Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in the body including in blood flow and hormone production. This, in turn, will affect the skin. As such it is very important to take care of your skin while pregnant. In the same way that you will change your diet and your wardrobe to accommodate your growing baby, you will want to change your skincare routine as well. This way you can reduce your risk of pregnancy-related skin issues and also reduce your baby’s exposure to some potentially risky chemicals that can be found in regular skincare products.Â
Bear in mind that there really is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to pregnancy skincare. Different women will have different changes in their skin and while there are some that are common to a majority of pregnancies every woman will react differently to a change. It is important to note this so that you don’t get frustrated if a particular skincare item does not work for you in the way you hoped.
Benefits of Using Natural Skincare Products
Just as your nutrition during pregnancy is important, so too are natural products in your skincare routine. There are tons of ingredients in your regular everyday skincare routine items that can harm your baby. Some of these ingredients arent even visible on the labels since they are indirect ingredients or contaminants that are legally tolerated. Though they may be ok for the woman who is not pregnant, you don’t want your skin absorbing these if you are pregnant.Â
Scientists note that ingredients such as fragrance and phthalates along with 287 industrial chemicals and pollutants in umbilical cord blood. This study was done by the EWG – Environmental Working Group. The organization tested umbilical cord blood from 10 babies born in the United States. Of the 287 detected chemicals, 180 of them were cancer-causing, 208 of them are responsible for birth defects and 217 of them were toxic for the baby’s brain.Â
To help you choose the best products for you and baby we have rounded up 11 products below. Our list includes items for your entire body including, shampoo, body wash, face cleanser, and moisturizers, etc.Â
Belly butter is a common product for pregnant women. While this is designed for the expecting mom it can be used well outside of pregnancy. It is an all-natural hydrating moisturizer that can help to alleviate dry skin. It is not only good for the belly but can also be used all over the body. It can be used as a lip balm and even as a makeup remover. It is a great choice for persons with eczema and other eczema-like skin issues. It also helps with skin elasticity as the baby grows and as such will diminish the production of stretch marks if you start well ahead of these.
ProsÂ
- Organic, Vegan and Cruelty-freeÂ
- No parabens, fragrance or artificial dyesÂ
- Multipurpose moisturizer
- Made in the USA
ConsÂ
- Very thick so can be hard to spread
- Won’t heal existing stretch marks
This facial cleanser from Aleavia is a great natural option for oily skin. It will get rid of any surface oil along with makeup and get your skin clean without harsh chemicals. It will leave your skin feeling clean and nourished and won’t dry it out. Just remember it is for persons with oily skin.Â
Pros
- Organic
- 7 clean ingredients
- No toxins or Parabens
- GMO, Fragrance, and Dye freeÂ
- A little goes a long way
- A bottle will last throughout your entire pregnancy
- Extreme value for money
Cons
- Only for oily skin
This shampoo is plant-based and is ideal for all hair types. This won’t strip your hair of its natural oils. The shampoo has a coconut-based cleanser that is sulfate-free. It also contains Vitamins B5 and E. It also features squalene (derived from an olive oil base) that reduces friction and static on your hair. The shampoo is a great choice if you want a non medicated and gentle shampoo that gets the job done. It is vegan, gluten-free and hypoallergenic.
Pros
- Gentle
- All-naturalÂ
- VeganÂ
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Doesn’t lather well since it doesn’t have any chemical ingredients
- Fragrances from essential oils may be a problem for some pregnant women suffering from morning sickness
This blemish balm from Oseo is a great option is you are looking for a non-greasy moisturizer for your blemish-prone skin. This will reduce oil and shine as well as reduce the appearance of blemishes. It will hydrate your skin and eradicate any impurities that could clog your pores. It will leave your skin feel fresh and clean. The product has a nice smell and feels calming on your skin. It will make a significant difference with your hormonal acne outbreak and will provide a slight mattifying effect on your face. Feel free to use this on your chest, shoulders or back if you are having issues with acne in those places as well.Â
Pros
- All-naturalÂ
- Great for combination to oily skin
- Reduces acne breakouts
- Reduces the appearance of blemishes
- Suitable for use all over the bodyÂ
ConsÂ
- The scent may cause problems for some women experiencing morning sickness
Sunscreen is the utmost importance for a pregnant woman who must spend a measurable amount of time in the sun. This option from SkinCeuticals is a good choice. It is a tinted option so it can provide you with a little coverage if you want to have a little made-up look. Since its tinted, it won’t leave that ugly white cast and being matte it will keep your face oil at bay and thereby reduce breakouts. It will last up to 2 hours of wear and will not be interrupted by sweat.
