The best skincare products to use during pregnancy
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Now you're pregnant, it's time to ramp up your self-care regime, and that includes your skin routine.
Unfortunately, it's common for skin to go completely haywire thanks to raging pregnancy hormones. Some mums-to-be experience acne, despite never suffering with it before, whilst others find their skin suddenly becomes very dry and flaky. Stretch marks are another unavoidable change which many women experience, and most the time they stick around long after pregnancy is over.
It's important to be aware that there are also a few potent products from your beauty cabinet which are not recommended now you're expecting.
"You should avoid benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for breakouts, as these ingredients are considered unsafe," says skincare expert Joyce Connor. It's also advised to steer clear of retinol during pregnancy, due to its vitamin A content and you may want to avoid fragrant potions if you're hypersensitive to strong smells and/or suffering from morning sickness.
Have a look at our recommended skin products to try out that are safe to use while you're expecting.
In this article:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer
- ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk
- Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
- Weleda Skin Food
- Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
- La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Masque
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid
- Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
- Nourishing Body Oil
- Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
This lightweight gel is just what you need if your skin veers on the drier side. Containing hyaluronic acid - a natural hydrator - this formula will absorb instantly into your skin, becoming your pregnancy skincare saviour. The lack of scent also makes this a great choice for sensitive skin, or those of us who are more sensitive to certain smells during pregnancy. Unlike other gel moisturisers, this one won’t leave your face feeling greasy, and the cool feel of the gel will also refresh your skin and leave it wanting more.
ESPA's Hydrating Cleansing Milk is a recommended lotion to use during pregnancy, along with all their products in their pregnancy range. ESPA products are made from all-natural ingredients. You will see amazing results from this cleansing milk as it nourishes and smoothens your pregnant skin. Put a small amount over your face and neck and wash off with warm water.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
We’re not exaggerating when we say that this oil is one of the most hyped pregnancy products to ever exist. The formulation drastically improves skin elasticity and texture and was practically designed for pregnant mamas whose bodies are changing by the minute. Not only will it improve the appearance of existing stretch marks, this oil will also prevent any new marks from developing as you continue to grow. The bio-oil will also help with acne scars and leave you with healthier and smoother skin all over.
Weleda Skin Food
If you use Weleda's Skin Food, you're in safe hands. This recommended cream to use during pregnancy is what you need if you're suffering from dry, cracked skin. Weleda's Skin Food will turn your skin around. Made with organic sunflower seed oil and extracts of wild pansy and rosemary extract, your skin will feel brand new - moisturised and smooth.
Drunk Elephant is just one of those brands that screams clean and natural. This super-serum will combat uneven skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation which we usually see an increase of during pregnancy. Packed with a load of antioxidants and nutrients essential for your skin, the serum will also help with brightening and diminish signs of aging. It’ll only take a few uses for your skin to start glowing and looking radiant – you can thank us later.
La Roche Posay's intense masque rehydrates, soothes and softens your skin with La Roche-Posay Thermal Springwater. Containing no fragrances or parabens, this solution will make your skin feel more smooth than ever before.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid
Another superstar brand for clean skincare, The Ordinary’s simple and clinically proven formulas make them ideal for pregnancy. While the usual go-to product for acne combat – retinoids – are unsafe during pregnancy, azelaic acid is the perfect substitute. Used locally on any problem areas, azelaic acid will drastically improve acne and rosacea, and will also work by stopping the production of pigment in the skin. If that wasn’t enough, the Ordinary’s formula is also intensely brightening as well as affordable if you’re on a budget.
Suitable for vegans, and during pregnancy, the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil is rich in Omegas, with Rosehip Fruit and Seed oil, this will help regenerate your skin without irritation. Known as a 'best-selling skin-savior' it will improve your dull, tired skin and leave it feeling clear and silky smooth.
ESPA's Nourishing Body Oil is unscented and it will nourish, smoothen and soften your glowing pregnancy skin. Including Jojoba, Sweet Almond, and Grape Seed, the body oil will help to improve the appearance of your skin tone and texture.
Mama Mio's The Tummy Rub Butter is clinically proven to protect against and prevent stretch marks. It can be found in Mama Mio's No Nasties section. Made with shea butter, organic oils including avocado, sacha inchi and rosehip, and Vitamin E, this moisturiser will leave your skin feeling amazingly strong and protected.
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