All You Need to Know About Pregnancy Skincare

There are many changes that come with being pregnant, like giving up wine and sushi or taking a break from high-impact workouts. Your body is making space for your little bundle of joy, and some of these changes are reflected on the outside as well.  When it comes to pregnancy, the famed “pregnancy glow” is always mentioned, but not everyone tells you about the other changes that take place in the biggest organ of the human body — your skin.

How Your Skin Changes During Pregnancy

Everyone hears and knows about stretch marks, but there’s more to pregnancy skincare than just butters and creams for your belly. The pregnancy hormones can cause your pores to secrete excess oil and cause your sweat glands to go into overdrive. Your heart also pumps more blood faster, leading to the lovely blush dubbed the “pregnancy glow”.

Pigmentation is also common — darkened nipples and areolas are often one of the first signs of pregnancy that people notice, but did you know that your freckles and moles may also darken?

You may also notice a melasma or “pregnancy mask”. These are dark blemishes that can appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. These melanin deposits usually resolve after delivery, so not to worry!

Common Pregnancy Skin Problems

Like the many changes that pregnancy brings, some of these changes can also cause several problems for your skin. The increased blood flow and stretched blood vessels (together with your suppressed immunity) can lead to surface inflammation.

Skin rash is also prevalent due to the impaired transport of bile to the liver, which remains circulating in the body for longer than it usually does. Increased sebum production can also cause some breakouts, and pregnancy acne is a common issue mothers-to-be face.

These changes to your skin will mean that you will have to make some changes to the way you take care of it! Milder soaps, such as those without fragrances or alcohol, will help you retain your skin’s natural nutrients and oils, which can combat the dryness you may feel.

Skincare Product Ingredients to Avoid

There are also some skincare ingredients that pregnant mamas should steer clear of during pregnancy. Retinoids, for example, should be avoided even after giving birth, because they can be absorbed and then excreted into breast milk, which can be harmful to your baby. A few other ingredients to stay away from include:

• Hydroquinone: A lightening agent that is readily absorbed and might impact your developing baby
• Parabens & phthalates: A type of preservative that can affect the reproductive system
• Chemical sunscreens: E.g. oxybenzone, which can interfere with your hormonal systems
• Beta hydroxy acids & high doses of salicylic acids: A skin-brightening and an exfoliating ingredient that may disrupt your skin barrier

Our Recommended Pregnancy Skincare Routine

Skincare is an integral part of one’s self-care, and taking that time to complete the skincare routine is an excellent way to take some time to pamper yourself. During pregnancy, some of your regular skincare products might need to be switched out for more pregnancy-safe alternatives, but Novela can help you with that. Here are some products that we would recommend for mothers-to-be!

Clarins Paris Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed

This gentle foaming cleanser with comforting cottonseed extract can remove makeup, excess oils and grime. It is alcohol-free, which helps you retain the moisture in your skin.

Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Toner

This effective toner gently cleanses and soothes your skin. It is fragrance and essential oil-free, and contains a blend of herbal extracts with anti-oxidising properties.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

This satiny oil-free serum helps reduce the appearance of dark spots during pregnancy, revealing a brighter, more even complexion — all thanks to its famed grapevine shoot extract!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel-Cream

A fast-absorbing hydrator, this moisturiser by Kiehl’s reduces the appearance of oil, leaving your skin looking and feeling more balanced. The lightweight formula will help you feel in control of the excess oil your skin is producing.

Visit any of our stores and take a look at our curated range of products, or simply browse our online store to shop for skincare from the comfort of home! If you’re unsure what are the best skincare products to use during pregnancy, feel free to reach out to us — we’re more than happy to help.

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