Your skin during pregnancy

 

When pregnant, a woman spends forty (ish!) weeks carrying her baby. Everything changes. Her figure. Her tastes. Her moods. Her emotions, lifestyle, clothing…HER SKIN! While these changes are inflicted upon us, as part of the journey to motherhood, we often choose to make other changes. Whether that be with what we eat, how we supplement our diet, move our body, or other wellbeing choices. It is often now (or even before conception) that a woman will rethink the skincare she uses and for good reason. Everything we apply to our skin is getting absorbed into our bodies and our bloodstream. And in turn into our baby. 

Thankfully organicspa provides a range of skincare and salon treatments that are 100% safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even better than that, with the help of plant-based actives and the most nourishing Certified Organic ingredients, our skincare (including our most indulgent and active range of products, organicsceuticals) can help you reach your skin aspirations and navigate the changing world of pregnancy hormones, naturally.

 Skin changes you may notice

Some women ‘glow’ during their pregnancy and their skin looks healthy and radiant, while others find their skin can be disrupted or irritated. Just as every pregnancy is different, so too are changes in the body and the skin. However there are some common complaints;

More visible pigment – our pigment-producing cells can often be erratic as our hormone changes can stimulate melanin production, and this can result in melasma, brown patches and an uneven skin tone.

Dryness – As an unborn infant develops, they absorb essential nutrients from their mothers, potentially leading to a reduction in the natural production of oils. This can result in increased dryness for an expectant mother.

Dull, lifeless skin – Pregnancy can make your blood flow work harder, as your body works to deliver nutrients to your baby. This might slow down your circulation and lead to skin that looks dull, lacks oxygen, and seems less healthy.

Breakout/acne – hormone changes can result in pustules and sometimes more oil production & bacteria. This is typically most noticeable around the jawline, where hormonal acne often emerges.

Sensitivity – some pregnant women who have never had sensitive skin can react to chemical ingredients, smells and certain skincare products. As our body temperature is higher during pregnancy our complexion can feel and look overheated, red and become more sensitised.

Skincare to include when you are pregnant

Caring for your skin during pregnancy is crucial. You should continue to cleanse, exfoliate, treat and hydrate your skin as you typically would - but your product choices might change. Here are also a couple of must-have products to help tackle some of the skin imperfections of this time.

toning mist - Use our toning mist to cool and hydrate your skin when you are suffering redness or sensitised skin. Keep it in the fridge and spritz throughout the day to tackle humidity over summer!

rosehip oil – this golden oil delivers cell renewal, nourishing and healing properties. Use a few drops under a moisturiser or add to your moisturiser if your skin is dry, sensitised/irritated. Use a few drops in the cream mask to supercharge results. Use a few drops and massage daily into the bust/tummy and any areas prone to stretch marks.

Skincare and skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy

We are firm believers that it is just as important what you leave out of a skincare formula as what you put in. At this time (and always) you should consider avoiding these ingredients:

Synthetic Vitamin A ( Retinyl Palmitate, Retinol, and Retinoic Acid are a few) -Consider alternatives like Bakuchiol, Vita-A like (Moth bean) or Carotene to combat fine lines and pigmentation. These nature-based alternatives can be found in our antioxidant face oil, ace serum, and intense moisture.        

Hydroquinone - This skin-lightening ingredient is used to treat hyperpigmentation and is best avoided during pregnancy. Licorice Extract, Glycolic Acid (at levels less than 10%), Linolenic Acid and Alpha-Linolenic Acid, natural Vitamin C (such as Kakadu Plum) should instead be used through pregnancy.

You can find one or more of these ingredients in day moisture, pro renewal cream, face exfoliant, active brightening serum, vitamin c serum, a.c.e serum, eye treat and hand cream.

Chemical sunscreens (Oxybenzone and Avobenzone) - Use a mineral-based sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide to prevent further pigmentation.

Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide - Willow Bark Extract is a botanical source of Bha and is both safe and effective. Both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial Willow Bark is rich in salicin which helps to slough off dead skin cells and clears pores to reveal a more radiant, clear complexion. Look for Willow Bark Extract in organicspa's active brightening serum, cream cleanser, and beauty balm fair/medium.

Dihydroxyacetone (spray tans) -  Avoid these during pregnancy.  Whilst not absorbed through the skin it may be inhaled which can cause issues for both mum and baby.

Formaldehyde (often used in nail polish)  - Alternatives: choose polishes that are "3 or 5 free".

Parabens - choose products that are paraben free

Phthalates – Phthalates are a group of man-made chemical compounds that are used in the manufacture of plastics, solvents, and skincare products (for example as a stabiliser to help the product’s aroma last longer). As known endocrine disruptors (they mess with your hormones), they should be avoided. Look out for these common compounds on your ingredients list:

• Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
• Di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP)
• Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)
• Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP)
• Diethyl phthalate (DEP)10
• They can also be hidden under the word ‘fragrance’.

Alternatives to these are: Vetiver, Frankincense, Clary Sage, Cedarwood and Myrrh Essential Oils

organicspa products that contain the above essential oils: vitamin c serum, gel mask, active brightening serum

Spa & salon treatments

Indulge in a nurturing & relaxing facial, one with plenty of manual massage to assist blood & lymphatic circulation and this will relax you also.

Choose treatments that are pregnancy safe; many businesses offer specialised pregnancy massage or pillows/beds to make you more comfortable as you grow.

Salon/spa/clinic treatments to avoid during pregnancy

Avoid strong peels and chemical treatments during pregnancy as your skin may be more sensitive during this time to these more active & stronger ingredients.

Salon machinery treatments, including microdermabrasion, skin needling & laser are best to be avoided whilst you are pregnant. Botulinum type A (Botox)and dermal fillers should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Enjoy this precious time as you carry your little one and indulge in skincare and salon treatments that nurture you and the longterm health of your baby. 

For more personalised advice & recommendations around salon/spa/clinic treatments and skin products to use at home contact your nearest skin therapist.

Finally, we know that for many the journey to motherhood is not easy or linear. If you are struggling with fertility I am sure you would welcome pregnancy induced hormonal acne with open arms! We wish you all the best in your pursuit. Take care.