The so-called “pregnancy glow” is, beyond doubt, not bestowed upon everyone. Pregnancy skin changes can be anything from excessive dryness and melasma (brown, patchy discolouration, normally on the cheeks and forehead) to continuous hormonal acne. The bottom line is, the way pregnancy hormones affect your skin will be different for almost everyone — unless you’re among the blessed souls to have that radiant “pregnancy glow”.
There are so many adjustments you must make in your life in order to be healthier and stronger for your growing baby, and your skincare routine will be one of those adjustments. At the end of the day, your baby is in actual fact like a little sponge for anything you put on and inside your body, which is why it’s so important to know which skincare products or treatment procedures are and aren’t safe while you’re pregnant.
What to Avoid During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, you must avoid retinoids or vitamin A derivatives (Retin-A), as well as products containing salicylic acid (also known as beta-hydroxy acid), glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. These can all cause potential harm to your developing baby.
It is also best to avoid invasive treatments such as laser treatments, chemical peels, and injectables (botulinum toxin or fillers).
What Is Safe
Getting a normal deep cleansing facial or microdermabrasion treatment is completely safe during pregnancy, as long as the ingredients being used during the above treatments are safe.
Remember that it’s temporary, and there are a lot of treatment options available to get your skin back on track after your pregnancy. For now, it is of the essence to understand and cherish every moment of life as there is a little life growing inside you.
“Blog articles are written by staff members of CDC as a reflection of their own professional experience in the aesthetic world.”