Safe skincare to enhance your pregnancy glow.

21 Nov

Butter Cosmetic and Skin Clinic | Pregnancy Safe Skincare

With the many changes and feelings a pregnancy can provoke, the skin can demand special attention and care. For expectant mothers, it's a time to view your usual skincare routine through a new lens - one that prioritises not just beauty, but safety. While the goal isn't to generate fear or anxiety around skincare, knowing which products to reach for is essential to address common pregnancy skin concerns, including hormonal breakouts, hyperpigmentation, dry skin and rosacea. Navigating the skincare aisle or your bathroom cabinet becomes a bit more complex with a baby on the way. Not all products in your cart are fair game; some are best left until after delivery.

Understanding pregnancy-safe skincare

The term "pregnancy-safe" refers to products formulated without ingredients that could potentially harm the mother or the child. This includes the absence of certain ingredients, such as teratogens (e.g. tretinoin) -substances that can disturb the development of the foetus- and the presence of gentle, non-irritating ones. These products respect the delicate hormonal levels and the increased sensitivity many women experience during pregnancy.

The impact of absorption: how skincare ingredients enter the system

The skin, being the largest organ, is a challenging barrier as it's selectively permeable. This means that while it protects the body from external aggressors, it can also absorb substances into the bloodstream. During pregnancy, the concern escalates as certain absorbed ingredients can cross the placental barrier, reaching the foetus. The tagline for skincare in pregnancy is caution (without fear), as the effects of some ingredients during foetal development are not fully understood.

The no-go ingredients list (and why they’re unsafe)

Several ingredients are commonly flagged as unsafe during pregnancy. These include:

Retinoids: often found in anti-ageing products, including some of The Secret Skincare Night formulas. These vitamin A derivatives are linked to potential birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy.
High-dose salicylic acid: used for acne treatment, is another concern, as it's related to aspirin and could pose risks similar to taking oral aspirin during pregnancy.
Hydroquinone: a prescription skin brightening agent that shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.

There’s very little evidence to support avoiding chemical sunscreens, fragrances and essential oils during pregnancy, but some people do. Using sunscreen is advisable as it is just as important to avoid sunburn in pregnancy and while breastfeeding as it is at other stages of life. If you're concerned about any specific ingredients, it’s best to discuss this with a healthcare professional.

Unbranded products, particularly if sourced over the internet, are not recommended as the actual ingredients cannot be verified. Remember, caution is your best approach.

It’s also worth noting that all medical aesthetic treatments are contraindicated in women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.

Skincare ingredients that benefit pregnant women

While certain ingredients are off-limits, many are not only safe but also beneficial during pregnancy. These ingredients cater to the common skin changes that can occur during this time, providing the nourishment and care the mother and baby need. Some of these include:

Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides: excellent for hydration, helping to maintain skin elasticity and preventing stretch marks. Try The Secret Skincare Base Cream.

Niacinamide: great at calming the skin, regulating sebum production and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Try The Secret Skincare Serum.
Azelaic acid: safe for treating acne and redness and works as a gentle alternative to retinoids. Try the Secret Skincare Day Brightening Elixir Sensitive (book a Secret Skincare consultation)

Vitamin C (in its safe forms): can help with pigmentation issues like melasma, which is common during pregnancy. It's crucial to choose stable, non-acidic forms of Vitamin C that are effective without irritating the skin. Try the Secret Skincare Day Brightening Elixir (book a Secret Skincare consultation).

Glycolic Acid: a chemical exfoliant that can help fight pigmentation (its best to avoid this if your skin is feeling extra sensitive during this time).
Lactic Acid: A gentle chemical exfoliant tolerated well by most skin types

The do's in pregnancy skincare

Pregnancy-safe skin care should focus on hydration, soothing ingredients, and protection. No two pregnancies are alike, and skincare should be as unique as the individual. Personalising your skincare routine during pregnancy is vital, and professional guidance can ensure that it is safe and effective. When meeting with a healthcare provider, discuss any current skincare products and their ingredients. It's also important to mention any noticeable changes in your skin since becoming pregnant and if you have any concerns moving forward. Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive, so patch testing new products on a small area first can be a good idea too.

A Simple Skincare Routine For Pregnancy Skin

Safety does not mean compromising on quality, so embrace this special time with peace of mind, knowing your skincare supports your wellbeing and that of your baby. To retain the Secret Skincare glow while pregnant or trying to conceive, we recommend The Secret Skincare Pregnancy set. The Pregnancy Set has been carefully curated to treat concerns like melasma, breakouts and dullness, with a safe approach. It was also designed to maintain results achieved with the original Secret Skincare formulas, or as a starting point to mitigate any skin concerns while pregnant. For best results we recommend switching back to The Secret Skincare original formulas post-pregnancy. The entire Secret Skincare range is safe to use while breastfeeding.

The Secret Skincare Pregnancy Set features:

Day (50gm) / Day Brightening Elixir or Day Brightening Elixir Sensitive
Night (50gm) / Pregnancy Brightening, Pregnancy Clarifying, Stress Repair
Brightening Eye Serum

Butter Cosmetic and Skin Clinic | Pregnancy Safe Skincare | The Secret Skincare Pregnancy Set

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References

Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Can Fam Physician. 2011 Jun;57(6):665-7. PMID: 21673209; PMCID: PMC3114665.

NSW Health, MotherSafe - Royal Hospital for Women 2021. Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.