(Photos from a few weeks back at 19 weeks pregnant!)
Pregnancy Safe Skincare
Not too long ago I shared how I’ve been trying to make the change to natural makeup products. Since getting pregnant, we’ve both been so much more conscious of what cleaning products we use in our home as well as what we put on our bodies. Skincare was one of the first things I switched up when becoming pregnant and it was a little more difficult to make the switch than I thought it would be. This wasn’t because the products weren’t out there, but just like I mentioned in my natural makeup products post, every article I came across was telling me what not to use vs what safe skincare products were favorites among pregnant women and I was looking for recommendations.
SKINCARE INGREDIENTS TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY & what clean products you can use instead
Okay, so now I’m going to do the same thing that I hated about all the articles I read and list off a few ingredients to avoid. I promise I’m going to share my recommendations, but I think this helps let you know what my skincare concerns were before and during pregnancy, just in case you’re looking to target similar problem areas.
- Benzoyl Peroxide & Salicylic Acid
Bye bye acne cleansers and spot treatments. I struggle with acne on and off and usually acne products contain either BP or salicylic acid. These can cause a possible risk to the baby. All doctors have different views on this. I know some doctors who say to completely avoid these ingredients (like my own) and others who are lenient on it, so just check with your doctor.
What I’m using instead: Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser
Instead of an acne cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, I’ve been using Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser. I’m not going to hide the fact that it’s pricey, but I think it’s been helping more than anything else I’ve tried throughout the last several months. Everything is made without synthetic ingredients and great for sensitive skin. Currently Sephora is having an additional 20% off for beauty insiders (not sponsored – just thought this was a really good deal to stock up on some favs!), and I love that now they’re highlighting more clean beauty products online. Use code: HEYROUGE
- Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent, found in many brightening serums and face creams. During pregnancy it’s super common to have dark spots and skin discoloration, but try to stay away from anything with hydroquinone at least during those 9 months while growing baby.
What I’m using instead: Burt’s Bees Brightening Serum
I mentioned this Burt’s Bees product a while back in my original acne skincare post, and it’s still one of my favorites. I use it as a spot treatment morning and night when needed. My skin has been scarring more easily since getting pregnant and I feel like this does the best job at fading those hyperpigmentation marks after a pimple.
- Retinoids
Retinoids are found in most acne and anti-aging products. Most retinol products that fade dark marks and fight wrinkles contain high amounts of vitamin A in them, which is a big no-no during pregnancy. Try to stick to moisturizers and creams with simpler ingredients.
What I’m using instead: My go-to moisturizer these days has been Biossance’s Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer. Rob and I both have used it on off for years. It’s a light formula with natural ingredients that’s even great for sensitive skin. At night I use Tata Harper’s Clarifying Lotion. It’s a bit thicker of a moisturizer so I prefer to use it at night vs under makeup. I feel like its good for those problem areas and acne prone skin.
- Parabens
Parabens are found in so many beauty products to “preserve” ingredients, but there are so many great skincare alternatives that are formulated without it. I noticed most were in my serums, so I ended up tossing a few products as these are linked to breast cancer and effect your reproductive system.
What I’m using instead: Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate Serum & First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating SerumÂ
Clarins products aren’t 100% natural, however they’re formulated without a lot of the bad stuff and their Complete Age Control Concentrate Serum came highly recommended from some pregnant mamas. This particular serum rates as a 4 on EWG’s Healthy Living app, which I felt pretty good about considering it was mostly due to the added fragrance. The serum has been a great moisturizer and plumper. First Aid Beauty is another company that I love! Their Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum is formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates and is cruelty-free! It feels super light under makeup too!
- Formaldehyde
Every time I read that formaldehyde is in a beauty product, I freak out. It’s used as an embalming solution and found in ton of beauty products, specifically dry shampoo. I know we’re talking about skincare here, but figured it was worth mentioning. This ingredient can cause respiratory issues and has been linked to nervous system issues and cancers.
What I’m using instead: Aveda Dry Shampoo
Aveda’s dry shampoo is a non-aerosol and powder-like dry shampoo that has kept my hair fresh between washes and they’re cruelty-free!
Other pregnancy safe skincare & body products:
(As always check with your doctor before incorporating a new product, these are just a few that have worked for me and have been okayed by my doctor.)
Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask – great for moisturizing!
Tata Harper’s Clarifying Mask – helps with breakouts!
Indie Lee I-Waken Eye Serum – light and natural eye cream, great for travel too!
Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel – another light eye cream, great for sensitive skin
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads – a great alternative to a salicylic acid pad + a good exfoliator. This isn’t 100% natural, but was okayed by my doctor and has a great EWG score if you’re into using that app. 🙂
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Skin Moisturizer – great price point and 98% natural
Burt’s Bees Belly Butter and Vitamin E Oil – great for fighting stretch marks, so far, so good over here!
Ilia Lip Balm – keeps your lips moisturized and it’s 82% organic!
Attitude Super Leaves, Hypoallergenic Nourishing Shower Gel – EWG verified and smells so fresh!
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