The body undergoes several modifications throughout pregnancy. Your skin may alter as your unborn child develops inside the womb and as hormone levels shift. Your regular skincare regimen may need to be adjusted depending on how you handle skin care during pregnancy.  

Certain chemicals included in several skincare products pose a risk to expectant mothers. Ingredients in many over-the-counter and prescription skincare products can be harmful to unborn children. It could be necessary to temporarily switch up your skincare regimen and switch to pregnancy-safe products.

Our dermatologists address common pregnancy-related skin issues, skincare products to avoid, and pregnancy-friendly skin care suggestions in this article.

Common pregnancy-related skin changes

Don't panic if you start to see changes in your skin while you're pregnant. You have company that is excellent. Ninety percent of women go through some skin changes during pregnancy. However, why?

Your entire body starts to alter when you become pregnant. In order to support the growing baby and give you that radiant, pregnant glow, your blood volume increases by 30% to 50%. Your body's metabolism speeds up to sustain both the developing baby and yourself. Your hormones spike in order to maintain the health of your womb, aid in the growth of your unborn child, and balance other hormones.

These elements all have an impact on your skin. While some people's skin gets clearer, others could see changes including stretch marks, acne, dark patches, dryness, and increased oil production.

Common pregnancy skin changes include:

• Dark spots, hyperpigmentation or melasma – Because of the increased melanin during pregnancy, you may get black patches on your face, hands, or skin. Skin and hair take on a darker hue due to melanin. After having delivery, most melasma and spots will go away. Wear a helmet outside and use mineral sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to avoid melasma.
• Stretch marks – As your baby grows, your body is going through a dramatic shift. Stretch marks or reddish lines are often the result of your body changing more quickly than your skin can develop. Stretch marks on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen are frequent and eventually go away. Although stretch marks cannot be avoided, applying an excellent moisturizing moisturizer appropriate for pregnancy will help.
• Acne – Pregnancy acne can result from increased oil production during pregnancy. Regular acne treatments might be harmful to your kid, so be wary of medicines that contain the following substances.
• Linea nigra – During pregnancy, some women get a dark, vertical line that runs from their naval to their pubic area. Usually, this line gradually disappears after delivering delivery.

Beware of unsafe skincare ingredients

Pregnant women should avoid using products that include the following components. Examine your skincare products and set aside any that include these components for the time being.

• Retinoids – Retinoids are commonly used in anti-aging or acne products, however they can also result in serious birth abnormalities. Steer clear of any derivatives of vitamin A, including isotretinoin, retinol, Retin-A, and retinyl palmitate. Accutane is also known as isotretinoin. 
• Hydroquinone – This component is frequently used in creams for melasma, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation since it helps to brighten the skin. It is alarming that hydroquinone is absorbed at significant rates (35% to 45%) by expectant mothers and their offspring. Hydroquinone is not worth the risk, even though there are no connections between it and serious birth abnormalities. Avert hydroquinone if you are expecting.
• Formaldehyde – This component was formerly found in cosmetics. It is a recognized carcinogen that also leads to miscarriages and infertility. Formaldehyde is no longer allowed in products, although certain cosmetics still contain formaldehyde releasers, which release formaldehyde when they break down. Products containing any of the following compounds should always be avoided: quaternium-15, hydroxymethylglycinate, DMDM hydantoin, Bonopol, imidazolidinyl urea, and diazolidinyl urea.
• Phthalates – Phthalates should be avoided by all. Phthalates, which have an adverse effect on sex hormones and the thyroid, are present in a lot of cosmetic and personal items. Phthalates are linked to preterm birth, birth abnormalities, maternal glucose problems, and preeclampsia. Diethylphthalate (DEP) is a frequent phthalate to be cautious about.
• Salicylic acids – In chemical peels and other treatments, these substances are employed as an exfoliant. Among other things, salicylic acid helps ringworm, psoriasis, warts, dandruff, and acne. Low-dose salicylic acid should only be used in limited amounts by pregnant women.
• Chemical sunscreens – It is generally not safe to use chemical sunscreens when pregnant. Studies have connected hormone disruption to oxybenzone and other chemicals included in sunscreens. Select a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.

Pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients

There are skin care products that are safe to use while pregnant, which is fantastic news. The majority of over-the-counter acne treatments are safe, but make sure the ingredients listed above are on the label. Seek for products with tiny concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid or glycolic acid. 

Due to their extremely low absorption levels, glycolic and azelaic acids can aid in the treatment of breakouts, fine wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. 

A naturally occurring chemical in the body is hyaluronic acid. It keeps the skin supple and effectively holds onto water. Pregnancy-safe products containing this component will keep your skin hydrated and minimize wrinkles.

Create your pregnancy-safe skin care routine

Create a skincare regimen with these suggestions to keep your skin looking radiant during your pregnancy. 

• Use a mild cleanser to wash your face twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Cleaning twice a day gets rid of dead skin cells, makeup, and excess oil, which helps stop outbreaks. 
• Daily use of a moisturizer and mineral sunscreen with at least 30 SPF will assist to keep dryness and dirt off of your skin. Use of a mineral sunscreen helps shield against dark spots and melasma. 
• Apply hydrating moisturizers and drink plenty of water. Stretch marks can be avoided and skin kept supple with the use of an excellent moisturizing cream.