Guide to Pregnancy Skincare | Skincare Tips for Pregnant Women

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You know how you cut out alcohol and caffeine when pregnant? You also have to eliminate several ingredients from your beauty routine as well. You want to be aware of the ingredients found in the products you use on your skin. When you are pregnant, it is even more important.

Black skin has its own unique set of challenges which may make skincare a bit more demanding for women of color. Of course, pregnancy has a different effect from one woman to the next. Many women will see increased oiliness, acne, skin tags, and discoloration all due to the hormones.

Now that you are pregnant you will need to start reading labels and laser and botox treatments will be out of the question altogether. There are a lot of ingredients used in skincare products that can affect a fetus’ health. You want to be on the lookout for ingredients such as DHA, formaldehyde, aluminum chloride hexahydrate, dyes, parabens sodium Laureth sulfate, petroleum, and artificial fragrances.

Common pregnancy-related Skincare Issues in Black Women and How to Solve Them

Acne

During pregnancy, the hormones will cause an increase in oil production which can lead to acne. You will find your skin overtaken by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and spots on your face and also your body.

Talk to your doctor about what kinds of products can help with your acne that is safe for use during pregnancy.

Itchy, Dry Skin

If you find yourself dry and itchy, you want to start limiting your shower or bath times. Choose to only stay in the water for up to five minutes at each setting. You can also opt to use gentle cleansers such as Cetaphil, Dove or Aveeno. Then after your shower use thick moisturizers such as Shea butter, cocoa butter or Aquaphor.

Profuse Sweating

If you find yourself sweating more often than before pregnancy you can use a deodorant soap to shower. Also, try to wear clothing that is made with breathable materials such as cotton. Once your breasts start growing, you may find that you will sweat beneath them. Opt for cotton bras and change them every day.

Is it safe to use Skincare while Pregnant?

Several skin-care products are safe to use during pregnancy. You want to avoid some products though. If you are already pregnant or are considering getting pregnant you may need to stop using some of the products in your skincare routine that may not be safe for your baby.

What Skincare Products should be Avoided During Pregnancy?

Systemic retinoids
Retinol derivatives
Whitening creams
Salicylic acid
Glycolic acid
Essential oils
Camphor and mint

How Can I Maintain my skin During Pregnancy?

When you are pregnant you will take care of your skin as is usual. The only difference will be in the products that you use. So your skincare routine should be;

Cleanse your skin
Apply sunscreen
Avoid toxic ingredients such as phthalates, parabens, toluene, formaldehyde, chemical sunscreens, aluminum chloride, and dihydroxyacetone.
Avoid OTC acne medication except those with only natural ingredients
Apply a body oil
Exercise
Increase your intake of water
Reduce the amount of makeup you use
Reduce exfoliation
Relax

How can I get glowing skin during pregnancy?

Some women get lucky in pregnancy and the increase in oil production gives them a very attractive glow. For others, this increase in oil causes acne, especially in theri first trimester. If you had previous problems with acne before pregnancy you may find that your acne will flair up and even more so while you are pregnant. If you are the latter, you don’t have to endure acne for the entire pregnancy. You can get glowing skin by following the tips below.

Wash your face twice daily to keep oil away as much as possible.
Get your beauty sleep.
Exercise is vital in acne prevention. With a daily workout, you can increase blood flow and circulation. This can help to give your skin a healthy glow.
Hydrate, this is a major step in getting glowing skin whether pregnant or not.

Which moisturizer is best during pregnancy?

Moisturizers that are safe for use during pregnancy are those with natural ingredients. Look for ceramides and avocado peptides just to name a few. You also want to look out for hypoallergenic moisturizers.

Is it safe to use hyaluronic acid during pregnancy?

Yes! This anti-aging moisturizer is safe to use during pregnancy. It is a powerhouse that is naturally found in the body. It is quite versatile and safe for use with all skin types including for those persons who are acne-prone or who have sensitive skin.

What anti-aging products are safe during pregnancy?

As mentioned in the previous section. Hyaluronic acid is a safe anti-aging moisturizer for use during pregnancy. Other ingredients that are considered to help with the signs of aging and are safe during pregnancy include;

Vitamin C
Peptides
Niacinamide
Antioxidants

Steer clear of products with retinoids including over the counter retinol products. If you already use an anti aging serum with this ingredient you should find a new one to switch out until after pregnancy.

When Should I start using Stretch Mark Cream During Pregnancy?

Nine out of ten pregnancies will result in stretch marks. Stretch marks tend to appear in the 6th and 7th months. These streaks are pinkish to grayish depending on your skin tone and tend to appear on the stomach, the breasts, and the hips. As your skin stretches during pregnancy growth the elastin fibers get taut and snap. To prevent and reduce the sight of stretch marks you want to start using a stretch mark oil or cream at the beginning of the second semester. You should continue applying this cream until you are back to your desired weight.

Taking Care of Skin through Nutrition

Your diet is very important to the health of your skin. When you are pregnant you should eat a balanced diet, not just because you have a growing baby but also for yourself as well. Your diet can help reduce some of your pregnancy skin problems. There are even specific foods you can eat for specific problems.

For Melasma, you can consume more zinc and folate. You can get these from nuts and beans.
For stretch marks, eat foods that are high in proteins to strengthen your skin’s elastin fibers. This will also help the baby’s brain development.
For rashes and acne, consume more omega 3’s. You can get this from grass-fed beef, fish, chia seeds and walnuts.
For dry skin, try including probiotics in your diet.

Conclusion

Yes, all those changes in your skin during pregnancy require you to change the way you take care of your skin. This will mean changing some of the products that are currently a part of your skincare regime. Making changes in your diet will also be beneficial for you to keep your skin in tip-top shape and fight the bad effects of all those pregnancy hormones. When it comes to black skin, you will have even more unique challenges. But with the tips and advice above you are now equipped to properly take care of your skin and have it at its best for the entire pregnancy and beyond.