Pregnancy is such an exciting time. But it usually comes with it a mix of joy, anticipation. And the worry of making healthy choices for your unborn child. Including adjusting your skincare routine for pregnancy.
Pregnancy may feel like an emotional roller-coaster. And your hormones are in a state of flux with a new experience waiting for you every single day. Your skin may glow somedays and seem uncharacteristically irritable on other days. Taking care of your skin is a vital aspect of self-care in pregnancy. Expectant moms, we get it, the moment that test turns positive, it’s like a whole new level of “what should I eat, drink or use on my skin?” and the interest in experimenting with new skincare products takes a backseat. In other to know what skincare to use during pregnancy, you have to first understand how the skin changes during pregnancy.
Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, most women experience skin changes thanks to a mix of hormonal, metabolic, vascular, and immunological shifts. These can worsen existing skin conditions or trigger new ones. Skin diseases affected by pregnancy and physiological skin changes are the two primary categories of pregnancy-related skin conditions.
Acne, one of the prominent skin diseases affected by pregnancy, is often induced or aggravated by increased androgens. Seborrheic dermatitis may flare up due to heightened activity of sebaceous glands. And eczemas such as atopic dermatitis can either improve or worsen.
On the physiological front, elevated levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and prolactin. Changes in the metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. And also changes in adaptive immunity leads to notable skin changes. Including pigmentation issues, and alterations in hair, nail, and connective tissues.
Pigmentation issues
Hyperpigmentation is the most common skin condition, affecting up to 90% of pregnant women, more so in those with darker skin types. Melasma, the so called “mask of pregnancy” is another common pigmentation issue occurring in up to 70% of pregnant women. These conditions typically improve post-delivery, though they can persist and pose treatment challenges.
Hair and Nail Changes
Pregnancy can lead to hirsutism (excess hair growth), telogen effluvium (excessive shedding of hair), while hair regrowth occurs eventually, it rarely returns to its original thickness. Pregnant women may also experience a mild frontoparietal recession (hairline recession), and homogenous hair thinning during late pregnancy. Similarly, nails might grow faster but become more fragile. These changes generally resolve within a few months after delivery.
Connective tissue changes
Striae distensae commonly known as stretch mark is the most common connective tissue change during pregnancy occurring in about 63 – 93% of pregnant women in the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. It appears as pink or purplish lines or indented streaks on breasts, stomach, hips, buttocks, and thighs. The colour usually fades gradually but doesn’t disappear resulting in white lines or streaks. Increased hormonal activity, genetics, physical strain on the skin and weight gain that occurs during pregnancy all influence their occurrence.
Navigating Skincare Routine for Pregnancy
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid
Some standard treatments may not be safe for expectant mothers. Let’s dive into this self-care adventure for you and your little one.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone, although the standard treatment for hyperpigmentation and melasma, its significant absorption rate makes it unsuitable for use during pregnancy.
Topical retinoids
Topical retinoid such as tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene pose a risk-benefit dilemma and are best avoided during pregnancy.
Other ingredients of concern during pregnancy include phthalates and oxybenzone (a chemical UV filter), both endocrine disrupters, which could disrupt hormones in pregnancy and cause permanent damage to both mother and baby.
Skincare Routine for Pregnancy
Fortunately, there are safe and effective alternatives you can use in your skincare routine for pregnancy.
Pigmentation
A safe alternative to hydroquinone for tackling hyperpigmentation and melasma in pregnancy is azelaic acid. Azelaic acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to inhibit formation of dark spots. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) particularly glycolic acid can also be effective, but it is essential to stick with concentrations of 10% or less. Photo-protection remains the most important aspect in management of melasma. During pregnancy, physical sunscreen is the safest option because titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are not absorbable and have a lower skin irritation potency.
Try: Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%, Neutrogena Skin Perfecting Daily Liquid Exfoliant, Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen.
Acne
Although topical retinoid has been used to treat acne for decades, tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene are not suitable for use during pregnancy. Safe pregnancy alternatives for acne treatment include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide when used in concentrations not more than 2% and 5% respectively and preferably in rinse-off formulations. Topical antibiotics like erythromycin and clindamycin are both viable options and their combination with benzoyl peroxide can increase the efficacy of treatment. Azelaic acid and glycolic acid are also both suitable for use during pregnancy and are both good additions to your skincare regimen in treating acne or pigmentations concerns.
Try: Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, Isispharma Teen Derm A.Z, Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer.
Hair and Nail Concerns
Fragile nails and hair loss often cause anxiety during pregnancy, though these concerns usually resolve within three months post-delivery. Hair removal products, hair straighteners and relaxers are generally safe to use during pregnancy. However, it’s best to avoid hair dyes and bleaches until the second trimester. Manicures and pedicures remain safe, as long as the salon maintains proper ventilation and uses hypoallergenic, non-flammable, water-based nail polishes.
Stretch marks
To manage stretch marks, humectants, and emollient creams rich in nutrients and active substances that promote collagen production are recommended. Ingredients such as ceramides, AHA, glycerin, ammonium lactate, phospholipids, are considered safe during pregnancy. Additional treatment for stretch marks might include hyaluronic acid, and centella asiatica.
Try: Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy, Olay Nourishing and Hydrating Body Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, Amlactin Daily Nourish 5% Lotion.
Topical antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, ferulic acid, resveratrol and ubiquinone are deemed safe for use during pregnancy, offering protective benefits to the skin.
Bottom line on Skincare Routine for Pregnancy
Navigating the world of skincare and the complex labels of skincare products during pregnancy can be overwhelming, but being aware of which ingredients to avoid during pregnancy is key to ensuring the health and safety of both mother and child. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider regarding skincare routine for pregnancy, ensuring a journey marked by care, safety, and well-informed choices.
