Congrats! You’re a mama-in-waiting! This is an exciting time, but it’s also one that can be full of concerns and worries… You want to do your best for your little one, and you need to look after yourself too.

This means creating a safe, organic maternity skincare routine that ensures the well-being of you both.

Some skincare products may contain potentially harmful or irritating ingredients for you or your baby, so you need to make sure that your maternity skincare products are effective and cause no harm.

Need a little help? We’re here to help you give your skin the TLC it needs while keeping your baba safe from harm. 

Consult With Your Healthcare Provider

Stretchmarks and uneven skin tone are all part of your pregnancy journey. So, it's an excellent idea to be proactive and start using moisturizers and oils on your skin as soon as you find out you're pregnant.

However, before trying something new, it's a good idea to consult your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized guidance based on your needs and pre-existing conditions.

You may need to stop using certain creams, serums, or ointments that are not recommended for expectant moms as you might experience an allergic reaction to certain ingredients present in some skincare products.

Read Product Labels

When searching for skincare products during pregnancy, choose those clearly marked as pregnancy-safe. Some products may lack proper testing and only mention safety in small print. So it’s always best to check the label to confirm they're tested and approved for safe use.

 

Choose Organic and Natural Products

Look for and choose pregnancy skincare products labeled as organic, natural, vegan, or free from harmful chemicals. When reading the label, ensure most or all ingredients are natural and not toxic. It’s always best to choose skincare products that are marked as organic, natural, vegan, or free of harmful chemicals, and make your selection from those options.

Avoid Potentially Harmful Ingredients

Certain skincare ingredients are best avoided during pregnancy because they can cause harm to your unborn child.

Most of the time, it’s safer to opt for products with plant-based and pregnancy-safe ingredients, which means checking that product label again.

Here's a list of potentially harmful ingredients to avoid in your pregnancy skincare routine:

• Synthetic fragrances
• Salicylic acid (in high concentrations)
• Rosemary essential oil
• Phthalates
• Hydroquinone
• Formaldehyde

Keep It Simple

It's sometimes better to adopt a less is more mentality with certain aspects of pregnancy. Starting with skincare!

Stick to a minimalistic skincare routine with fewer products to reduce the risk of irritation or adverse reactions. Focus on the basics like cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and sun protection, and leave fancy treatments for a postpartum pamper.

Patch Test New Products

It’s always a good idea to do a patch test when you want to try a new skin product, even if the product is pregnancy-safe.

You should perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions or sensitivities. Then, wait 24-48 hours to see if any redness, itching, or irritation occurs before using it on your entire face or body.

Additionally, it's wise to only check and introduce one new skincare product at a time. If you try a few new ingredients at once, it might be challenging to determine which one causes irritation, if any.

Choose Gentle Cleansers

Your skin might become more sensitive during pregnancy, so it's best to opt for gentle products that cleanse but won't strip away the skin's natural oils or disrupt its pH balance. Look for natural, organic, or vegan products that are fragrance-free and contain soothing ingredients like oatmeal, chamomile, or aloe vera.

Hydrate With a Pregnancy-Safe Moisturizer

Use a moisturizer free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and artificial colors. Moisturizers specifically formulated for pregnancy usually contain natural and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, or almond oil. These oils help to nourish, soothe, and hydrate the skin and reduce dryness and itchiness.

Be sure to choose a moisturizer for your face and the rest of your body. And for stretch mark removal and prevention, start using moisturizing products like Tummy Butter  for stretch marks or belly oil as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Doing so will help keep your skin supple, hydrated, and soothed.

Protect Your Skin from The Sun

Sun protection is important, and even more so during pregnancy . With all the changes happening in your body, your skin becomes sensitive and more prone to blotching or marking. It's recommended to use a pregnancy-safe sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (SPF 30 or higher) to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

Look for mineral-based sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. And remember to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days or when you're indoors, as UV rays can penetrate through windows.

Avoid Strong Exfoliants

When you’re expecting, it's a good idea to steer clear of harsh exfoliating products or treatments, as they can be too harsh and abrasive for sensitive skin. Instead, choose gentle exfoliation methods like a soft washcloth or a mild enzyme-based exfoliant on your face. For your body and belly, consider using Stretch Mark Scrub with sugar and gentle oils or a dry brush.

Be Cautious with Essential Oils

While some essential oils are regarded as safe for use during pregnancy, others may be harmful . Always research and consult with your healthcare provider before using essential oils on your skin. And, when trying a new essential oil that is deemed safe to use during pregnancy, start off small—like using a drop at a time. Also, remember that essential oils used in aromatherapy, whether safe to use on the skin or not, should never be ingested.

Drink Enough Water

This is a must! Drinking adequate water is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, especially during pregnancy. Make sure that optimal hydration is a priority, as this will help keep your skin feeling supple and less prone to dryness and breakouts.

Practice Self-Care

Good self-care is essential to maintaining healthy skin and sticking to a skincare routine . Pregnancy can be stressful, so make sure to include self-care practices in your skincare routine. Additionally, take time to relax, get enough sleep, and manage your stress levels. For example, try activities like gentle prenatal yoga or meditation to improve your overall well-being.

Self-care also includes eating a balanced diet. A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to healthy skin during pregnancy.

 

Love Your Skin, Mama

Everyone's skin is different, and every pregnancy is unique. Therefore, many mamas-to-be find it necessary to create a simpler, safer skincare routine during maternity. What works for one person may not work for another, so listen to your body and adjust your routine as needed. Your skin will appreciate it!