Pros
- Tinted and MattifyingÂ
- Natural skin protectantÂ
- Lightweight
- No white castÂ
- Helps to keep oil at bayÂ
Cons
- May work during one trimester but not work in another due to changes in skins needs
This moisturizing mist is a great option as it is rich in bioflavonoids that help to balance skin. These ensure that the skin has a healthy environment and as such will flourish and remain healthy. It is a lightweight moisturizer that can be used for both morning and night use. It is great for oily blemish-prone skin and will keep your skin hydrated while keeping oil at bay. It can be applied by misting directly onto face or can be misted into hands or a cotton pad then transferred to face.Â
Pros
- Rich in skin-nourishing bioflavonoids
- Great for oily skinÂ
- Helps to reduce and prevent blemishes
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- The smell may be a problem for some
- The application can be messy
This recovery serum is a great option for pregnant women who want to improve the texture and tone of their skin. It includes all-natural ingredients including hibiscus extract, spinach and yellow squash to provide its anti-aging benefits. It is a great treatment for irritated skin. This product from EMinnence Organics is free of all nuts so you don’t have to worry about allergies. Other ingredients in this product include clary safe, chamomile, seabuckthorn, and cornflower.
ProsÂ
- Balances the look of skin
- Calms oil productionÂ
- SoothingÂ
- Rich in antioxidantsÂ
- A great option for skin recovery
- Goes on easily
Cons
- Subtle scent but still may be a problem for pregnant women sensitive to scents
This body oil from Kneipp is a good skin softener if you want something that moisturizes with a non-greasy residue. This lavender-scented option is one of many from the manufacturers. It provides moisture while not having that slick feel behind. It will leave your skin feeling soft but not oily.Â
Pros
- AffordableÂ
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Scent can be a problem for some
This body washes from ArtNaturals is a great option. Made with eucalyptus oil, peppermint, and tea tree. These ingredients make it a great antibacterial and antifungal body wash without. It is a great option for the entire family so other members can enjoy its use as well. It includes jojoba and aloe vera so it will provide a deodorizing effect as well as a soothing effect.Â
Pros
- AntibacterialÂ
- Antifungal
- Great for the entire family
- Great deodorizer
- Gentle cleanser
Cons
- Doesn’t lather well due to its all-natural makeup
If you are looking for an antiaging serum to use during pregnancy, do check this option from Drunk Elephant. It is a great option to reduce and protect the skin from aging effects. Applied to the skin below your sunscreen it will boost the power of your sunscreen and protect the skin from aging due to the effects of the sun. It is a great collagen booster and helps to preserve the skin’s density. It can further help to reduce spots and improve the skin’s complexion greatly. With this serum, you will attain a healthy glow to your skin.Â
ProsÂ
- SoothingÂ
- Sun protectingÂ
- Improves complexion
- Reduces signs of aging
ConsÂ
- Will only see anti-aging benefit with long term use
This is a trusted option for those who want a moisturizer that is lightweight and won’t leave a sticky feel. It is great for the prevention and reduction of the appearance of stretch marks. It has ingredients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin E and PurCellin oil. It is light and free of scent so it is great for pregnant women. These ingredients give it, its power to renew skin and renew collagen to protect the skin from premature aging.Â
Pros
- AffordableÂ
- Proven to work
- Great reviews
- Very nourishingÂ
Cons
- None to note. Â
Conclusion
Your skin needs proper care during your pregnancy. You want to get the most benefit from your skincare regimen and you want to ensure that you are not putting your baby at risk. The above list of products includes a number of different natural skin care products that are safe to use during pregnancy. We have provided a comprehensive list that includes items from various body care categories.Â
If you are looking for an all-round cleanser you can check out the ArtNaturals Body Wash. The ArtNaturals Essential body wash is a great option for the entire family and for the entire body. It can be safely used as a body wash, face wash, and shampoo. This can be used throughout the entire pregnancy and can be used by the entire family.Â
If you are looking for an affordable moisturizer that will help to keep stretch marks at bay, check out the BioOil. This long time favorite is affordable and provides moisture without a sticky feel. It also doesn’t have a very noticeable scent which makes it great for women who have problems with scents triggering morning sickness. This moisturizer is suitable for use throughout the entire pregnancy and is safe for use for your other family members as well.Â
Start looking through your current skincare products to see what you need to replace in your routine for a healthy baby and for the health and beauty of your skin. Pinpoint skin issues that you notice and choose a product from the list above to help get your skin back into its best condition. Which of the above items do you already use for your pregnancy skincare routine? Which ones have caught your eye?
Cris
