Expecting? The ultimate list of pregnancy skincare dos and don’ts
NOTE: We recommend that you consult your physician to review any over-the-counter medications and personal care products you plan to use during pregnancy or while nursing.
Becoming pregnant can be a very special time in your life. You start planning for your new arrival—preparing the nursery, researching baby names and registering for your baby shower. So many new experiences and changes. Your body is changing, too, including your skin.
Whether you are “glowing” or not, there are a few ups and downs your skin may go through during this time. Understanding these changes can help you choose which skincare during pregnancy to use.
Oily skin and hormonal breakouts
With all those hormonal changes, it’s no wonder that you can suddenly develop oilier skin with continual, hormonal breakouts throughout your pregnancy. Treat hormonal breakouts with a regimen of products containing acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid.
Start with gentle, targeted products like Clarifying Cream Cleanser. It’s a rich, creamy cleanser, containing salicylic acid as well as hyaluronic acid, that treats and prevents breakouts as it calms, soothes and conditions.
To really purify and unclog pores, try using clay-based Clarifying Mask 1-2 times a week. The sulfur in Clarifying Mask will help reduce your active breakouts and fight future hormonal acne breakouts. Apply an even layer and put your feet up for 10 minutes and let the mask draw out those impurities.
You should always keep your skin hydrated. Yes, even oily skin and breakouts need moisture, too. Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a great solution for daytime hydration and sun protection. At night, try Clarifying Water Gel, our lightweight hydrator that balances your skin without clogging pores.
Dry skin
Dehydration can also show up while your body is busy nurturing a new life. You might start seeing dry patches and flaky skin. If this is your pregnancy-skin challenge, then you have to up the moisture ante.
Look for products with ingredients that are paired with humectants, conditioners and botanical oils like avocado and sunflower oils, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. Hydro-Dynamic™ Ultimate Moisture delivers 24 hours of lightweight hydration without feeling heavy or thick. Give your eyes the same nurturing hydration with Hydro-Dynamic™ Ultimate Moisture for eyes. It helps seal in moisture, deeply quenches and nourishes to restore smoothness.
Discoloration
One thing that is always important, and becomes even more so when you are pregnant, is protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. As you progress through each trimester, your skin may be more at risk for hyperpigmentation. Wearing a sunscreen packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals can help protect your skin against discoloration. Also, be sure to use products that have brightening vitamin C and an SPF of at least 30. And, make sure the sunscreen says is broad spectrum: This is the best defense you can have against UVA, the aging rays, and UVB, the burning rays. A moisturizer with SPF is an essential skincare product that should always be included in your regimen, but it’s even more important during pregnancy.
Skincare ingredients to avoid
When it comes to certain skincare products, it’s best to avoid using them during pregnancy. Skincare ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, retinyl palmitate, and retinol may be too harsh or strong to include in your pregnancy skincare routine.
As always, we recommend that you check with your doctor first to determine the best choices for you before using any new products while pregnant.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.
