

When you’re pregnant, you need to be extra careful with the beauty treatments you choose.

What beauty treatments are safe during pregnancy?

When you’re pregnant, you need to be extra careful with the beauty treatments you choose. Some treatments can be harmful to you and your baby. So, it’s best to avoid them during pregnancy.

Facials

Facials are a popular beauty treatment, but they can be harmful to you during pregnancy. That’s because many facials use products that contain ingredients like retinoids and hydroquinone, which we talked about before.

So, it’s best to avoid facials during pregnancy. Still, facials are so relaxing and they can be an important part of your “pregnancy beauty” and well-being.

At-home facials with UFO

Namely, you can experience out-of-this-world facial treatments that are completely safe with FOREO’s UFO devices. UFO devices are safe to use and suitable for all skin types.

Furthermore, depending on your skin’s specific needs, you can choose from a range of different FOREO Masks and customize your own treatment routine to perfectly cater to your skincare desires. Of course, you may understand that during this time that there will be hormonal changes that may change the skin’s behavior, so before doing anything with your skin, always talk to your dermatologist first.

Once you are sure about what can you and can’t use, all you have to do is to relax and enjoy a beauty spa in the palm of your hand you’re going to have with UFO.

For out-of-this-world facial treatment use UFO device that is completely safe for use during pregnancy.

Massages

Massages are a great way to relax and they can also be beneficial for your health. But, you need to be careful with massages during pregnancy. That’s because some massages can be harmful to you and your baby.

So, it’s best to avoid massages during pregnancy unless you are certain that the massage therapist is trained and knows how to do a safe pregnancy massage.

Waxing

Waxing is safe during pregnancy, but you need to be careful with it. That’s because some waxes can contain ingredients like formaldehyde, which we talked about before. So, it’s best to avoid those types of waxes during pregnancy.

In general, it’s best to avoid any beauty treatment that involves chemicals or other potentially harmful ingredients during pregnancy.

Manicure and pedicure

Moms-to-be need to have beautiful hands and nails! So, those kinds of treatments that you want to have just for yourself are completely safe.

Microcurrent treatment during pregnancy

Even though microcurrent treatment is one of the most beneficial treatments for your skin, you should avoid it during this period of your life. Even FOREO’s BEAR, the safest microcurrent device on the market.

Namely, BEAR is different from other at-home microcurrent devices because it features an Anti-Shock System to eliminates any chance of the microcurrent shocking your skin, making it the safest microcurrent device in the world. Secondly, BEAR offers a wider range of microcurrent intensities than any other at-home device, allowing you to experience a more personalized and effective treatment. Still, you have to be patient with these treatments and enjoy in them after you give birth.

You should avoid treatments with BEAR and BEAR mini during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, your skin is more sensitive but more importantly, you have a baby inside your belly and any facial that uses an electrical microcurrent is off-limits during this period of your life.

So, it’s best to avoid microcurrent treatment during pregnancy and wait until after you’ve given birth. After that, you can start using microcurrent treatments again to help tone your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Some general tips for preggos

While pregnant, a woman will experience a lot of changes and skin conditions. That’s why the skincare products that you are going to use during pregnancy should be hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. Also, pick a product that hydrates skin.

To sum it up… Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but it’s also a time when you need to be extra careful with your skincare and beauty routine. Also, don’t forget about taking care of your inside beauty. Find what makes you happy and relaxed and stick to it. Happy preggo means a happy baby!

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